Description
This Strawberries-and-Cream Breakfast Casserole is a rich and comforting brunch dish made with buttery croissants, creamy cheesecake-style filling, sweet strawberries, and a custardy baked center. Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or make-ahead breakfasts, it delivers a soft, creamy texture with a golden crisp top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for garnish
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened and divided
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, divided
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract, divided
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, divided
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cooking spray
- 14 miniature croissants
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, one package of softened cream cheese, lemon zest, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Finely chop 1 1/2 cups of strawberries and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, remaining cream cheese, and 1 egg until smooth.
- Add the half-and-half, salt, remaining eggs, remaining vanilla extract, and remaining lemon juice. Whisk until fully combined.
- Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Slice 12 croissants in half horizontally and arrange the bottom halves in the baking dish cut-side up.
- Spoon the strawberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the croissant bottoms.
- Place the croissant tops back over the filling.
- Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the croissants.
- Tear the remaining croissants into bite-sized pieces and tuck them into empty spaces around the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Bake the casserole covered for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for about 20 minutes until golden brown and fully set.
- Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Top with sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the casserole the night before for easy morning baking.
- Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can also work if drained well.
- Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be added for a mixed berry variation.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk for a lighter version.
- Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven.
- This casserole is best served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 145mg