DARK CHOCOLATE CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING

Dark Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding image

Croissants make an incredible base for this rich, chocolaty bread pudding. I prefer dark chocolate, but semisweet or white chocolate work, too. Garnish with your favorite nuts. -Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

8 croissants, torn into 2-inch pieces
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
8 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups 2% milk
1 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Place croissants in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with chocolate chunks. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until blended. Stir in milk, orange juice and vanilla; pour over top. Let stand about 15 minutes or until bread is softened., Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until puffed and golden brown; cover loosely with foil during last 10 minutes if top browns too quickly. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Fat 15g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 230mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.