If you’ve spent any time on the site here, you know that we’re crazy about croissants.
While there are variations of them all across the globe, most of us associate them with French cuisine. As the popularity of them grew over the centuries, croissants found their way to breakfast tables everywhere.
What makes them such a fantastic option at breakfast is their versatility.
In fact, there are so many ways (and things) to serve with them, it’s hard to know where to start!
But fear not because your always hungry friends here at Miss Buttercup are here to make that croissant-filled breakfast you’re considering the very best it can be.
We got everything covered – from savory favs like ham and cheese to things like fruit preserves and honey to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.
It doesn’t matter if you’re already a croissant connoisseur or new to the pastry. We’re here to help you get the most out of your pairings.
Before we dive head first into all the delicious ideas we’ve got for you, let’s take a quick detour to talk about where the croissant as a breakfast food got its start – as part of the classic French breakfast.
Croissants and the Classic French Breakfast
While precise definitions vary from region to region, the classic French breakfast is usually very simple. It almost always includes bread, and that’s especially true for croissants.
Typically, croissants are served fresh and warm (yum!) with butter and jam or honey as well. To accompany the delightful sweet, often coffee is served as well.
This combination is seen so often it’s considered a standard breakfast and is typically referred to as “petit déjeuner à la française” in a café or a boulangerie.
While this simple and delicious tradition is still popular today, there’s no shortage of idea you can experiment with if the traditional French breakfast doesn’t suit your tastes.
With that said, let’s take a look at our first variety of breakfast pairing options for croissant – savory sides!
Everyday Savory Pairing Ideas for Croissants at Breakfast
From salty, smoky meats to tangy, creamy cheeses, there’s a nearly limitless number of savory options you can pick to pair with your croissants.
We’ll explore a few of our personal favorites below and a few that you might not have ever considered!
What’s great about savory choices is that they’re perfect when you’re craving something substantial and hearty. Many of the items on our list fit the bill perfectly, so let’s dig right in…
Butter
A classic and traditional pairing, butter adds a rich flavor to croissants that’s hard to beat. Butter’s smooth and creamy texture is a perfect match for a croissant’s flaky layers.
Ham
Ham makes an ideal pairing with croissants on two fronts – salty flavor and meaty texture. Ham’s natural salt isn’t overpowering and so it complements the rich flavor of croissants well. Ham’s natural texture contrasts nicely with a croissant’s toastiness.
Cheese
There’s almost no limit to the kinds of cheese you can pair with croissants. A few popular options (that we also love include cheddar, brie, gruyere, and gouda. Different cheeses can also add different levels of saltiness, tanginess, and nuttiness, making for an interesting and varied pairing for croissants.
Cream Cheese
Like butter, cream cheese is another great spreadable, savory choice to pair with your croissant. The creaminess and tanginess of cream cheese and adds a nice depth of flavor.
Bacon (or Sausage)
What would breakfast be without two of our all-time favorite sides – bacon and sausage. This option is a no brainer with croissants. The crispy, meaty mouthfeel of both breakfast meats is a nice contrast to the flaky texture of the croissant.
Other Breakfast Meats
Some other options for breakfast meats include turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and Canadian bacon. Like the more traditional bacon and sausage options, any of these can also be paired with croissants for a similar savory taste explosion!
Eggs
As with cheese options we mentioned earlier, eggs can be paired with croissants in a variety of ways. Whether it’s scrambled, fried, or poached – the richness of the eggs pairs well with a buttery, flaky croissant.
| Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Butter | Adds rich flavor and smooth texture to croissants |
| Ham | Adds a salty flavor and meaty texture that complement croissants well |
| Cheese | Wide variety of options to add different levels of saltiness, tanginess, and nuttiness |
| Cream Cheese | Spreadable option that adds creaminess and tanginess to croissants |
| Bacon/Sausage | Crispy and meaty, perfect contrast to the flakiness of croissants |
| Other Breakfast Meats | Alternatives like turkey bacon, turkey sausage, Canadian bacon also pair well with croissants |
| Eggs | Richness of eggs complement the buttery and flaky croissant, can be paired in different ways |
Unique Savory Options to Try with Your Croissants
If you’re anything like me, you always want to try something new (or different). For the more adventurous breakfast eater, check out some of these savory options for your next croissant breakfast.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a deliciously rich and savory option when you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to try with your croissant. The smoky and salty taste of smoked salmon perfectly complements the flaky layers and buttery flavor of croissants.
Foie Gras
Foie gras fans won’t regret trying a dollop of this rich and decadent spread. The unmistakable flavor and mouthfeel of foie gras makes it an ideal spread for any croissant.
Truffle Butter
Truffle lovers rejoice! If you were hoping to find the strong, musky aroma of truffle butter on the list, then this it the choice for you. Like foie gras, you can count on the richness that truffle butter will add to any croissant.
| Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Smoked Salmon | Smoky and salty taste that complements croissant’s flavor and texture |
| Foie Gras | Rich and decadent spread, adds distinct flavor and texture to croissant |
| Truffle Butter | Musky aroma and rich flavor that enhances any croissant. |
Delectable Sweet Pairing Options for Croissants at Breakfast
Oh boy, now we’re getting to the good stuff, aren’t we?
Now that we’ve given you tons of ideas for savory options, let’s get ready for true indulgence as we enter the world of sweet croissant pairings. From classic spreads to unexpected delights, we’ve got you covered.
It doesn’t matter if you fancy a drizzle of maple syrup or a thick spreading of Nutella, croissants are the perfect canvas for your sweet cravings.
Fruit Preserves or Jam
Preserves make a perfect partner for the flaky goodness of croissants. With each bite, the bold flavor of fruit comes bursting through.
Honey
The timeless sweetness of honey is a perfect complement to the delicate layering of a buttery croissant. Honey adds another dimension of flavor along with a subtle touch of nuttiness.
Nutella
Let’s be honest. For Nutella lovers, this is a combo they’ve tried long ago and probably loved it. And why not? Nutella’s signature combo of hazelnut and chocolate are a can’t miss combo with croissants.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes! That’s right, just a drizzle of this decadent sweet will add a smile to anyone’s face when paired with a tender, flaky croissant.
Whipped Cream
The sweetness and creaminess of whipped cream pairs well with the buttery croissant and adds a delightful contrast in texture.
Whipped cream is not only scrumptious but can add a touch of whimsical fun to each bite of your croissant. Lightly sweet cream will float like a cloud high atop each layer of a croissant.
Powdered Sugar
A dusting of powdered sugar on top of a fresh, warm croissant is a match made in culinary heaven. This lip licking good combination will leave you satisfied and coming back for more.
| Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| Fruit Preserves | Enhances the flakiness of croissant with bold fruit flavors |
| Honey | Complements buttery croissant with sweetness and nuttiness |
| Nutella | Hazelnut and chocolate flavor complement croissant |
| Maple Syrup | Adds sweetness to croissant and can be used as a drizzle |
| Whipped Cream | Creaminess and sweetness of whipped cream pairs well with croissant’s texture and adds a whimsical touch |
| Powdered Sugar | Dusting of powdered sugar on top of croissant creates a heavenly combination of flavors and texture |
Unique Sweet Ideas to Try with Your Croissants
As with our savory options from above, we’ve dug deep and come up with a few interesting (and delicious) sweet suggestions for you to try.
You can’t go wrong with any of them, so throw caution to the wind and try one!
Blueberry Compote
Blueberry compote wins with taste and texture. You’ll love each blueberry-filled bite and compote’s texture also adds a pleasant contrast to croissant’s crispiness.
Apple Butter
A delightful combination of sweet and slightly tart, apple butter pairs perfectly with a buttery croissant. The smooth texture of the apple butter will glide smoothly across your tongue with each delectable bite!
Lemon Curd
The tanginess of the lemon curd is a perfect all by itself, isn’t it? So close your eyes and imagine how outrageously delectable it will be when spread across the surface of a warm, flaky croissant.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Blueberry Compote | Adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor with a pleasant textural contrast to croissant’s crispiness |
| Apple Butter | Combines sweet and slightly tart flavors for a perfect balance with the buttery croissant |
| Lemon Curd | Tangy and zesty flavor that complements the warm and flaky croissant’s texture |
Hi, I’m Jenny. I have many interests and, some would say, eclectic passions. A few words that best describe me? Hmm, well… Amateur surfer, professional traveler, food lover and writer extraordinaire. Oh, and lover of all furry, four-legged creatures!
