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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with this incredible Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole recipe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a fun sleepover, or simply looking for a delicious way to use up leftover ham, this dish is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful blend of fluffy croissants, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all baked in a rich, custardy egg mixture. This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a memory-maker that brings warmth and joy to any morning.

I distinctly remember my mom preparing this very casserole for those special family moments – think cozy Christmas mornings or exciting sleepovers with friends. It was always a much-anticipated treat, and because we only baked a big ham a few times a year, it remained a truly special occasion dish. Now, I carry on that tradition, making it the morning after a holiday ham feast. The magic of this casserole is undeniable; I once served it at a brunch, and a vegetarian friend, after tasting a piece, declared that I had changed his life! While I’d love to take full credit, the truth is, it’s the casserole itself that possesses a magical quality.

A spatula holds up a piece of ham and croissant breakfast casserole with the casserole dish in the background — Indulge in a slice of this heavenly Ham and Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole

Perfect for Special Occasions: This casserole shines during holidays, family gatherings, or any morning you want to make a little extra special. Its impressive appearance and flavor make it a brunch showstopper.
Effortless Make-Ahead: The beauty of this recipe lies in its prep-ahead convenience. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake it fresh in the morning. This allows you to wake up to a stress-free, delicious breakfast without spending precious morning hours in the kitchen.
Brilliant Use for Leftover Ham: Have some leftover holiday ham lingering in the fridge? This casserole is the perfect solution, transforming those delicious remnants into a brand new, exciting meal. It minimizes food waste and maximizes flavor!
A True Crowd-Pleaser: As my vegetarian friend’s reaction proved, this dish has a universal appeal. The combination of sweet and savory, soft and cheesy, is hard to resist, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone around your table.
Comfort Food at its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. This dish delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling, making it the ideal start to a cool morning or a celebratory day.

The Story Behind This Beloved Recipe

This delightful Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole holds a special place in my heart, rooted deeply in family traditions. It’s a recipe that hails from my mother’s kitchen, a true testament to her incredible cooking skills and generosity. She was the one who first introduced me to the magic of combining savory ham and flaky croissants into a comforting breakfast bake.

Most of what I know about cooking, and certainly my passion for it, I learned from her. She has a wonderful knack for creating dishes that are both simple and profoundly delicious, often with a story behind them. If you appreciate this recipe, I highly recommend exploring her culinary world. You can find more of her fantastic creations and kitchen wisdom on her blog: friedpiesandfireflies.com. It’s a treasure trove of home-style cooking and heartwarming recipes, much like this one, that have been cherished for generations.

This casserole is more than just ingredients; it’s a piece of family heritage, passed down and enjoyed, now shared with you.

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Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake

Turn your leftover ham and day-old croissants into this irresistible, savory breakfast casserole. A perfect make-ahead dish for any occasion!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 8 hours (includes overnight refrigeration)
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Adjust servings:

About 6 mini or 3 regular size croissants: Day-old croissants work best here as they absorb the egg mixture beautifully without becoming too soggy. You can easily find them in the bakery section of most grocery stores.
10 ounces cooked bone-in ham cut into bite-size chunks: This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover ham from a holiday dinner. If you don’t have leftovers, pre-cooked diced ham from the grocery store will also work perfectly.
6 ounces of cheese, shredded: Cheddar cheese is my top recommendation for its classic flavor and excellent melt, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar for a different profile.
6 Large Eggs: The foundation of our creamy custard. Fresh, good-quality eggs are key to a rich bake.
1 cup of half & half: This adds a luxurious richness to the egg custard. For a lighter version, you could use milk, or for an even richer casserole, heavy cream.
1 tablespoon dry ground mustard: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and enhances the savory flavors of the ham and cheese without overpowering them.
2 tablespoons honey: A touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ham and mustard, balancing the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the egg mixture.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Croissants: Begin by cutting or tearing your croissants into halves or thirds, depending on their size. The goal is to create pieces that will evenly distribute throughout the casserole. Arrange these croissant pieces in an even layer at the bottom of a pie plate or an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Add Ham and Cheese: Evenly scatter the bite-sized chunks of cooked ham over the croissant layer. Follow by sprinkling the shredded cheese generously over the ham and croissants. Ensure everything is distributed well for flavor in every bite.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the eggs, half & half, dry ground mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures a consistent custard base for your casserole.
Assemble and Refrigerate: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the pie plate. Gently press down any croissant pieces that might float to ensure they are fully soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This crucial step allows the croissants to absorb the liquid, creating that wonderfully moist and custardy texture.
Bake the Casserole: In the morning, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap. Cover the pie plate loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Finish Baking: After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil cover. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the eggs are fully set.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set further and makes for easier slicing.

Tips for the Perfect Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole

To ensure your breakfast casserole turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

The Overnight Chill is Essential: Do not skip the overnight refrigeration step! This allows the croissants to fully soak up the egg mixture, transforming them from simple bread to a rich, custardy base. Without this soak, your casserole might be dry or have unevenly cooked portions.
Choosing Your Croissants: While fresh croissants are delicious, day-old or slightly stale croissants are actually preferable for this recipe. They tend to hold their shape better and absorb the liquid more effectively without becoming too mushy. Both mini and regular-sized croissants work; adjust the quantity to fill your dish appropriately.
Ham Selection: This casserole is truly a star for using up leftover bone-in ham. The savory flavor from a baked ham adds incredible depth. If you don’t have leftovers, seek out good quality pre-cooked ham, preferably one that isn’t overly processed, and dice it yourself for better texture and taste.
Cheese Variations: Cheddar is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your cheese! Gruyere offers a nutty, complex flavor, Swiss cheese melts beautifully, or a blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar can create a wonderful profile.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery casserole. Keep an eye on it during the final baking stage without the foil. The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Ensure that the ham and cheese are spread evenly across the croissant pieces. This guarantees that every bite of your casserole will have a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Seasoning: Taste the egg mixture before pouring it over the croissants (of course, don’t ingest raw egg). You can adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, and remember that dry mustard is key for that subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a few complementary dishes can elevate your brunch experience:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant bowl of mixed berries, melon, and grapes provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Light Green Salad: For a more substantial brunch, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a fresh element.
Beverages: Mimosa, freshly squeezed orange juice, or a robust coffee are perfect companions for this decadent breakfast dish.
Additional Sides: If you’re hosting a large crowd, crispy bacon strips, pork sausage links, or roasted breakfast potatoes can round out the meal beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it great for meal prep or quick weekday breakfasts:

Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, until hot.
Freezing: While you can freeze individual portions (wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil), the texture of the croissants might be slightly different upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole without ham for a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! You can easily make this a vegetarian dish. Simply omit the ham and consider adding other savory elements like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also replace the ham with a plant-based breakfast sausage substitute.

What if I don’t have croissants? Can I use other bread?

While croissants lend a unique richness and flakiness to this casserole, you can certainly experiment with other types of bread. Challah, brioche, or even French bread cut into cubes would make excellent substitutes. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the egg mixture effectively.

Can I bake the casserole immediately, or does it really need to sit overnight?

For the best texture and flavor, the overnight soak is highly recommended. It allows the croissants to thoroughly absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a moist, custardy casserole rather than a dry, unevenly cooked one. If you’re truly short on time, aim for at least 2-4 hours of refrigeration, but overnight is ideal.

How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, the Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It makes for delicious leftovers!

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can! This casserole is very versatile. Consider adding finely diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor, then layer them with the ham and cheese.

What kind of pie plate or baking dish should I use?

A standard 9-inch pie plate works perfectly for this recipe. Alternatively, an 8×8 inch square baking dish would also be suitable. Ensure it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.