Cheesy Ham Croissant Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Recipe

Mornings call for something special, and this creamy ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole delivers pure comfort.

Layers of buttery croissants mingle deliciously with savory ham and melted cheese in a recipe that promises pure breakfast bliss.

The rich, custardy base soaks into every delectable bite, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and homey.

Weekends deserve effortless meals that bring smiles around the table.

Each forkful combines crispy edges with soft, creamy centers that melt in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible morning masterpiece that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary start to your day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Inside Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky base that adds richness and texture to the casserole, choose day-old or slightly stale croissants for better absorption.
• Diced Ham: Provides savory protein and depth of flavor, select high-quality, lean ham for best taste.

• Eggs: Binding agent that creates silky, creamy texture, use fresh large eggs for optimal results.
• Milk: Adds liquid and softness to the custard, whole milk provides richer flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and creates luxurious mouthfeel, select fresh, high-fat cream.
• Salt: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.
• Ground Mustard: Introduces tangy undertone and depth, choose high-quality powder for best results.
• Garlic Powder: Contributes aromatic background note, ensure fresh and fragrant powder.

• Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, nutty flavor, select high-quality, freshly grated cheese.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish and visual appeal, choose crisp, vibrant leaves.

What You Need To Make Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for whisking the creamy egg custard smoothly.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending eggs, milk, and seasonings into a silky mixture.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing ham and chopping fresh parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Plastic wrap or foil: Crucial for covering the casserole during refrigeration.

Steps To Cook Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Croissant Foundation

Tear croissants into rustic chunks and nestle them in a buttered baking dish. Scatter diced ham and sprinkle Swiss cheese generously across the bread landscape.

• Silky Custard Creation

Blend eggs with creamy milk, adding whispers of seasoning to create a luxurious liquid that will transform the simple ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece.

• Flavor Fusion

Gently pour the custard over the croissant base, allowing each bread piece to become saturated. Let the casserole rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and deepen.

• Golden Transformation

Warm the oven to a toasty 375F. Remove the casserole and let it breathe at room temperature. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center becomes perfectly set.

• Finishing Touch

Allow the casserole to settle for a few moments. Sprinkle fresh parsley across the top, adding a burst of color and herbal brightness before serving your breakfast creation.

Tasty Twists For Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Cheese Swap Magic: Replace Swiss cheese with cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for a different flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting and personalized.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together perfectly and saving precious morning prep time.
• Protein Power-Up: Add crispy bacon bits, diced chicken, or crumbled sausage to increase protein content and create a heartier breakfast experience.
• Veggie Boost Option: Incorporate sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions to add nutritional value and introduce extra layers of flavor to the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free croissants or substitute with cubed gluten-free bread to make this dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the delicious texture and taste.

Ways To Serve Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Brunch Party Centerpiece: Wow your friends by presenting this casserole as the star attraction during a weekend brunch gathering, perfectly paired with mimosas and fresh fruit salad.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a cozy morning tradition by serving this hearty dish during lazy weekend breakfasts, allowing everyone to enjoy warm, comforting bites together.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before, then simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast that saves precious morning time.
• Potluck Hero: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or potlucks, where its rich flavors and easy serving style will make you the most popular guest.

Store Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole The Smart Way

• Advance Prep Magic: Mix the casserole the night before for a stress-free morning. Refrigerate overnight to let flavors blend beautifully, giving you extra time to enjoy your coffee and morning routine.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the entire unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for a quick breakfast solution.
• Portion Control Trick: Cut leftovers into individual squares and store in airtight containers. These reheat perfectly in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, making excellent grab-and-go breakfast options during busy weekdays.
• Freshness Extension: Store refrigerated leftovers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy top and creamy texture, ensuring each bite tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

Hearty Ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole brings comfort to morning tables across kitchens. Rich layers of buttery croissants, smoky ham, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave all week.

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Ingredients

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• 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225 g) cooked ham, diced or sliced
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground mustard (optional)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for the casserole.
2. Base Layer: Tear croissants into irregular chunks, forming a rustic foundation across the dish’s bottom, then evenly scatter diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese over the bread pieces.
3. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs until smooth, blending in milk, cream, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder to create a rich, flavorful liquid mixture.
4. Infusion: Pour the egg custard over the layered ingredients, gently pressing to ensure complete absorption, then refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
5. Thermal Transformation: Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 375F (190C).
6. Baking Brilliance: Slide the uncovered dish into the oven, baking until the custard sets and the surface turns golden and crisp, approximately 30-35 minutes.
7. Finishing Flourish: Rest the casserole for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to breakfast enthusiasts.

Notes

• Precise Croissant Preparation: Tear croissants into uneven chunks to create varied texture and ensure better egg absorption for a more complex mouthfeel.
• Optimal Egg Custard Technique: Whisk eggs thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky consistency that evenly coats the ingredients.
• Strategic Resting Period: Allow casserole to marinate overnight in refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion and deeper taste development.
• Temperature Balance: Let casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to promote even cooking and prevent temperature shock.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg