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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for the casserole.
- 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.
- Custard Creation: Whisk eggs until smooth, blending in milk, cream, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder to create a rich, flavorful liquid mixture.
- 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.
- Thermal Transformation: Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 375F (190C).
- 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.
- 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