Strawberry & Cream Croissant French Toast For Your Weekend Brunch

Tieghan Gerard Of Half Baked Harvest
May 20, 2021
easy french toast recipeeasy french toast recipe

Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard recently joined Brit on a Teach Me Something New podcast episode all about her best cooking tips. Now, she's sharing her favorite recipes with us, all originally published on Half Baked Harvest. Take it away Tieghan!

It's pretty hard to beat this Baked Strawberry and Cream Stuffed Croissant French Toast. Not only is this french toast easy…it's better than any other french toast you've ever had. Yep, bold but true! Soft, buttery, flaky croissants, stuffed with strawberries and extra creamy, cream cheese. Then baked in an eggy french toast "batter." It's the perfect (make-ahead) brunch entrée for both spring and summer. And it's super pretty when topped with a dollop of whipped cream, berries, and a nice drizzle of maple. No one will pass up this french toast!

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

I opened up Pinterest to see a photo of french toast dressed in powdered sugar and berries. Suddenly, I felt like making french toast. But instead of just regular ole' french toast, I'd make it extra special for Mother's Day. I decided I'd bake it, because let's be real, standing at the stove flipping french toast all morning is not what I want to be doing. I think we can all pretty much agree on that.

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

And that's when this fun idea was born.

Using croissants for french toast is nothing new to me, I've done it before. But this time, I wanted to try something different. I want to leave the croissants in their same shape and form, but instead, stuff them with berries and cream, and then bake them on a baking sheet to allow them to caramelize a bit in the oven.

At first, I wasn't sure how everything was going to play out. But honestly, I might never make french toast any other way again. This is so easy, but looks crazy impressive, and most importantly, it's delicious.

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

Here are the details

For the french toast batter, it's simple…eggs, milk, and vanilla. My secret here is a splash of St. Germain, which is elderflower liquor. It's a very subtle floral flavor that I find pairs perfectly with strawberries. If you have it on hand, it's a must. If not, just use vanilla and maybe add a pinch of cinnamon.

You'll want to find yourself some croissants, it's best if they're nice and flaky, but on the smaller side. If possible, let them sit out for a day. But honestly, I usually just buy them fresh and then make the french toast! Anyway, take the croissants and make a small slit in each to create a pocket for the berries and cream.

Next, swirl the cream cheese with your favorite strawberry jam, then stuff the mix into each croissant. Sounds fancy, but I promise, it's easy.

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

From here, butter up a baking sheet. Now dip each stuffed croissant into the egg batter, and arrange on the baking sheet. Here's the added bonus to this recipe. Once the french toast has been dipped, you can cover the pan and keep it in the fridge overnight, then in the morning – bake!

Very convenient for early mornings!

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

Here is the secret…

It's simple, first, mix butter with brown sugar and maple. The secret is to spoon that brown sugar and maple butter sauce over top of the french toast about three-quarters of the way through baking.

As the french toast finishes baking the sugar and butter caramelize overtop of the croissants creating a caramelized outer layer with the softest, eggy, creamy insides.

It is DELICIOUS you guys.

I will note, you may need to spoon some of the maple butter sauce off of the sheet pan and over the french toast, as it will slide off a bit. But other than that nothing is tricky!

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

I (of course) serve the french toast warm with a dollop of whipped cream and maple.

And the berries, I love to toss them with a little more of that St. Germain and a splash of vanilla too. Simple, pretty, and oh SO GOOD.

Photo via Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest

Baked Strawberry and Cream Stuffed Croissant French Toast

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 373kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons St. Germain (elderflower liquor) (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6-8 small-day-old croissants
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup high quality strawberry jam
  • 3 tablespoons melted salted butter, plus more for the pan
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced horizontally
  • whipped cream and maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Grease a baking sheet with butter.

2. In a large shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons St. Germain, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and the salt.

3. Grab the croissants and make a 1 inch slit at the top of each, move your knife to create space in the croissant, being careful not to poke through the other sides (see above photos).

4. In a bowl, gently stir together the cream cheese and strawberry jam, leaving streaks of red and white. Spoon the mix into a ziplock bag and snip the corner off the bag. Squeeze approximately 2 tablespoons of the strawberry cream into each croissant where you created your hole. Don't stress about making it perfect. Dip each croissant into the egg mixture, allow it to sit 1 minute per side. Arrange half the croissants on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Brush each croissant with a little leftover egg batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the croissant is golden.

6. Melt together the butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Spoon the butter evenly over each croissant. Bake another 10 minutes, until the croissants are caramelized on top and crisp.

7. Toss the berries with 1 tablespoon St. Germain, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon maple. Serve the french toast warm, topped with whipped cream, berries, and maple. Enjoy!

Notes

To Make Ahead:Complete the recipe through step 5. Cover and place in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, remove the french toast from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats. Bake and finish the recipe as directed through step 5.

Thanks Tieghan!

This recipe was originally published on Half Baked Harvest.

Check out our Teach Me Something New podcast episode with Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan Gerard for more food inspo.

Share your sweet creations with us @BritandCo and tag @HalfBakedHarvest!



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Scroll on to discover 12 amazing anti-inflammatory breakfast ideas that’ll make you excited to wake up and chow down!

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HBO's "Unforgettable" New Drama Show Is For 'Eat Pray Love' Fans

Michaela Coel has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the industry, especially after her series I May Destroy You won the 2021 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie and five BAFTAS. And, might I add, it quite literally destroyed us – emotionally, physically, and mentally. Coel is now officially back after a four year writing hiatus – and two stints in Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – with a new series First Day on Earth.

Keep reading for the latest on HBO, A24, & BBC's First Day on Earth, written by and starring Michaela Coel.

What is First Day on Earth about?

Laura Radford/HBO

I’m glad you asked! First Day on Earth, written, starring, and executive produced by Coel, will follow a British novelist, Henri (Michaela Coel) who's overall feeling stuck in life (same, girl). Struggling with feeling stagnant in her career, life, and relationships, Henri doesn’t pass up the opportunity to relocate to Ghana to work on a film.

She takes this opportunity as a chance to reconnect with her estranged father who lives there, and reconnect with her heritage. It sounds like an Eat, Pray, Love moment, but I fear it’s not for poor Henri, because as soon as she arrives, she realizes things aren't as they appear — or what she expected.

Coel told Variety “First Day on Earth is another very personal story for me which I hope will engage viewers from all over the world, and I can’t wait for audiences to go on Henri’s journey with her.”

Executive producers Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni describes the series as "shocking, funny, and unforgettable," while BBC Drama director Lindsay Salt calls it "truly original, heartfelt, hilarious, [and] poetic." Say less!

​Who's in the First Day on Earth cast?

Michaela Coel is confirmed to star as the series’ lead, though no other cast has been released. But, drum roll please, (where are my Succession fans at?!) Jesse Armstrong will also work as an executive producer on the show, which is being made by BBC, HBO, and A24. I’m in love with this series already! Check back here for a full First Day on Earth cast announcement.

I’m hooked – when does First Day on Earth come out?!

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As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait (sadly). First Day on Earth has yet to release a premiere date, and it may not be for a while, given the latest announcement was that it will begin filming this year. Hopefully we'll see the show in 2026, but stay tuned for an official First Day on Earth release date announcement.

Is First Day on Earth on Max?

First Day on Earth will be a ten-part series that will air on BBC One, and thanks to the connection to HBO, I'm expecting us to be able to stream it on Max as well. According to the BBC, Michaela rejected $1 million from Netflix for the series because the BBC offered her more creative control.

Check out The 9 Best TV Shows To Watch On Max This Month for more.

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Choose from 41 delightful Easter recipes that work as appetizers and savor an Easter Sunday with a feast for family and friends.

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This post has been updated.

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3 Netflix TV Shows To Watch While You Wait For 'Ransom Canyon'

Buckle up, Yellowstone fans: a new romantic Western series, Ransom Canyon, is coming to town (or rather, Netflix).

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An official teaser trailer gave viewers a glimpse into the storyline, flashing the words "love," "land," and "legacy" on the screen. Are there any more fitting themes for Yellowstone lovers?

Ransom Canyon, which will be led by stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, is set to premiere on April 17. As you saddle up for the release of this brand-new series, here are three Netflix TV shows you can watch in the meantime.

Here are the shows you need to watch ASAP while you're waiting on Ransom Canyon!

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1. American Primeval

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Survival is the only law, and violence reigns supreme. In American Primeval, cultures, faiths, and communities collide, chronicling the battle for control between Natives, pioneers, Mormon soldiers, and the United States government.

Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin star in the series, alongside cast members Kim Coates, Jai Courtney, Kyle Bradley Davis, Dane DeHaan, Preston Mota, Nick Hargrove, Derek Hinkey, Saura Lightfoot, Shawnee Pourier, Joe Tippett, and Shea Whigham.

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2. Godless

Scott Frank wrote and directed Godless, which ventures into the harsh and unforgiving landscape of New Mexico during the 1800s. Like Primeval, this is also a miniseries with seven episodes.

Godless centers around Roy Goode, played by Jack O'Connell, an outlaw on the run from his former mentor. When Jack stumbles upon La Belle, New Mexico, a town that's mostly populated by women following a mining disaster, the plot thickens in unexpected ways.

This series came out in 2017 and features powerful performances by, of course, Jack O'Connell, as well as Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, Merritt Wever, and more.

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3. Dark Winds

It's rare for a series to earn a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but Dark Winds has managed to do just that. Luckily for you, the first two seasons are available for streaming on Netflix, and the third season recently premiered on March 9.

Dark Winds, based on Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn and Chee book series, is set in the rugged Four Corners region of the American Southwest during the 1970s. The series follows Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the murders of two Native individuals.

Both Season 1 and Season 2 have six episodes, which are one hour each. The cast is also filled with standout actors, including Zahn McClarnon, Jessica Matten, Kiowa Gordon, Rainn Wilson, and Noah Emmerich.

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8 Ways I’m Changing My Grocery Budget Just in Time for Tax Season

There have been many years when I really had to scrimp to pay my taxes, but I’ve found that casseroles, frozen veggies, and meatless meals are a great way to help make ends meet. Admittedly, you should be frugal about your grocery expenditures at any point during the year. But during tax season, it can be especially crucial to pinch pennies (at least until you get that tax refund, that is!).

Not long ago, I was that person who went to the grocery story list-free and haphazardly selected items for my cart as I passed by. Then I realized that as tax season was approaching I should consider a more frugal approach to feeding myself. Intrigued by the idea, but skeptical about my ability to execute on it, I dove in and decided to pare down my grocery bill. Originally, I was worried that scrimping on price would mean lowering my standards for quality, but it turns out that with a little careful planning, you can make some really delicious meals on a dime. Scroll on to see what I discovered.

Photo by Katya Wolf

Use a Grocery List

The number one tenet of saving on your grocery bill is to make a list and stick to it. This goes hand in hand with meal planning and makes everything from budgeting to cooking a more streamlined process. Although it seems like a lot of upfront effort, think about it like this: Even if it took you one hour a week to plan — which, according to Investopedia, could help you save about $640 or more a year on food waste and other costs — that would save you about $12 an hour. For those who make $12-$15 an hour, the savings are like taking a paid week off of work!

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Buy In Bulk On Sale Items

So many things freeze beautifully. When items that you use regularly are on sale, from bread to butter to meat, snap them up in bulk. Although the savings seems minimal, when you add it up over a year’s worth of purchases, the amount of money you keep in your pocket will be significant. Plus, if you buy in bulk, you’re always guaranteed to have your favorite ingredients on hand.

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Stockpile In The Freezer Section

If you’re doing things right and stockpiling, then you’re going to make good use of your freezer. Although we want to eat our favorite fruits and vegetables year-round, buying things in season is significantly cheaper, which means that when these items are affordable and available you’re going to want to stock up. Even if you’re buying pre-frozen fruits and vegetables, you’re saving money, and the research shows that you’re not losing any nutrients by doing so.

Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

Shop In Season

While you can most likely find your favorite items at your grocery store year-round, prices (and not to mention taste) will fluctuate greatly based on the season. In particular, if you’re buying tomatoes, berries, grapes, peaches, or asparagus out of season, you could really be hurting your grocery budget. Instead, opt for their frozen counterparts or wait until they are *naturally* back in the store.

Photo by Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

Enjoy More Casseroles

Casseroles do not belong in the 1950s. In fact, they are every bit as valuable today as they were 70 years ago. Why? Because they’re a healthy and delicious way to stretch out pricier ingredients and feed more mouths. You could feed each person one chicken breast or you could use two in an entire casserole which will feed you both for dinner and leave you with leftovers for lunch the next day. If you’re not sure where to begin, find tons of Brit + Co casserole recipe inspiration.

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Use Herbs and Spices

Scenting your meals with a handful of herbs and spices is a good way to add a lot of flavor with little extra cost. Bonus points if you grow your own herbs. Also, you should definitely be buying spices in the international section of the store. I recently noticed that an ounce of cloves costs $3.79 in the spice aisle but 99 cents in the international section.

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Go Meatless Most Days

Meatless Mondays are all fine and dandy, but if you really want to save a few extra dollars, you need to make more than one day of the week meat-free. Not to mention, it’s better for your overall health to eat less meat. Studies show that people who eat less meat have a lower risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. So you’ll be doing something good for your wallet, and your well-being to boot.

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Get Cash Back On Groceries

Credit cards, like Credit One Visa and American Express offer cash back on groceries — a simple win for saving cash when grocery bills are higher than ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more money-saving tips!

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