Chocolate Croissant Overnight Breakfast Casserole

I suspect we don’t give grocery store croissants enough credit. Sure, they’re more soft than shattery, definitely more pillowy than crisp, but that just makes them perfectly toastable and downright re-workable, right? A fancy bakery croissant demands to be eaten fresh, preferably with a strong coffee and an air of sophistication. But the humble grocery store croissant? It’s here for the long haul. It’s ready to be split, buttered, griddled, or—in the case of this Chocolate Croissant Overnight Breakfast Casserole—soaked in custard and sprinkled with chocolate!

This is the kind of breakfast that embraces slow and simple. A little prep the night before, a lazy bake in the morning, and suddenly, you’re the person serving warm, chocolate-laced croissant casserole with your second cup of coffee.  A late morning hero, some might say. And really, what more could we ask of this very cold February?

Now, here’s how to make this very alluring breakfast bake.  It really is more than just the sum of its parts. This is very much a follow-your-heart recipe. Details to follow.

Lightly butter a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or whatever pan you have handy) and set it aside. Take those grocery store croissants—split them in half and tuck them into the pan in a way that feels right to you. No need for perfection here. Scatter most of the mini chocolate chips between the layers, saving a small handful for a last-minute sprinkle before baking. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cream until smooth, then add in the maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. (The cinnamon will clump. That’s just life.) Pour the custard over the croissants, pressing everything down gently so it soaks up all the goodness. Cover and refrigerate overnight—this is where the magic happens. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F, top with the remaining chocolate chips, and bake until golden and crisp, about 45-50 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving warm with soft whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup. Then, sit back and enjoy your slow and simple morning, croissant casserole in hand.