Ham Cheese Croissant Bake

There's something undeniably luxurious about a breakfast casserole that transforms humble croissants into a golden, custardy masterpiece. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Casserole brings together buttery, flaky croissants with savory diced ham and melty Gruyère and cheddar cheeses, all bound together in a rich egg custard that bakes up puffed and golden. Perfect for weekend brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy casserole can even be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.

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The magic of this casserole lies in the interplay of textures and flavors. Day-old croissants are ideal because they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy, maintaining their signature buttery layers. The Gruyère adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor while the cheddar provides sharpness and color. Meanwhile, the Dijon mustard in the custard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, and the garlic powder brings warmth without overwhelming the delicate balance. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 large croissants, preferably day-old, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the croissants

Arrange the croissant pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add ham and cheese

Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the croissants, followed by both cheeses.

Step 4: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

Step 5: Combine and soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant, ham, and cheese layers, pressing down lightly to soak.

Step 6: Rest the casserole

Let stand for 10–15 minutes to allow croissants to absorb the custard (or refrigerate up to overnight, covered).

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and the center is just set.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use croissants that are at least one day old, as they'll absorb the custard more effectively without falling apart. If your croissants are fresh, you can lightly toast the pieces in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to dry them out slightly. When pressing the custard into the layers, be gentle but thorough to ensure even distribution. If you're making this ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. The casserole is done when the center is just set and no longer jiggles, and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Substitute the ham with cooked bacon, turkey, or even sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. For a more pronounced flavor profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the custard mixture. You can swap the Gruyère for Swiss, fontina, or gouda, and the cheddar for any sharp cheese you prefer. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Adding caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes can introduce additional depth and complexity to the dish.

Serviervorschläge

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Fresh fruit such as berries, melon, or citrus segments adds brightness and refreshment to the plate. For a heartier brunch spread, serve alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy hash browns. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, sparkling mimosas, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors wonderfully. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave, making this an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.

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This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Casserole proves that elegant brunch dishes don't have to be complicated. With minimal hands-on time and the flexibility to prepare ahead, you can focus on enjoying time with family and friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen. The combination of buttery croissants, savory ham, melty cheese, and rich custard creates a dish that feels indulgent yet remains approachable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're hosting a holiday breakfast, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious weekend morning, this casserole delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every golden, custardy bite.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I substitute the ham with other proteins?

Yes, cooked bacon, turkey, or sautéed vegetables can be used to create different flavor profiles.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Gruyère or Swiss combined with cheddar provides a balanced melt and rich flavor.

→ How long should the custard soak into the croissants?

Let the custard soak for 10–15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper absorption.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely, assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

→ What garnishes complement this bake?

Chopped fresh chives or parsley add a fresh, vibrant finish.