Looking for an easy and indulgent way to enjoy your leftover turkey this holiday season? These Christmas Breakfast Croissants are the ultimate festive breakfast idea, blending savory and sweet flavors wrapped in flaky croissant pastry. Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or just treating yourself after the holiday rush, these croissants are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
These Christmas Breakfast Croissants are more than just a recipe; they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. The combination of buttery pastry, sweet cranberry sauce, creamy camembert, and savory turkey and bacon creates a flavor explosion that's perfect for Christmas or boxing day morning. Plus, they're quick to prepare, making them ideal for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests during the holidays.
This recipe is part of my Christmas recipe series, other recipes you may love from this recipe series include my Christmas decorated focaccia which is great for using at breakfast time. Other breakfast recipes you may love include my sausage english breakfast muffins and my potato breakfast sandwiches.
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Ingredients
Ready-to-bake croissant dough - Using ready-made croissant dough saves time while delivering that buttery, flaky texture we all love. I like to use this for its convenience and reliable results.
Streaky bacon - Adds a crispy, smoky contrast to the rich fillings. The streaky cut ensures just the right amount of fat for flavor.
Cranberry sauce - A festive touch that balances the savory elements with a hint of sweetness. Its tangy notes pair perfectly with the cheese and turkey.
Camembert - Creamy and slightly nutty, camembert melts beautifully into the croissant for an extra layer of indulgence. I prefer camembert over other cheeses because it adds a touch of elegance and festive flair.
Leftover turkey (or chicken) - This is a great way to use up holiday leftovers, keeping the recipe simple and sustainable. Turkey adds a hearty, protein-rich filling, making these croissants satisfying for breakfast or brunch.
Melted butter - Brushing the croissants with butter before baking enhances their golden, glossy finish and deepens their flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Unroll the ready-to-bake croissant dough and cut it into six equal-sized triangles. Most prepackaged croissant dough comes with guides, making this step easy. At the base of each triangle, spread 1-2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce. Add a couple of slices of leftover turkey (or chicken) on top of the cranberry sauce. Layer a piece of streaky bacon for its salty crunch. Finish with a generous slice of camembert to create that gooey, cheesy center.
- Step 2: Starting from the base of each triangle, carefully roll the dough toward the tip, enclosing the fillings. Curve the ends slightly to form the classic crescent shape. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each croissant with melted butter. This step gives them a glossy, golden finish once baked. Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet or two and bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Hint: Roll croissants tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking and shape them in to a crescent moon shape before putting on tray. Also make sure to chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle.
Substitutions
Ready-to-bake croissant dough - Substitute with puff pastry sheets rolled and cut into triangles, from-scratch croissant dough if you have time, or pre-made keto or low-carb dough for a lighter option.
Streaky bacon - Use turkey bacon for a leaner choice, plant-based bacon strips or roasted mushroom slices for a vegetarian twist, or prosciutto or pancetta for a more luxurious touch.
Cranberry sauce - Replace with fig jam or apricot preserves for a fruitier flavor, lingonberry jam or red currant jelly for a tangier alternative, or chutney or pomegranate molasses to reduce sweetness.
Camembert - Swap with brie for a similar creamy texture and mild taste, blue cheese for a bold, tangy option, or shredded mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Leftover turkey or chicken - Substitute with roast beef for a heartier alternative, shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Melted butter - Replace with olive oil for a lighter touch, egg wash for extra shine, or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Variations
Vegetarian Christmas Breakfast Croissants - Swap turkey and bacon for sautéed mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and spinach, paired with brie or camembert.
Spicy Christmas Breakfast Croissants - Add a dollop of chili cranberry jam and sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the fillings for a fiery twist.
Deluxe Christmas Breakfast Croissants - Use prosciutto, fig preserves, and gorgonzola for a luxurious, gourmet variation.
Equipment
Storage
Store leftover Christmas Breakfast Croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the filling heats evenly. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the croissant dough soggy. For freezing, wrap unbaked croissants individually in cling film and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and follow the original instructions. These storage tips ensure you can enjoy Christmas Breakfast Croissants anytime during the festive season!
Top Tip
Brush croissants generously with butter or egg wash for a glossy, bakery-style finish. I like to add a little bit of parsley for a herby flavor.
FAQ
Overfilling is a common mistake when making Christmas Breakfast Croissants, as it can cause them to burst during baking. Keep fillings balanced to ensure the pastry stays intact and flaky.
Always preheat the oven and handle croissant dough gently to maintain its light, flaky texture. For Christmas Breakfast Croissants, roll tightly but avoid compressing the dough too much.
Christmas Breakfast Croissants stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to restore their crisp, flaky texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with these Christmas croissants:
Recipe
Christmas Breakfast Croissants - Leftover Turkey
Equipment
- Large baking tray
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 340 g ready to bake croissant dough
- 6 streaky bacon rashers
- 3 tablespoon cranberry sauce
- 175 g camembert sliced
- 200 g leftover turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Unroll the ready-to-bake croissant dough and cut it into six equal-sized triangles. Most prepackaged croissant dough comes with guides, making this step easy.
- At the base of each triangle, spread 1-2 teaspoons of cranberry sauce. Add a couple of slices of leftover turkey (or chicken) on top of the cranberry sauce. Layer a piece of streaky bacon for its salty crunch. Finish with a generous slice of camembert to create that gooey, cheesy center.
- Starting from the base of each triangle, carefully roll the dough toward the tip, enclosing the fillings. Curve the ends slightly to form the classic crescent shape. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each croissant with melted butter.
- This step gives them a glossy, golden finish once baked. Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet or two and bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
