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Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole

Featured in: Start Your Day Right

Let me share this absolute game-changer of a breakfast casserole that's revolutionized my weekend brunches! You start by layering buttery, flaky croissants with generous slices of ham and lots of stretchy mozzarella, then pour over this silky-smooth egg custard that seeps into every nook and cranny of the croissants. While it bakes, the most amazing transformation happens - the top gets golden and crispy while the inside stays incredibly custardy and rich. The best part is how the croissants create these perfectly light, fluffy layers that make it so much more special than regular breakfast casseroles!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:51:25 GMT
A freshly baked dish of golden, flaky pastry filled with creamy sauce and sliced ham, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A freshly baked dish of golden, flaky pastry filled with creamy sauce and sliced ham, garnished with parsley. | tastygusto.com

My Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole turns simple ingredients into something absolutely magical. Think buttery croissants soaked in rich custard layered with savory ham and melty mozzarella. It's like having breakfast at a cozy French cafe right in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

I love how easy this casserole is to put together and it's perfect for using up those day-old croissants. The way the custard soaks into those flaky layers and the cheese gets all melty it's just heaven. Whether you're hosting brunch or want something special for breakfast this dish never fails to impress.

Everything You Need

  • Croissants: Cut them into nice big chunks they're the star here.
  • Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Makes the most amazing custard.
  • Eggs: Helps everything hold together beautifully.
  • Ham: I like using deli ham cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Mozzarella: Gets wonderfully melty and stretchy.
  • Seasonings: Italian herbs salt and pepper keep it simple.
A close-up of a golden-brown baked croissant dish with creamy filling and garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a golden-brown baked croissant dish with creamy filling and garnished with fresh parsley. | tastygusto.com

Let's Make It Together

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F and grease a nice big baking dish. Layer in those croissant pieces ham and half your cheese. Mix up your custard with the cream milk eggs and seasonings pour it all over making sure everything gets soaked. Give it a gentle press down top with the rest of your cheese cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes then another 10 uncovered until it's golden and perfect.

Mix It Up

  • Cheese Options: Try cheddar brie or parmesan they're all amazing.
  • No Meat?: Sautéed mushrooms or veggies work beautifully.
  • Different Proteins: Crispy bacon or prosciutto add great flavor.
  • Dairy Free?: You might try almond or oat milk though I haven't tested these.

Make Life Easy

  • Plan Ahead: Put it all together the night before pop it in the fridge and bake it fresh in the morning.
  • Leftovers: Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days warm them in the oven to get that fresh-baked taste back.
A golden-brown pastry dish filled with ham, cheese, and topped with parsley, served in a white baking dish. Pin it
A golden-brown pastry dish filled with ham, cheese, and topped with parsley, served in a white baking dish. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
→ Can I use different cheese?
Yes, swap mozzarella for Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese.
→ Why use stale croissants?
Slightly stale croissants better absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
→ Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would work well. Just cook and drain any excess moisture first.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole

A savory breakfast casserole combining buttery croissants with ham and melted mozzarella in a rich egg custard.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 11x7-inch casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 5 croissants, cut into 1-inch pieces.
02 1/2 pound thin sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch pieces.
03 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.
04 1/4 cup heavy cream.
05 1 cup whole milk.
06 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
07 3 large eggs.
08 1 teaspoon sea salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
10 Dried parsley for garnish (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 11x7-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine croissant pieces, ham, and half the mozzarella in dish.

Step 03

Mix cream, milk, seasonings, eggs, salt and pepper.

Step 04

Pour custard over croissant mixture, press down to absorb. Top with remaining cheese.

Step 05

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden.

Notes

  1. Great for using leftover ham.
  2. Can use stale croissants.

Tools You'll Need

  • 11x7-inch baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 493
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 24 g