Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day with a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Using croissants gives it a buttery richness, while ham and cheddar add hearty flavor. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast gathering.

The dish is a baked casserole in a white rectangular baking dish. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is slightly hidden but shows some browned ham slices with curled edges. The middle layer consists of chunks of bread that are golden-brown and toasted, with a crunchy texture. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese with a rich orange color, melted unevenly over the bread pieces and ham. There are small green parsley leaves scattered across the top as garnish. The edges of the bread show some crispiness with a toasted brown color. The background is a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 large croissants (stale are best, but fresh will work)
  • 8 ounces sliced ham (or cubed ham)
  • 8 eggs
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
  2. Step 2: Cut the croissants into small bite-sized pieces. Tear the ham into bite-sized pieces as well.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together the eggs, half and half, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Grease a medium-sized casserole dish. Layer half of the croissant pieces evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the ham and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining croissants, tuck in the rest of the ham, and cover with the remaining cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the top is golden. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Using stale croissants helps them absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
  • Swap cheddar for Swiss or Gruyère for a different cheese flavor.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
  • If you prefer, substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

This dish is a casserole with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a white casserole dish filled with pieces of toasted bread, which are golden brown and crispy with some darker toasted edges. The middle layer has slices of ham, lightly browned and curled, scattered among the bread. The top layer is melted cheddar cheese, bright orange and gooey, covering the bread and ham unevenly. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top for color. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?

Absolutely! While croissants add buttery flavor, you can use brioche, French bread, or even regular sandwich bread if preferred. Just adjust the quantity to ensure the casserole isn’t too dense.

Print
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Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a deliciously savory morning dish perfect for brunch or a family breakfast. Featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich egg mixture with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese, this baked casserole is easy to prepare and guarantees a satisfying, hearty meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Croissant Base

  • 6 large croissants (stale are best, but fresh will work)

Meat

  • 8 ounces sliced ham (or cubed ham)

Egg Mixture

  • 8 eggs
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Cheese & Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your casserole.
  2. Prepare croissants and ham: Cut the croissants into small bite-sized pieces. Tear or cube the ham into similar bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
  3. Make egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 1/2 cup half and half, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Grease a medium-sized casserole dish. Layer half of the croissant pieces evenly on the bottom, then add half of the ham and half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining croissants and ham, tuck the ham pieces between croissants, and finish with the remaining cheese. Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the assembled layers.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden. The casserole should be puffed and cooked through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for an added fresh flavor and a nice presentation.

Notes

  • Using stale croissants is ideal as they absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
  • This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with Swiss or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
  • For a lower-fat version, use low-fat milk instead of half and half and reduce the cheese quantity.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham and cheese casserole, breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, brunch recipe, savory breakfast bake

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