Lemon Pistachio Croissant Bread Pudding

This croissant bread pudding is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a tender, fluffy interior and a crunchy, caramelized crust. The lemon zest and pistachios add a bright, citrusy flavor and a nutty crunch that complement the rich, buttery croissants perfectly. This dish is easy to make and can be served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

The inspiration for this recipe came to me one day when I was browsing through a cookbook and came across a recipe for croissant bread pudding. I had never tried bread pudding before, but the idea of using croissants instead of bread intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did! The bread pudding was delicious, and the croissants gave it a unique and wonderful flavor. I've been making this recipe ever since, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 40 | Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 12 croissants, torn into pieces
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, lemon zest, and pistachios.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until well blended.
5. Stir in the croissant pieces.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why It Works

• The croissants provide a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, fluffy texture.
• The lemon zest and pistachios add a bright, citrusy flavor and a nutty crunch.
• The milk and cream make the bread pudding moist and creamy.
• The eggs bind the ingredients together and give the bread pudding a custard-like texture.
• The sugar caramelizes on the top of the bread pudding, creating a crunchy, golden brown crust.