Crispy Flattened Croissants Are the Breakfast Upgrade I Didn’t Know I Needed

There’s really no debating that croissants are best when they’re homemade and fresh out of the oven. Because the art of making croissants from scratch is a bit intricate, however, I’m no stranger to Starbucks’ ready-in-minutes version.

If you’re like me, and don’t mind snacking on pre-made croissants, you might be looking for some creative ways to use them before they go dry and stale. Luckily, there are a few different ways to upcycle your near-stale croissants aside from simply warming them up or turning them into a sandwich.

Exhibit A: flattened croissant toast! Instead of reaching for your usual piece of toast or crusty bread for the millennial breakfast staple that is avocado toast, I recommend switching some things up.

A typical croissant is too delicate to really spread with a hefty topping like avocado. Flattening the croissant and then toasting it in a buttered skillet, however, gives you much more to work with. By flattening the croissant and toasting it, you get extra sturdiness and more surface area.

But don’t just take my word for it — look to the numerous TikTok videos that have run with the idea, too! This version below demonstrates how to flatten the croissant to make an open-faced sandwich of sorts with ham and sliced cheese.

Additionally, versions like this show a similar ultra-crispy, caramelized version known in Korea as croissant nurungji.

I tried this method myself to see if I could create a delicious version at home. I simply used store-bought medium-sized croissants and flattened them on a cutting board, using a long bottle because I don’t own at rolling pin. (But you should definitely use a rolling pin if you have one!).

I then laid each of the flattened croissants into a hot buttered skillet on medium heat. I would recommend watching the croissants closely, depending on the strength of your stovetop. I cooked my croissants for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they were nicely brown, but not burnt.

To take things up a notch, though, I tried to replicate a traditional avocado toast with mashed avocado, salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and honey.

Because the croissants were flattened and toasted, they could stand up to the weight of the avocado. Plus, this dish could be eaten with a fork and knife or you could slice off medium pieces and eat it with your hands, too!

Overall, it’s a simple idea but one that’s still practical and easy to replicate no matter your cooking level.