Description

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Buttery Croissant Strata, a delightful breakfast dish that transforms day-old croissants into a rich and flavorful bake. This savory strata, layered with Gruyère cheese and a velvety custard of eggs and cream, makes for an impressive centerpiece at any brunch gathering. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

6 day-old croissants (torn into chunks)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup cooked turkey bacon (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Nutmeg to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Layer torn croissant pieces evenly in the baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture over the croissants, pressing them down gently to soak.
Sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top and add turkey bacon if desired.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: Use day-old croissants for optimal texture; fresh ones may become soggy. Customize by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.