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Easy Ham and Swiss Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Ham and Swiss Croissant Breakfast Casserole - featured image

A comforting and easy-to-prepare breakfast casserole featuring buttery croissants, savory ham, and nutty Swiss cheese soaked overnight in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large butter croissants (day-old or slightly stale works best)
  • 2 cups diced ham (good-quality deli ham or leftover cooked ham)
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (Emmental or Gruyère preferred)
  • 6 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Tear 6 large butter croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Scatter 2 cups diced ham evenly over the croissants.
  3. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese on top, distributing evenly.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 ½ cups whole milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme if using.
  6. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant, ham, and cheese layers. Press down gently with a spatula to help croissants absorb the liquid without mashing.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  9. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set (knife inserted should come out clean).
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for best custard absorption without sogginess. Cover casserole during initial baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover to brown the top. Let rest before serving for easier slicing. Can substitute ham with cooked sausage or smoked turkey. For vegetarian version, omit ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Gluten-free croissants or bread cubes can be used for gluten-free adaptation. Freeze assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham, Swiss cheese, croissant, breakfast casserole, overnight casserole, easy breakfast, brunch, custard, savory breakfast