National Croissant Day is quickly approaching on Thursday, January 30, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Croissants have been gaining popularity both on social media and in kitchens all across the country.
Operators in the food industry are finding that croissants offer a versatile addition to their menus. This classic pastry has been reimagined in a multitude of ways by creative minds from around the world. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in popularizing croissant trends with a wide audience.
One recent trend that captured the attention of food enthusiasts is the ‘crookie’. This innovative creation combines the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant with spoonfuls of chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside, often topped with powdered sugar. While some purists may argue that this trend is too extravagant and unnecessary for a classic croissant, social media users and consumers have embraced it wholeheartedly.
Another unique trend that has emerged recently is the ‘flattened croissant’ trend, originating from South Korea. This involves flattening a fresh croissant with a rolling pin or heavy press, coating it in butter and sugar or honey, and then baking or pan-frying it. These flattened croissants can be enjoyed plain, filled or topped with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, or even used as a base for sandwiches.
To kick off the new year, the Chefs of the Mills team at General Mills Foodservice are showcasing the versatility of croissants in their January trends report. They highlight how this popular pastry can be used as the foundation for a wide range of dishes, from main courses to desserts.
Chef Ted Osorio, a member of General Mills Foodservice’s culinary team responsible for creating the recipes in January’s trend report, emphasizes the endless possibilities with croissants. He states, “Croissants and croissant sandwiches are always a hit with consumers at breakfast, but there are so many exciting ways to incorporate croissants throughout the day. Traditional breakfast items are now enjoyed at any time. The possibilities are endless!”
Osorio notes that consumers are currently gravitating towards indulgent and comforting foods. He believes that when done well, croissants provide a canvas for operators to create unique and standout menu items.
Pillsbury croissants from General Mills Foodservice offer operators an opportunity to create menu magic with a range of possibilities, from breakfast offerings to decadent desserts. Croissants continue to be a trending item, and incorporating them into menus has never been easier with these versatile options.
Some of the inventive croissant recipe ideas provided by General Mills Foodservice include Croissant Donuts, a Croissant Chorizo Smash Burger, and Lemon Berry Croast. The Lemon Berry Croast capitalizes on the viral flattened croissant trend by baking Pillsbury Croissant Dough until crispy, then topping it with lemon curd and fresh berries.
In conclusion, National Croissant Day is a celebration of the versatility and creativity that croissants bring to menus. Operators have the opportunity to delight their customers with innovative croissant creations that cater to the current demand for indulgent and comforting foods. With the help of Pillsbury croissants from General Mills Foodservice, incorporating croissants into menus has never been easier, and the possibilities are truly endless.
