Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
• 6-8 large croissants
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1 cup sugar + 1/4 cup for sprinkling
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a large 9x13 inch deep casserole dish.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a large stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together over medium speed until light and creamy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Slowly add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Then add vanilla, heavy cream, and salt. Mix until combined.
4. Prepare croissants: Tear 6-8 croissants, alternating between tearing in half and in thirds.
5. Assemble casserole: Place torn croissants in the buttered casserole dish. Top with fresh blueberries (blackberries would also be wonderful). Pour custard mixture over the top. The custard mixture may appear clumpy, that's okay!
6. Sprinkle with sugar: Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup sugar.
7. Bake: Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
8. Serve: Serve as is or with whipped cream, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add chopped walnuts or almonds, ground cinnamon, or ground nutmeg to the custard mixture.
• For a sweeter taste: Increase the amount of sugar.
• For a richer texture: Use a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half.

Enjoy your delicious Blueberry Baked Croissants!