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
Scale
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.
