There are certain recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, and this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that transforms buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese into the most wonderful breakfast bake.
This casserole takes me right back to Sunday mornings with my Dad, James. He wasn’t a fancy cook, but he was the king of hearty breakfasts that brought us all to the table. This dish has that same unfussy warmth, a simple act of love.
A Few Reasons You’ll Adore This Bake
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This is the perfect overnight croissant breakfast casserole; just assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry and refrigerator staples you likely already have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Buttery, cheesy, and savory, this bake is beloved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, meats, or even leftover vegetables.
A Couple of Helpful Tools from My Kitchen
9×13-inch Baking Dish
A sturdy baking dish is essential for this casserole, giving it plenty of room to puff up and turn golden.
Large Mixing Bowl
You’ll want a nice, big bowl for whisking the egg mixture so you don’t have to worry about any spills.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Bringing It All Together, Step by Step
First, A Warm Start for Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of grease. This little step ensures you can serve up those beautiful slices without any sticking.
Next, Laying the Foundation
Now for the fun part! Arrange half of your torn croissant pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish. I find that day-old croissants work beautifully here as they soak up the egg mixture even better. Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of your cheese mixture right on top.
Then, Building Up the Flavor
Simply repeat the process one more time. Add the rest of the croissant pieces, followed by the remaining ham and cheese. This layering technique makes sure every single bite of your ham and cheese croissant bake is packed with flavor.
Now, For the Creamy Custard
In a large bowl, it’s time to create the creamy custard that brings everything together. Whisk the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until they are perfectly smooth. A little dash of salt and pepper is all you need to finish it off.
Gently, Pouring the Custard Over
Carefully and evenly pour the egg mixture over the layers in your baking dish. I like to gently press down on the top with a spatula to encourage every piece of that cheese croissant to soak up the delicious custard.
A Moment of Rest
Patience is key for the perfect croissant breakfast! Let the casserole sit on the counter for at least 10 minutes. If you’re planning ahead, you can cover it and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. This soaking time is the secret to a tender, flavorful bake.
Finally, Baking to a Golden Glow
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully puffed and golden brown, and the center feels set when you give it a gentle shake. The aroma that fills the kitchen is just heavenly.
The Finishing Touch
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This helps it hold its shape. Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh chives over the top for a lovely touch of color and a mild, oniony flavor.
For a Lighter Touch
- Go Whole Grain: If you can find them, whole-wheat croissants can add a bit of fiber and a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Leaner Options: You can reduce the fat content by using skim milk or a lower-fat cheese blend. Turkey bacon would also be a wonderful substitute for the ham.
- Add Some Greens: Feel free to stir a cup of fresh spinach or some sautéed onions and peppers into the layers for an extra dose of vegetables.
My Favorite Ways to Serve This Casserole
- Fresh and Simple: This rich Ham And Cheese Croissant is absolutely perfect alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit.
- A Touch of Creaminess: For an extra decadent touch, serve each slice with a small dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
- Brunch Spread: Make this the star of a brunch table! It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, a simple fruit salad, and a fresh pot of coffee or tea.
A Few Gentle Reminders for the Perfect Bake
- Using Fresh Croissants: While it seems counterintuitive, very fresh, soft croissants can become soggy. Using day-old, slightly drier croissants gives the best texture as they absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Skipping the Soaking Time: Don’t rush this step! Allowing the casserole to sit for at least 10 minutes (or overnight) is crucial for the croissants to fully absorb the egg mixture, ensuring a creamy, consistent bake rather than a dry one.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the casserole as it bakes. If you overbake it, the eggs can become rubbery. It’s done when the center is just set—it will continue to cook a little after you pull it from the oven.
Keeping It Fresh for Later
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer slices to an airtight container. The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Food is so much more than just what we eat; it’s the love and the memories baked into each bite. I hope this simple casserole brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it does to mine. May it be the start of a new tradition or a reminder of a happy memory, shared with the people you love most.
A Few Questions You Might Have
Can I try this with other cheeses?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Gruyère would be a classic and delicious choice, or you could try Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to give it a little kick.
Is it really better to let it soak overnight?
While it’s delicious either way, preparing it the night before allows the croissants to become fully saturated with the egg custard, resulting in a richer flavor and a more tender, bread-pudding-like texture. It also makes for a wonderfully stress-free morning!
What kind of ham works best?
You can use almost any kind of cooked ham. Leftover holiday ham is perfect, but thick-cut deli ham or a cooked ham steak, diced, works just as well. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have on hand.
Print
Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
There are certain recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, and this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that transforms buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese into the most wonderful breakfast bake.
Ingredients
- 4 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the torn croissant pieces in the dish, then sprinkle with half of the diced ham and half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining croissant pieces, ham, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant layers, gently pressing down with a spatula.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
- Cool slightly before slicing, then garnish with fresh chives and serve.
Notes
Day-old croissants give the best texture as they soak up the custard without becoming soggy. Don’t skip resting time before baking. Keep an eye on the bake to avoid overcooking the eggs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: ham, cheese, croissant, casserole, breakfast bake