Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole: the ultimate brunch centerpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of the Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole are a bit hazy, it’s a delightful evolution of classic comfort food. Think of it as a sophisticated twist on the humble ham and cheese sandwich, elevated to casserole status. Croissants, with their flaky layers and rich buttery flavor, bring a touch of French elegance to this crowd-pleasing dish.

What makes this casserole so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The soft, yielding croissants soak up a creamy custard, while the salty ham and gooey cheese provide a satisfying contrast. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or potlucks. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham! Trust me, once you try this Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole, it will become a staple in your brunch rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of croissants (about 8-10 croissants), preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound cooked ham, diced
• 1 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded (or a mix of Gruyere and Swiss)
• 6 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure even cooking. While the oven is heating, you can prepare the casserole.
2. Prepare the croissants. Cut the croissants into 1-inch cubes. Day-old croissants work best because they are slightly drier and will absorb the custard better without becoming soggy. If your croissants are very fresh, you can leave them out uncovered for a few hours to dry them out a bit.
3. Combine the ham and cheese. In a large bowl, combine the diced ham and shredded Gruyere cheese (or your cheese mixture). Make sure the ham is evenly diced so it distributes well throughout the casserole.
4. Layer the ingredients. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half of the cubed croissants evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the ham and cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining croissants and ham and cheese. Try to distribute everything as evenly as possible for the best flavor in every bite.

Making the Custard:

1. Whisk the eggs. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create a creamy custard.
2. Add the seasonings. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the egg mixture. Whisk again until everything is thoroughly incorporated. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the ham and cheese beautifully, and the nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor.
3. Pour the custard over the croissant mixture. Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissant and ham/cheese layers in the baking dish. Make sure the custard seeps down into all the nooks and crannies. You might need to gently press down on the croissants to help them absorb the custard.
4. Let it soak. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This allows the croissants to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and more flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will do, but overnight is ideal.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Remove from refrigerator and prepare for baking. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This helps ensure even cooking.
2. Preheat oven (if you haven’t already). Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C).
3. Drizzle with melted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This will help the top brown nicely.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory crust.
5. Bake. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
6. Let it rest. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.
7. Garnish and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve warm. This casserole is delicious on its own or with a side salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or even a smoked Gouda would all be delicious in this casserole.
• Meat Variations: Instead of ham, you could use cooked sausage, bacon, or even leftover turkey or chicken.
• Vegetable Additions: Add some chopped vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be great additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard for a little bit of heat.
• Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the refrigerator to the oven.
• Serving Suggestions: This casserole is great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Serve it with a side salad, fresh fruit, or a cup of coffee.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Troubleshooting:

Casserole is too dry:

If your casserole turns out too dry, it could be because the croissants were too dry to begin with, or you overbaked it. Make sure to use day-old croissants or let fresh croissants dry out a bit before using them. Also, keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking and cover it with foil if the top is browning too quickly.

Casserole is too soggy:

If your casserole turns out too soggy, it could be because the croissants were too fresh and absorbed too much custard. Make sure to use day-old croissants or let fresh croissants dry out a bit before using them. Also, don’t oversoak the croissants in the custard. Refrigerating overnight is ideal, but if you’re short on time, 30 minutes is enough.

Casserole is not cooking evenly:

If your casserole is not cooking evenly, it could be because your oven is not heating evenly. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. You can also rotate the casserole halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Custard is curdled:

If your custard curdles, it could be because you overcooked it. Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Conclusion:

This Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole is truly a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness, all nestled within the flaky embrace of buttery croissants. Seriously, what’s not to love? The ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekend brunches, or even a potluck contribution that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through, and I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t rave about it.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While the classic ham and cheese combination is a winner, feel free to experiment with different fillings to suit your taste. Consider swapping out the ham for cooked sausage or bacon for a heartier flavor. Vegetarian? No problem! Load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers for a delicious meat-free version. You could even add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For serving suggestions, this casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A light vinaigrette dressing will cut through the richness of the casserole perfectly. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced and satisfying meal. If you’re serving it for brunch, consider adding a side of crispy hash browns or some scrambled eggs. And don’t forget the mimosas!

Beyond the core ingredients, think about elevating the cheese factor. Gruyere adds a nutty depth, while sharp cheddar provides a tangy kick. A blend of mozzarella and provolone will create a wonderfully gooey and melty texture. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use whatever cheeses you have on hand. You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture for a subtle tang that complements the ham and cheese perfectly. A dash of hot sauce can also add a welcome bit of heat.

I truly believe this Ham Cheese Croissant Casserole will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s comforting, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible casserole. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!