Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is the ultimate cozy breakfast comfort food. Buttery croissants soak up a creamy egg custard while layers of smoky ham and melty Gruyère turn golden in the oven. Perfect for holiday mornings, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry brunch crowd.

Why This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Is Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake combines everything you love about breakfast into one comforting dish. The buttery croissants bring flaky, crisp edges while the custard makes the inside rich and tender. Add salty ham and nutty Gruyère cheese, and you get a savory bake that’s both hearty and elegant.

It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet practical, because you can prep most of it ahead. That means no rushing around in the morning—just bake, serve, and enjoy. Guests will think you’ve been in the kitchen for hours, when in reality it takes just over an hour from start to finish.

This casserole also fits every occasion. It’s perfect for a Christmas morning spread, a cozy family brunch, or even a weekend dinner paired with a green salad. The flavor layers—onion sautéed with herbs, creamy mustard-spiked custard, and gooey cheese—make every bite satisfying. Even better, the crispy golden top ensures it looks as good as it tastes.

If you’ve ever tried my biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole, you’ll love this one too, because it has that same “crowd-pleasing with no stress” vibe. In fact, it may become your new go-to when you want something both easy and impressive.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

Making this dish is all about balancing rich, buttery flavors with herbs and spices. Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect bite:

• 10 large croissants, slightly stale or baked to dry out
• 6 oz sliced ham, preferably good-quality deli or French-style
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage
• 2 ½ cups half and half
• 6 eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Minced chives, for garnish
• Optional: Hollandaise sauce for serving

Key Ingredients Explained

The croissants are the foundation of this dish. Using stale ones prevents sogginess and ensures they soak up the custard perfectly. Gruyère cheese adds nutty, creamy richness that balances beautifully with smoky ham. Fresh thyme and sage give an earthy, herby flavor that keeps the bake from feeling too heavy.

Meanwhile, Dijon and whole grain mustard bring tang and a gentle bite to the custard. Finally, a sprinkle of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity that ties everything together.

Easy Substitutions and Variations

You can easily swap Gruyère for Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella if that’s what you have. Brioche or challah bread also work beautifully in place of croissants, though the texture will be slightly different. Red or sweet onions can replace yellow onions, and if you don’t have fresh herbs, dried thyme and sage will still deliver flavor.

For extra richness, drizzle with hollandaise or top each serving with a fried egg. Want a sweeter twist? Swap ham for bacon or turkey, or try a mix of cheeses for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Croissants

Tear croissants into bite-size pieces. To stale overnight, leave them uncovered on the counter. If you’re short on time, bake them at 250°F for 40 minutes until dry but not browned. This step ensures the bake won’t turn soggy.

Cook the Onion and Herb Mixture

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in thyme and sage, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens. This mixture infuses the whole dish with savory flavor.

Layer the Bake

Grease a 9×13 baking pan. Spread half the croissants across the bottom. Add half the ham, half the cheese, and all the onion mixture. Then repeat with the remaining croissants, ham, and cheese, creating delicious layers.

Make the Custard

Whisk together eggs, half and half, Dijon, whole grain mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the croissants. Gently press down with a spoon so everything absorbs the custard. Let the dish sit for 30 minutes before baking so the flavors marry.

Bake and Finish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until puffed and golden brown. At the 30-minute mark, check for browning; cover loosely with foil if the top looks too dark. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chives and serve hot.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Always start with croissants that are dry or stale—fresh ones soak up too much liquid and collapse. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creamier than pre-shredded varieties. Use a good-quality ham, as it’s the main protein and adds much of the flavor.

Avoid refrigerating the entire casserole overnight, as it can get mushy. Instead, prep the custard and croissants separately and assemble in the morning. Pressing down the croissants after pouring the custard ensures they soak up the mixture evenly. And don’t skip letting the dish rest after baking—it sets the custard and makes serving cleaner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

Prepping the Night Before

You can chop onions, grate cheese, and whisk the custard the night before. Store everything separately, then assemble and bake fresh in the morning. This method gives you the convenience without the soggy risk.

Refrigerating, Reheating, and Freezing

Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole wrapped in plastic and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat until hot.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh chives for color and brightness. For a fancier brunch, add a drizzle of hollandaise or top with a fried egg. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for balance.

If you love hearty casseroles, you might also enjoy serving it with my blueberry buttermilk pancake casserole for a sweet-and-savory duo. Or pair with cowboy breakfast sliders to keep guests happily full.

FAQ about Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

Related Recipes to try

• blueberry buttermilk pancake casserole
• biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole
• eggs benedict casserole
• cowboy breakfast sliders recipe

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is everything you want in a breakfast: cheesy, buttery, savory, and comforting. With minimal prep and make-ahead options, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or simply treating your family to something special. Serve it hot, watch it disappear, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds. For more cozy recipe inspiration, follow along on Pinterest.

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