Introduction

This Croissant Breakfast Bake is a delightful way to start your morning with layers of flaky croissants, savory ham, and melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, it’s rich, comforting, and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 large butter croissants
8 ounces ham, cut into 1 x ¼-inch strips
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
10 large eggs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (10 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups whole milk (16 ounces)
1 cup heavy cream (8 ounces)
Chopped fresh chives, for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Tear the croissants into large chunks, about 2 inches in size. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes to dry them out.
Step 3: Remove the croissants from the oven and place them closely together in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 325°F.
Step 5: Scatter the ham strips evenly over the croissants, then sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
Step 6: In a large bowl with a pourable spout, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 7: Whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Pour this mixture evenly over the croissants, covering them thoroughly.
Step 8: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg custard has set.
Step 9: Remove the foil, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Use other cheeses like Swiss or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking to help it set before slicing.
Adding a pinch of black pepper adds a nice extra touch of warmth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes or until warm. You can also freeze the bake before cooking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if chilled.

What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella cheeses work well as substitutes, though Gruyère brings a unique nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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This Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and savory casserole perfect for a special brunch or breakfast gathering. Featuring flaky butter croissants baked with layers of savory ham and melted Gruyère cheese, all set in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and aromatic spices. Topped with fresh chives, this dish combines buttery, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors for a comforting and elegant start to your day.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

8 large butter croissants

Protein & Cheese

8 ounces ham, cut into 1 x ¼-inch strips
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Custard Mixture

10 large eggs
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (10 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups whole milk (16 ounces)
1 cup heavy cream (8 ounces)

Garnish

Chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Dry Out Croissants: Tear the butter croissants into large chunks about 2 inches in size. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes to dry them out, ensuring they absorb the custard properly without becoming soggy.
Arrange Croissants: Remove the croissants from the oven and place them closely together in the greased casserole dish to form a base layer.
Increase Oven Temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) for baking the casserole.
Add Ham and Cheese: Scatter the ham strips evenly over the croissant pieces, then sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese on top to add a rich savory flavor.
Mix Custard: In a large bowl with a pourable spout, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg until well combined to build flavor depth.
Incorporate Dairy: Whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to the egg mixture until smooth and evenly blended, creating a creamy custard.
Pour Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are covered well.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg custard has fully set.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor, and serve warm.

Notes

Drying the croissants before assembling prevents sogginess and helps them soak up the custard evenly.
If preferred, substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss or Emmental for a similar melt and flavor.
Depending on your oven, check the custard at 35 minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
Fresh chives add color and a mild onion flavor, but you can use parsley or scallions as alternatives.
Make ahead by assembling the night before, keeping it covered in the fridge, and baking in the morning. Increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

Keywords: croissant breakfast casserole, ham and cheese bake, savory breakfast bake, brunch recipes, egg custard bake