Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is a rich, comforting breakfast casserole made with flaky croissants layered with savory ham and melted cheese, all baked in a creamy egg custard. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead breakfasts. The croissants soak up the savory custard while staying buttery and crisp on top, creating the ultimate warm and cheesy bake everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants, cut into chunks
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread croissant pieces evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Add Filling
Sprinkle diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the croissants.
Step 3: Make Custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble
Pour custard evenly over croissant mixture, pressing lightly so bread absorbs liquid.
Step 5: Rest
Let sit 15–20 minutes so croissants soak up custard.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
Step 7: Finish
Sprinkle with parsley and cool slightly before serving.
Variations
- Use turkey instead of ham
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms
- Swap cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella
- Add caramelized onions
- Use mini croissants
- Add cooked bacon pieces
- Make spicy with pepper jack
- Add herbs like thyme
Cooking Notes
- Slightly stale croissants absorb custard best
- Do not overbake to keep center creamy
- Press bread gently to soak custard evenly
- Cover loosely if browning too fast
- Resting time improves texture
- Use good-quality ham for flavor
- Cheese melts best when freshly shredded
- Bake until center just set
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for brunch
- Pair with fresh fruit salad
- Add green salad for balance
- Serve with coffee or tea
- Add hot sauce or mustard
- Perfect for holiday mornings
- Serve with roasted potatoes
- Great for potlucks
Tips
- Assemble night before and refrigerate
- Add extra cheese on top for crust
- Let rest before slicing
- Reheat gently to keep moist
- Use deep dish for thick bake
- Cut croissants large for texture
- Store leftovers refrigerated
- Freeze baked portions
Prep Time / Bake Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 15–20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 28g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes, Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella work well.
How do I know it’s done?
Center should be set and top golden.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is a buttery, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast casserole that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. Perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings, this comforting bake delivers rich flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.