Description
Wake up to pure comfort with this Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole that turns your morning routine into a delicious celebration. Hearty layers of buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese come together in a breakfast dish that makes your whole family smile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
Liquid Base:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Tear 6 large croissants into roughly 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Scatter 2 cups of diced ham and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the croissant pieces, ensuring even coverage.
- Crack 6 large eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them with 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissant layer, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center.
- Uncover the casserole and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help it firm up.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped chives over the top for a fresh garnish if desired.
- Slice and serve warm, pairing with fresh fruit or a light salad.
Notes
- Overnight chilling helps croissants soak up the custard, creating a richer, more flavorful casserole.
- Choose day-old croissants for better texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs liquid more effectively.
- For a gluten-free version, swap croissants with gluten-free bread or use potato rounds as a base.
- Add extra flavor by mixing in herbs like thyme or rosemary into the custard mixture for a more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg