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Crispy Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

crispy ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast casserole featuring flaky croissants soaked in a rich custard with savory ham and melted cheese, delivering a crispy golden top and creamy center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large day-old croissants, roughly torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups diced cooked ham
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with melted butter.
  2. Tear croissants into bite-sized pieces and dice the cooked ham into roughly ½-inch cubes. Toss together with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture. Gently stir to coat evenly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow croissants to absorb the custard.
  5. Pour the soaked mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use day-old croissants to avoid sogginess; if using fresh croissants, toast lightly first. Room temperature eggs and milk help create a smooth custard. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes or broil briefly at the end. Soaking time should not exceed 15 minutes to prevent mushiness. Variations include vegetarian substitutions and slow cooker method.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, ham and cheese, croissant casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, savory breakfast