Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake

Name: Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, sliced in half; 1 cup cooked ham, diced; 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar); 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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I absolutely love making this Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake when I have friends over for brunch. It's a delightful combination of buttery croissants, savory ham, and creamy cheese that everyone enjoys. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it also fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in. Trust me, this will become a go-to for any gathering!

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:53:08.541Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was on a quest to create a breakfast dish that was both indulgent and easy to prepare. After a few attempts, I discovered that layering fresh buttery croissants with ham and cheese, then soaking them in a custard mixture, was the trick. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the croissants fluffy.

One tip I can share is to let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before baking. This soaking time lets the croissants absorb all the delicious flavors and makes them even more decadent. Every bite is a heavenly experience!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich flavors of ham and cheese nestled in flaky croissants
An easy make-ahead dish for hassle-free entertaining
Perfectly baked, crispy topping that adds great texture

The Role of Croissants

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the croissants. Their flaky texture provides a delightful contrast to the moist custard and savory fillings. Using day-old croissants can enhance the outcome, as they will absorb the custard mixture better than fresh ones, preventing a mushy result. If you can’t find croissants, consider using a buttery brioche or even puff pastry as a substitute, but keep in mind that the texture will vary.

When selecting croissants, opt for ones that are larger and more buttery. This will ensure that they hold their shape during baking and provide the rich flavor that complements the ham and cheese. Look for ones that are golden brown and have a crispy exterior; this will help them maintain their integrity throughout the soaking process.

Mastering the Custard

The custard mixture in this recipe is crucial for achieving a rich, creamy texture. Whisking the eggs thoroughly with the milk ensures that the mixture is homogeneous, resulting in even soaking throughout the croissant halves. I recommend using whole milk for the best richness, but if you want to lighten it up, alternatives like almond milk or low-fat milk can work; just keep in mind that they may yield a slightly different flavor and creaminess.

Make sure to pour the custard evenly over the croissants and give them a gentle press after pouring. This allows the mixture to penetrate deeply into the croissants, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. A tip here is to let it soak for longer than 30 minutes if possible—up to a couple of hours or even overnight in the refrigerator—this enhances the overall flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

6 large croissants, sliced in half
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar)
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare this delicious bake:

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the croissants in half and place them in a greased baking dish. Make sure to line them up tightly to avoid gaps.

Add the Fillings

Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese evenly over the croissant halves. Feel free to layer them generously for extra flavor.

Make the Custard Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants and fillings, ensuring they soak up the liquid.

Soak and Bake

Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard. Then, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve

Once done, let it cool for a few minutes, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake!

Now you can enjoy a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, experiment by including sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day.

Serving Suggestions

This Ham And Cheese Croissant Bake is delightful on its own but can be paired nicely with a fresh salad or sliced fruits to balance the richness. A light arugula or spinach salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing element, making the meal more satisfying and visually appealing at brunch.

For an extra touch, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a spicy mustard on the side. These condiments can elevate the flavor profile and provide a nice contrast to the creamy and savory components of the dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing this dish the night before is one of its greatest advantages. Simply follow the steps until you pour the custard over the croissants, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the croissants to soak up the flavors fully, which results in an even more delicious bake in the morning.

When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and give it a few minutes at room temperature before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents any abrupt temperature changes that might affect texture.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place individual servings in the microwave for quick warming, or opt for the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the croissant's crispness. Reheating in the oven is my preferred method, as it keeps the texture flaky and avoids that soggy outcome that can happen in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish after baking, wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. It will last well for up to two months. To enjoy it later, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat following the same oven method for the best results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight before baking it in the morning.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

Gruyère or Cheddar are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like mozzarella or a blend.

→ Can I use stale croissants?

Absolutely! Stale croissants actually work better as they soak up the custard mixture more effectively.

→ How long does leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and they reheat well in the oven or microwave.