Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe

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Easter brunch, holiday mornings, or just a lazy Sunday—this Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole is buttery, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make ahead of time.

Imagine flaky croissants soaked in a rich egg custard, layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then baked to golden perfection.

Sounds fancy, right? But the best part? You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning—giving you more time for mimosas and Easter egg hunts.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Zero Morning Stress: Want more time for mimosas and less time in the kitchen? You got it! This make-ahead casserole is all about prepping once, enjoying twice. Assemble it the night before, chill out, then bake the next day while you sip your coffee—like a brunch pro.

Ultimate Flavor Mash-Up: Who doesn’t love a good croissant? Now picture it—flaky croissants, soaked in savory egg custard, meeting juicy ham and gooey cheese in a delicious flavor tête-à-tête. It’s like a breakfast symphony that’ll have your taste buds singing.

Customizable to the Max: Feeling adventurous? Swap Swiss for Gruyère, or throw in some smoked gouda. This casserole is your canvas. Feeling veggie? Add some spinach or tomatoes and shake things up!

A Surefire Crowd-Pleaser: Hosting brunch? Whether it’s Easter or a lazy Sunday, this dish will wow your guests. It’s all the goodness of a fancy brunch with none of the fuss.

Kitchen Aroma Heaven: As this beauty bakes, the smell alone might bring the neighbors knocking. Plus, that golden-brown, melty cheese finish? Instagram ready and appetite approved.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 6 large croissants, torn into pieces
• 1 ½ cups diced ham (or leftover Easter ham!)
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra flavor)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds a slight tang)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Croissants & Ham

Tear the croissants into large chunks and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the top.

2. Make the Egg Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

3. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants and ham. Sprinkle Swiss and cheddar cheese on top, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and delicious.

4. Let It Soak (Make-Ahead Option!)

• Overnight Method: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Same-Day Baking: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.

5. Bake Until Golden & Delicious

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and set.
• Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fat: 24g

Tips for the Best Croissant Casserole

💡 Use Stale Croissants – Slightly dry croissants soak up the custard better, giving you a soft but structured casserole.
💡 Try Different Cheeses – Swap Swiss for Gruyère, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist.
💡 Don’t Skip the Dijon! – It enhances the savory flavors without making the dish taste like mustard.

Final Thoughts….

This Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast recipe, whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just want to make mornings easier. Flaky, cheesy, and loaded with ham, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that saves you time while delivering big flavor.

So go ahead—make it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and let your house fill with the most amazing brunch aroma. Cheers to effortless, delicious mornings!

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