Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite breakfast dish: the Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, it’s so simple to make you’ll wonder why you haven’t been whipping it up for brunch every weekend! Seriously, the flaky, buttery croissants soak up all that rich, creamy egg mixture, and when it comes out of the oven, it’s golden and bubbly. You get that perfect combination of savory ham and melty cheese, all nestled in those soft croissant layers. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can prep it the night before—how easy is that? I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake:
- 6 croissants
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together so beautifully! You can really mix and match depending on what you have on hand, but I promise you, the classic combo of ham and cheese is unbeatable. Don’t forget to use those flaky croissants; they’re the star of the show!
How to Prepare Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when it comes out of the oven. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your bake to start cooking immediately when it hits the oven. A properly preheated oven ensures that everything cooks evenly, giving you that delightful golden top!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, grab your favorite baking dish and give it a good greasing. I usually use a bit of butter or cooking spray—whatever’s handy! This will make it super easy to scoop out those delicious croissant pieces later on. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with a sticky disaster when you’re ready to serve!
Step 3: Layer the Croissants
Now for the fun part: cut your croissants in half! I like to slice them right down the middle so they can soak up all that eggy goodness. Layer those halves in your greased baking dish, making sure they fit snugly together. The more layers, the better! You want every bite to be filled with that amazing croissant texture.
Step 4: Add Ham and Cheese
Once your croissants are all layered up, it’s time to sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese over the top. I like to do this evenly so every bite has a perfect balance of savory ham and melty cheese. You can’t go wrong with a generous amount of cheese—am I right?
Step 5: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined; this is what’s going to bind all those layers together. The Dijon adds a lovely subtle tang—don’t skip it! It really elevates the dish.
Step 6: Combine and Soak
Now, pour that delicious egg mixture over the croissant layers. Make sure to cover them evenly—this is where all that flavor comes in! After pouring, let it sit for about 15 minutes to soak up all that liquid. This step is key for achieving that rich, custardy texture!
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Finally, it’s time to bake! Pop your dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. You’ll know it’s done when it looks all bubbly and inviting. Just wait until you catch that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s pure bliss!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake, let me share some of my best tips to ensure that yours turns out absolutely perfect!
- Use Day-Old Croissants: If you can, use day-old croissants. They’ll soak up the egg mixture better and won’t get too soggy. Fresh ones are delicious, but a little age gives them the right texture for this bake!
- Get Creative with Cheese: While cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, feel free to experiment! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a bit of blue cheese can add a unique twist to your dish. Just think about what flavors you love!
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some greens, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms. They not only boost the nutrition but add color and flavor, too!
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare this dish the night before! Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it fresh for an effortless breakfast.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bake as it nears the end of the cooking time. Ovens can vary, so if the top is golden but the center is still jiggly, give it a few extra minutes. You want it to be set but not overbaked!
- Let it Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let your bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes cutting easier—plus, no one wants to burn their mouths on molten cheese!
These little tips will help you nail this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear how your Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake turns out! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional values for a serving of my delightful Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 18g
This dish is not only satisfying but also packs a punch with protein and flavor! Perfect for fueling your busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake is how well it lends itself to make-ahead prep. You can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just take it out, let it sit for a few minutes while your oven preheats, and then bake it fresh! This way, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade breakfast without any stress.
What type of cheese works best?
When it comes to cheese, you really can’t go wrong! Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices that blend beautifully with the ham, but I love to mix it up sometimes. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish, while mozzarella gives you that gooey stretch we all adore. If you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of blue cheese can add a flavorful kick. Just think about what you love, and go for it!
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutrition and flavor of your Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake. Spinach, bell peppers, and even mushrooms are great options. You can sauté them first to enhance their flavors, or simply layer them in with the ham and cheese. Not only do they add color and texture, but they make this dish even more satisfying! Go ahead and get creative—your bake will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake is going to become your new go-to dish!
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. Talk about a stress-free breakfast!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese! This recipe is super versatile and can be tailored to fit your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish is always a hit. Everyone loves that gooey cheese and savory ham nestled in flaky croissants!
- Comfort Food: It’s like a warm hug on a plate! The combination of flavors and textures will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, this bake fits right in. It’s perfect for any meal of the day!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s simply irresistible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of your Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake left (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
First, let the dish cool completely before storing. You don’t want any condensation making it soggy! Once it’s cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super easy. If it’s in the fridge, you can just pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up, about 1-2 minutes should do the trick. For a more crispy top, I recommend reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slice on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and that top is slightly crispy again. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out—you want it to be as delightful as it was the first time around!
Enjoy every last bite, and I can’t wait to hear how you like it! Happy reheating!
Print
Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake: 7 Irresistible Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 croissants
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Cut croissants in half and layer them in the dish.
- Sprinkle diced ham and shredded cheese over the croissants.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the croissant layers.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the liquid.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Use leftover croissants for best results.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake, Breakfast Casserole, Croissant Recipe