Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Byarlo Jack

This Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Flaky, buttery croissants are layered with savory ham, melted cheese, and a creamy egg custard for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, prepping for a holiday morning, or just want a hearty breakfast for the week, this casserole is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a good ham and cheese croissant, this baked casserole takes it to the next level. It’s easy to assemble ahead of time, making it stress-free for busy mornings. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays. The buttery croissants soak up the egg custard beautifully, creating a soft, cheesy, golden-topped dish that’s irresistible.

Time Breakdown

Busy mornings call for recipes that don’t take up too much time, and this casserole delivers. With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, you can focus on enjoying coffee or spending time with your guests while breakfast cooks itself.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 40 minutes
  • Rest Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You’ll find everything at your local grocery store; croissants, ham, eggs, and a handful of pantry spices are all you need for this flavor-packed dish.

  • 6 large croissants, torn or cut into large chunks
  • 2 cups cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Having a simple shopping list makes prep even easier. Here’s what you need to grab — you might already have most of it at home.

  • Croissants
  • Ham
  • Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a mix)
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

How to Make – Step by Step

This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Just layer, pour, and bake, that’s it! The steps are straightforward, and the result looks impressive enough for guests.

  1. Prep the Croissants: Tear croissants into large pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
  2. Add Ham & Cheese: Sprinkle diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the croissants.
  3. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour & Soak: Pour custard over the croissant mixture, gently pressing down so everything soaks up the egg mixture.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
  6. Rest & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This casserole is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re swapping cheeses, adding veggies, or using a different protein, you can make this dish your own and suit any dietary preference or flavor craving.

  • Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors.
  • Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Meat Option: Swap ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey for a lighter version.
  • Creamier Version: Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer custard.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh sides and drinks for a complete meal. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner, there are plenty of ways to make it extra special.

  • Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
  • Pair with a simple green salad for a brunch-for-dinner option.
  • Drizzle with hollandaise or a light cream sauce for extra indulgence.

Storing Tips

Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making this casserole a great option for weekly meal prep. With the right storage method, you can enjoy it for several days or even freeze portions for later.

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
  • Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few small techniques can take this dish from good to great. From letting the custard soak to baking it just right, these tips will help you nail this recipe every time.

  • For the fluffiest casserole, let the assembled dish sit for at least 20 minutes (or overnight) before baking so the croissants fully absorb the custard.
  • Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  • Use stale croissants for best texture — they soak up more custard without getting mushy.

Conclusion

Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and make-ahead potential, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your weekend rotation or holiday menu.

FAQs

Yes! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Absolutely. Brioche, challah, or even sturdy sandwich bread work well. Croissants give the best buttery flavor, but any bread that can absorb custard will work.

Use slightly stale croissants if possible they soak up the custard better. Also, make sure you don’t overdo the milk-to-egg ratio, and bake until the center is set.

Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the ham.

Yes! You can freeze the baked casserole once cooled completely. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.