Turn store-bought croissants into so much more with these effortless recipes for a crowd.
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Amid all of the activity on Christmas morning — hosting family, prepping dinner, sharing gifts, tidying up and being present enough to truly experience the moment — it can be challenging to pick a dish that strikes the sweet spot between effortless and impressive, one that adds joy (but not stress) to the occasion.
Recipe: Cheese Danish Bread Pudding
Perhaps you already have dishes in mind. And, depending on the number of guests you’ll be feeding, you have efficient recipes in hand, easily doubled or tripled on a sheet pan. But what about the sparkle? The added bit of Christmas glee?
You don’t have to look much farther than the supermarket bakery croissant. Buttery, sophisticated and imbued with a sense of occasion, they can feel celebratory while still being not-too-fancy or finicky, and can be so adaptable. In fact, their versatility makes them the perfect base for many inventive dishes, whether the pastries are fresh or (better yet) a day or so old.
Cubed and soaked in a custard, then tucked around a cream-cheese filling and fruit preserves, croissants are the base of this cheese Danish bread pudding, which combines the casual assembly of bread pudding with the rich appeal of a Danish pastry. And of course, much of the prep can be done the night before, leaving only the baking for the morning of.
Recipe: Sheet-Pan Eggs With Croissant Bread Crumbs
If savory dishes are more your style, crushed croissant crumbs can become an elevated substitute for plain bread crumbs. Spread them across large sheet pans, shaping them into wells to cradle eggs for crisp-edged egg bakes. Toppings like feta and spinach are classic and simple, but you can tailor the seasonings and add-ons to your tastes. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd while you enjoy the holiday morning.
So, let the professionals handle the complicated croissant-making, and serve some fresh on Day 1. Then, use any leftovers in these recipes, which may just be as special as Christmas itself.
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