Irresistible Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe for Easy Brunch

The smell of buttery croissants layered with savory ham and gooey melted cheese wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This irresistible ham and cheese croissant bake is a brunch game-changer that combines comfort and elegance in one dish. I first whipped up this recipe for a family gathering, and let me tell you—it became an instant classic. Croissant bakes are like the ultimate brunch hack: minimal prep, maximum flavor, and they look absolutely stunning on the table.

If you love a dish that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours on it, this recipe is for you. Picture this: flaky croissants soaked in a rich, cheesy custard, layered with smoky ham, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just need a weekend pick-me-up, this dish checks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time and bakes in less than an hour.
• Perfect for Brunch: A crowd-pleasing dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it with your favorite cheeses, meats, or even add veggies.
• Comfort Food Classic: Think of all the best breakfast flavors—croissants, ham, cheese—baked into one decadent casserole.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free brunch.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The croissants stay flaky while soaking up the creamy custard, and the ham adds a smoky, salty bite to every forkful. Plus, melted cheese? Always a win. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This ham and cheese croissant bake uses simple, accessible ingredients that you might already have on hand. Here’s the full lineup:

• Croissants: 6 large, day-old croissants (slightly stale croissants work best for soaking up the custard).
• Ham: 8 ounces of sliced deli ham (I prefer honey ham for a touch of sweetness, but any will do).
• Cheese: 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor).
• Eggs: 6 large eggs (room temperature for better blending).
• Milk: 1 ¾ cups whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra richness).
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup heavy cream (this adds a luxurious texture to the custard).
• Mustard: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang to balance the richness).
• Salt & Pepper: To taste (season as you go to ensure the perfect balance).
• Chives: Optional, for garnish (adds a fresh pop of color and flavor).

Feel free to swap the ham for cooked bacon or turkey, or use cheddar if Gruyère isn’t your thing. You can even toss in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an added veggie boost.

Equipment Needed

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard ingredients.
• Whisk: To ensure the eggs and cream are fully blended.
• Knife: For slicing croissants and ham.
• Grater: To shred your cheese (if not pre-shredded).

No fancy equipment is needed! If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, any similarly sized oven-safe dish will work. Just make sure the croissants fit snugly without overflowing.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Slice the Croissants: Cut each croissant into halves or thirds, depending on size. Arrange them evenly in the baking dish.
3. Add the Ham: Layer slices of ham on top of the croissants. You can tuck the ham between croissant layers for even distribution.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese: Scatter shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the ham and croissants.
5. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the mixture over the croissants, ensuring they are evenly soaked.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.

Pro tip: If the croissants look like they’re browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants absorb the custard better, resulting in a more cohesive bake.
• Try a Cheese Blend: Mixing Gruyère with a touch of sharp cheddar can add depth to the flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole to avoid drying out the custard. It should be set but still creamy.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the bake the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
• Customize the Layers: Add thinly sliced tomatoes or caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for a veggie-packed dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croissants or bread as a substitute to make this bake suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap ham for turkey and add cranberry sauce for a festive holiday version.
• Cheese Lovers: Double the cheese and combine Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan for an extra indulgent bake.

I once tried replacing the ham with smoked salmon and added some dill—it was a total hit for a spring brunch!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This ham and cheese croissant bake is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad, a fruit platter, or mimosas for the ultimate brunch spread. For presentation, garnish with chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking—just cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of this ham and cheese croissant bake is approximately 400 calories, with 20g protein, 25g fat, and 25g carbohydrates. The croissants provide a deliciously flaky texture, while the ham adds lean protein. Gruyère cheese brings calcium and a rich flavor, and the eggs contribute essential nutrients like choline and vitamin D.

This recipe is a great option for a meal that feels indulgent without going overboard, and it can easily fit into a balanced diet when paired with lighter sides.

Conclusion

This irresistible ham and cheese croissant bake is the ultimate brunch dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself, this recipe will be your new favorite. I love how customizable it is—you can make it your own with a few simple tweaks.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out for you! Did you add your own spin? Share your version in the comments below or tag me in your photos. Happy baking, and may your brunches always be cozy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use fresh croissants for this recipe?

Yes, but day-old croissants work better as they soak up the custard without becoming too soggy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake it fresh in the morning.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

No problem! Swiss cheese, sharp cheddar, or even mozzarella can work as substitutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave after thawing.

Can I make this without eggs?

While eggs are key for the custard, you can try a vegan egg substitute if needed for dietary restrictions.

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