If you are craving a cozy, comforting breakfast or brunch idea that feels both indulgent and effortlessly delicious, this Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of buttery croissants soaking up a rich, creamy custard, mingled with savory ham and melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that brings together textures and flavors so wonderfully balanced, making every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to share with friends or family—think of it as the ultimate warm hug in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create an irresistible dish. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to contribute layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the final bake both hearty and visually appealing.
- Croissants (6-8, day-old or fresh): Perfect for soaking up the custard while maintaining a flaky texture.
- Deli ham (6-8 ounces, thinly sliced): Adds a savory, smoky depth that complements the cheeses perfectly.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Gives a tangy, rich flavor with a luscious melt.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings a creamy, gooey texture that balances the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Large eggs (6): Create the custard base that softens the croissants beautifully.
- Milk or cream (2 cups): Adds richness and smoothness to the custard.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or chives (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides a fresh, herbal burst of color and taste at the finish.
How to Make Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Croissants and Ham
Start by tearing the croissants into bite-sized pieces—this ensures each mouthful is easy to enjoy and packed with that buttery texture everyone loves. Scatter half of these croissant pieces evenly across your greased baking dish. Next, layer the thinly sliced deli ham evenly on top. Then cover with the remaining croissant pieces so that every slice of the bake has a perfect balance of ham and flaky croissant.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This rich custard mixture is what will transform the croissants into a soft, luscious base that melts in your mouth while keeping the bake hearty and satisfying.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the croissant and ham layers before pouring the custard over everything. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top along with the chopped fresh parsley or chives. This layering technique ensures that cheesy goodness is baked throughout, with a bubbly, golden crust forming on top full of fresh herb notes.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 25 minutes. Removing the foil for the final 15 minutes allows the cheese to brown beautifully and the custard to set with a slight puffiness. The result is a perfect combination of textures: soft and creamy inside with a golden crust on top.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once baking is done, let the Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key as it helps the custard firm up just enough so you can slice and serve it neatly, ensuring a blissful, melt-in-your-mouth experience that holds together beautifully on the plate.
How to Serve Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or chives right before serving adds a bright, fresh pop that contrasts nicely with the rich custard and cheese. You might also drizzle a bit of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for a fun twist that livens up the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of fresh fruit can also complement this dish beautifully, balancing savory and sweet elements for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or muffin tins for charming personal portions. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese and herbs on top and broil it for a minute for an ultra-goey crust. It’s as fun to eat with your hands as it is on a plate, making it perfect for casual brunches or cozy family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy mornings when you want a quick yet satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, then wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve that delightful crispy top and creamy center. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact, though it works well for a quick reheat in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
Yes! While day-old croissants absorb the custard best without becoming too mushy, fresh croissants work fine—just keep an eye on the bake to ensure it holds its structure and doesn’t get overly soggy.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies. The cheeses and custard will keep it wonderfully rich and flavorful.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile, but be mindful of melt quality and saltiness to keep the balance just right.
How long can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight—this actually helps the croissants soak up the custard even better, resulting in a more cohesive bake.
What temperature should I bake the dish at?
The recipe works best baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to gently cook the custard without drying out the croissants or burning the cheese on top.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe truly feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to something cozy on a weekend morning, the harmonious blend of buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese will bring comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making this delicious dish over and over again!
Print
Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheese and Ham Croissant Bake is a comforting and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of torn croissants, thinly sliced deli ham, and a rich custard made with eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard. Topped with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and fresh herbs, it bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection with a creamy interior. Perfect for using up day-old croissants and impressing guests with an easy yet flavorful baked casserole.
Ingredients
Base
- 6–8 day-old or fresh croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 6–8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Croissants and Ham: Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and scatter half of them evenly in a greased baking dish. Layer the ham slices over the croissants, then top with the remaining croissant pieces to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth. This custard will soak into the croissants, making them soft and rich after baking.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle half of the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the croissant and ham layers. Pour the egg mixture evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and the chopped fresh parsley or chives if using. This step creates a golden, bubbly crust with vibrant flavor.
- Bake Until Golden and Puffy: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the custard is set but still creamy inside.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the custard firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative if desired.
- Feel free to swap the cheeses for your favorite blends like Gruyère or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
