Description
Delightful ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole brings weekend brunch magic to your morning table. Layers of flaky croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese create a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cooked ham, diced or sliced
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
- 8 large eggs
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare your baking vessel by generously coating the interior with a non-stick cooking spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Delicately tear croissants into rustic, bite-sized fragments, creating an uneven landscape across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Distribute diced ham evenly over the croissant pieces, followed by a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese, creating a delectable foundation for the morning feast.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs until they transform into a smooth, uniform mixture, incorporating milk, cream, and a medley of seasonings including salt, pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder.
- Gently cascade the egg custard over the layered croissants, ham, and cheese, using gentle pressure to help the bread absorb the luxurious liquid.
- Seal the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their flavors by resting in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, or ideally overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), removing the casserole from the refrigerator to warm slightly at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes.
- Place the uncovered casserole in the heated oven, baking until the custard sets completely and the surface achieves a golden, crispy perfection, typically 30-35 minutes.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous flavor before serving to eager breakfast companions.
Notes
- Customize the croissants by using different types like chocolate or almond, adding unique flavor variations to the breakfast casserole.
- Swap traditional ham with turkey bacon, prosciutto, or vegetarian bacon alternatives for dietary preferences or to experiment with different protein options.
- Enhance the cheese selection by mixing Swiss with cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to create a more complex and exciting flavor profile.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before, allowing the croissants to fully absorb the creamy custard and develop deeper, richer flavors overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 471
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 826 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg