When the leaves start to turn golden and the mornings carry a crisp chill, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of something rich, cheesy, and warm baking in the oven. This Delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s become a reader favorite for good reason it’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for lazy weekend brunches, cozy family mornings, or even a comforting weeknight dinner.
I first made this on a chilly Sunday when I had some leftover croissants and deli ham to use up. What started as a casual experiment quickly turned into a family request over and over again. It’s now a go-to whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours to prepare.
If you’ve ever loved a buttery croissant sandwich, imagine it baked into a savory, cheesy, custardy casserole. Yep, it’s that good.
Let’s break down how to make this dish, with a few extra tips to make it foolproof for any home cook.
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Delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A buttery, cheesy, and savory croissant casserole baked with ham and eggs. This cozy dish is perfect for brunch, holidays, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 large all-butter croissants (stale or fresh)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or a blend)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cut croissants into large bite-sized pieces. If fresh, let sit out for a couple of hours to dry slightly.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the croissants, half the ham, and half the cheese. Repeat with remaining croissants, ham, and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, garlic powder, mustard, pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Pour custard evenly over the casserole. Press down gently so croissants absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chives or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
Use quality buttery croissants for best flavor. Overnight soaking gives the creamiest texture. Swap ham with mushrooms, spinach, or turkey for variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole:
- 4 large all-butter croissants (stale or fresh)
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or a blend)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for richness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a sweeter take on flaky breakfast dishes, the Strawberry Danish Recipe also makes a lovely fall pairing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the croissants: Cut the croissants into large bite-sized pieces. If they’re fresh, let them sit out for a couple of hours to dry slightly. This helps them soak up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the croissant pieces on the bottom, sprinkle half the ham and cheese, then repeat with the remaining croissants, ham, and cheese.
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, garlic powder, mustard, pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Pour and soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Press down lightly so the croissants absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden. The center should be set and not jiggly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions.
Pair it with a side of something slightly sweet like Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf for the ultimate fall brunch spread.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the soak: Giving your casserole time to absorb the custard makes all the difference. Overnight soaking yields the creamiest texture.
- Use quality croissants: Flaky, buttery croissants are the star. Avoid anything too dense or doughy.
- Ham options: You can use leftover baked ham, deli slices, or even turkey for a lighter twist.
And if you’re craving even more cozy comfort, you might love this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese as a sweet finish to the meal.
Easy Variations
Want to personalize your casserole? Try these creative spins:
- Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free croissants or brioche rolls. Just make sure they’re slightly stale to mimic the traditional texture.
- Vegetarian swap: Skip the ham and load it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in cream cheese chunks or try Gruyère for deeper flavor.
- Spicy upgrade: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Fall twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or sage for an herbal, earthy note that pairs beautifully with baked ham.
For another hearty brunch dish, our Frittata Recipe Dinner is packed with veggies and perfect for busy evenings too.
Storage and Reheating
This Delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole stores like a dream:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Microwave slices for 1–2 minutes or bake at 325°F until warmed through.
You can even make this dish ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning—ideal for holidays or family weekends.
And if you’re planning a full fall menu, this Banana Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread makes the perfect pairing for a sweet note at brunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about the contrast of flaky croissants, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese that makes this dish feel luxurious and comforting all at once. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping a potluck brunch, or just want to treat yourself to a warm and filling meal, this Delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole delivers.