Description
This Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake is a simple, comforting breakfast or brunch casserole that combines buttery croissants, savory deli ham, and a melty cheese blend soaked in a rich egg custard. Perfect for busy mornings or special gatherings, it’s quick to prepare, versatile, and irresistibly cheesy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6–8 day-old or fresh croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6–8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants and Ham: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter half of them evenly in a greased baking dish. Layer the ham slices over the croissants, then top with the remaining croissant pieces to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This custard will soak into the croissants, making them soft and rich after baking.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the croissant and ham layers. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and chopped fresh herbs if using. This creates a golden, bubbly crust with vibrant flavor.
- Bake Until Golden and Puffy: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the custard is set but still creamy inside.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the custard firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use slightly stale croissants for better custard absorption without sogginess.
- Don’t overfill the baking dish; leave room for the custard to expand and create a fluffy texture.
- Customize your cheese blend for varied flavor and melty texture.
- Let the bake rest before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
- Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and ease cleaning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg