Ham, Egg and Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Mornings often feel rushed, yet breakfast remains the most comforting way to start the day. A dish that balances convenience, indulgence, and nourishment can completely transform your routine. The Ham Egg and Croissant Breakfast Casserole delivers exactly that—rich, buttery croissants layered with savory ham, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese baked into a golden, satisfying casserole.

Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or make-ahead weekday breakfasts, this casserole brings bakery-style comfort straight to your kitchen. The croissants soak up the egg mixture beautifully, creating a soft interior with crisp edges, while the ham adds a salty depth that pairs effortlessly with creamy cheese. Whether served to family or guests, this dish feels special without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients are simple, familiar, and easy to customize based on taste or dietary needs.

Ingredient & Calorie Table (Approximate Per Serving)

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories
Croissants (day-old preferred)	4 large	920
Cooked ham, diced	1½ cups	360
Eggs	8 large	560
Whole milk	1½ cups	225
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère)	1½ cups	660
Butter (for greasing)	1 tbsp	100
Salt	1 tsp	0
Black pepper	½ tsp	0
Dijon mustard (optional)	1 tbsp	15
Fresh herbs (chives or parsley, optional)	2 tbsp	5

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Croissants
   Tear or cut croissants into large chunks and spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. Add the Ham and Cheese
   Sprinkle diced ham over the croissants, followed by an even layer of shredded cheese.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture
   In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole
   Slowly pour the egg mixture over the croissant layers, pressing gently to ensure everything is soaked.
6. Rest (Optional but Recommended)
   Allow the casserole to sit for 15–30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
7. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
8. Cool and Serve
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Swap the Protein: Replace ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey.
• Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions add nutrition and color.
• Cheese Variations: Gruyère offers elegance, mozzarella adds stretch, while pepper jack brings heat.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free croissants or bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	~470 kcal
Protein	22 g
Fat	32 g
Carbohydrates	24 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	Moderate (varies by ham and cheese)

This casserole provides a satisfying balance of protein and fats, making it filling enough to keep hunger at bay for hours.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh fruit salad to brighten the richness.
• Serve alongside crispy breakfast potatoes for a hearty brunch spread.
• Complement with coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice.
• Add a simple green salad if serving for brunch or lunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make ham, egg, and croissant breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble all the ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Freezing is possible, but best done after baking. Allow the casserole to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

3. What type of croissants work best for this recipe?

Day-old or slightly stale croissants work best because they absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Fresh croissants can be used, but lightly toasting them first helps improve texture.

4. Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Absolutely. Cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken make excellent substitutes. Vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or spinach also work well.

5. What cheese is best for a croissant breakfast casserole?

Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses work beautifully. Swiss and Gruyère pair especially well with ham, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor.

Conclusion

The Ham, Egg and Croissant Breakfast Casserole combines elegance and ease in one irresistible dish. Buttery croissants, savory ham, and creamy eggs come together in a comforting bake that works just as well for quiet mornings as it does for celebratory brunches. Its make-ahead convenience, endless customization options, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation.