Ham Cheese Croissant Bake (Printable)

Buttery croissants layered with smoky ham, melted cheese, and a rich custard for a hearty brunch.

# Components:

→ Bread & Base

01 - 4 large day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces

→ Meats

02 - 1.5 cups diced cooked ham

→ Cheese

03 - 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
04 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Custard

05 - 6 large eggs
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Arrange croissant pieces evenly across the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
03 - Sprinkle diced ham evenly over croissants, then layer both Gruyère and cheddar cheeses uniformly.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
05 - Pour custard mixture evenly over layered ingredients, pressing down lightly to ensure croissants absorb the mixture.
06 - Allow casserole to stand for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to overnight.
07 - Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and the center is set.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and simply bake in the morning for stress-free entertaining.
  • Uses simple ingredients: Day-old croissants, deli ham, and pantry staples come together for an elegant dish.
  • Crowd-pleaser: The combination of buttery croissants, smoky ham, and melty cheese appeals to all ages.
  • Versatile: Easily customize with different meats, cheeses, or even vegetables to suit your taste.
  • Perfect texture: The croissants soak up the custard while maintaining their layers, creating a delightfully tender yet structured casserole.
02 -
  • Press the custard: Don't skip pressing down on the layers before baking to ensure all the croissant pieces are well-soaked.
  • Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes slicing much easier.
  • Check for doneness: The center should be just set but not dry; a slight jiggle is okay as it will continue cooking while resting.
  • Customize the cheese: Mixing different cheeses creates more complex flavor, but feel free to use all of one type if preferred.
  • Double-check allergens: If using store-bought croissants or deli ham, read labels carefully for hidden allergens like soy or nuts.
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