Breakfast

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe

There are few comfort foods more universally loved than the classic combination of ham and cheese, especially when baked into golden, buttery croissants. Now imagine that cozy pairing turned into a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole—fluffy on the inside, crisp on top, and packed with creamy, savory goodness. That’s exactly what this Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake delivers.

This dish is the perfect blend of French-inspired elegance and American comfort food sensibility. Think of it as the breakfast version of a decadent savory bread pudding, or the love child of an eggs benedict and a croque monsieur. It’s cheesy, custardy, buttery, salty, and satisfying—everything you want in a breakfast or brunch dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish has become a staple in my brunch repertoire for several reasons:

  1. Incredibly Easy to Make: You just tear up some croissants, mix everything in a bowl, pour it into a pan, and bake. It’s almost foolproof.
  2. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before, and just bake it in the morning—ideal for holidays, hosting, or busy weekends.
  3. Rich and Satisfying: Every bite is filled with melty cheese, savory ham, and buttery croissant—what’s not to love?
  4. Versatile: You can tweak it based on what you have—different cheeses, herbs, meats, or even veggies.

This is a must-try because it takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. It’s great for feeding a crowd, and it reheats beautifully, too.

Time & Yield

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Resting (optional): 30 minutes to overnight (for soaking)
  • Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rest) or 1 hour (without rest)
  • Servings: 6–8
  • Calories per Serving: ~430–500 kcal (depending on croissant size and cheese used)

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 5–6 large buttery croissants (day-old preferred), torn into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham (use thick-cut or deli slices)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but highly recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. Tear the croissants into large bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

  1. In the baking dish, scatter half of the croissant pieces.
  2. Sprinkle with half the ham and half the cheeses.
  3. Add the remaining croissants, followed by the rest of the ham and cheese.

Step 3: Make the Custard

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

Step 4: Combine and Rest

  1. Pour the custard evenly over the croissant and ham mixture.
  2. Gently press down on the mixture to ensure everything is coated.
  3. Let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor and soak.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  3. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tips:

  • Day-old croissants work best—they soak up the custard without getting mushy.
  • For extra crisp top, broil the dish for 2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
  • If your ham is salty, reduce the added salt slightly.

Variations:

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
  • Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for different flavors.
  • Add Herbs: A little thyme or rosemary in the custard gives it a savory aromatic twist.
  • Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the custard.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

  • Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, mixed greens, and mimosas.
  • Holiday Breakfast: Perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Mother’s Day.
  • Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a light arugula salad and vinaigrette.

Add sides like:

  • Roasted potatoes or hash browns
  • Fresh fruit salad or berries
  • Tomato jam or hot sauce on the side

Conclusion

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast: warm, cheesy, buttery, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s rich but not heavy, indulgent but not over-the-top—and it feeds a crowd with almost no fuss.

Once you try it, you’ll likely find yourself making it for every holiday brunch, weekend breakfast, or lazy Sunday dinner. It’s comfort food with class, and a guaranteed hit for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Just bake the next morning—add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Q: What if I don’t have croissants?

You can use brioche, challah, or even thick-sliced white bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Bake it, let it cool completely, and then wrap and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Q: Is this gluten-free?

Not unless you use gluten-free croissants or bread. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to cook and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.