Oh my goodness, y’all, this Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole is everything you didn’t know your mornings needed. It’s buttery, flaky croissants soaked in a savory egg custard with melty cheese, smoky ham, and just the right amount of seasoning.
Perfect for busy mornings, brunch with friends, or even a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night!
Bonus? Kids love it! It’s easy to whip up, feeds a crowd, and tastes like a warm hug.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants (preferably a day old)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham (leftover or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gruyere, or a mix)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use day-old croissants! They soak up the egg custard better without turning mushy.
- Get creative with cheese. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, but any melty cheese works.
- Prep the night before. Letting it sit overnight makes the flavors meld beautifully.
- Kid-friendly hack: Add a sprinkle of mild shredded cheese on top for extra gooeyness.
- Make it your own: Toss in cooked veggies like spinach or mushrooms if you want to sneak in some greens.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- No croissants? Swap with buttery brioche or challah bread.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and cream, and dairy-free cheese.
- Vegetarian? Skip the ham and add sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach.
- Spicy kick? Toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven!
Instructions
1. Prep the croissants
Slice croissants in half (horizontally) and layer them into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Tuck pieces around to fit snugly.
2. Add ham and cheese
Sprinkle diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the croissants.
3. Make the egg custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour and soak
Pour the custard evenly over the croissants, making sure everything is soaked. Press lightly to submerge.
5. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole is comfort food at its best. Whether it’s for a cozy family breakfast or a brunch with friends, it’s bound to be a hit! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your twists and tips, so leave a comment below. Happy cooking! 🥐💛