| |

Easy to Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole

Sharing is caring!

Cheesy casserole in white dish.

If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and satisfying breakfast idea, this delicious ham and cheese croissant casserole is the perfect choice. Whether you’re feeding your whole family on a busy morning or want to impress a guest with minimal effort, this cheese croissant breakfast casserole is bound to become your new favorite. With buttery croissants, savory ham, and gooey cheddar cheese, it’s hard to resist this comforting dish. Plus, its versatility makes it a great option for any occasion, from Sunday brunch to holiday mornings.

Jump to Recipe
Casserole being scooped out by wooden spoon.

A Brief History of Casseroles

The casserole’s roots run deep in culinary history, dating back to early European cooking, where hearty, one-dish meals became a staple for feeding large families. Over time, casseroles evolved to include various combinations of meats, vegetables, and starches, often baked together to create comforting and convenient meals. The ham and cheese croissant casserole fits seamlessly into this tradition, combining simple ingredients to deliver rich flavor and texture in every bite.

Casseroles gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a practical way to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd. Today, they’ve taken on new life, offering endless possibilities for customization. This particular recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham or stale croissants while creating something fresh and impressive.

Ham and cheese croissant being served.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this easy recipe is how little time it takes to prepare. Using simple ingredients like buttery croissants, diced ham, and cheddar cheese, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s also an ultimate breakfast casserole because it works well for special occasions or even as an everyday meal.

Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of green onions for a burst of color and flavor. This dish is not only versatile but also customizable, making it ideal for both picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

Ingredients in overhead shot.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large croissants, torn into croissant pieces
  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced (great for leftover ham)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or chives)

Recipe Instructions:

  1. Prep the Croissants and Ham
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking dish. Tear the buttery croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the diced ham over the croissants.
  2. Mix the Egg Mixture
    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika until well combined. This mixture will soak into the croissants and bring everything together.
  3. Assemble the Casserole
    Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and ham. Gently press down to ensure the croissants absorb the mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  4. Bake
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly.
  5. Serve
    Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired. Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Upclose image of casserole on wooden spoon.

Tips for Best Results:

  • Make Ahead: This cheese croissant breakfast casserole can be assembled the night before. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed for a stress-free breakfast bake.
  • Use Stale Croissants: Stale croissants work wonderfully for this recipe because they absorb the egg mixture better, creating a moist yet firm texture.
  • Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, toss in sautéed green onions, spinach, or bell peppers.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even a blend for different flavors. The ham & cheese combination pairs wonderfully with these variations.
  • Heavy Cream Option: Swap out some of the milk for heavy cream if you’re looking for an even richer dish.
Up close image of casserole on fork.

Why It’s a Great Option

This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it one of my favorite things to serve for Sunday brunch, holiday mornings, or any gathering. It’s also a great way to repurpose leftover ham, reducing food waste while creating a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. The combination of buttery croissants, creamy eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.

A New Favorite for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating special occasions, or just want a hearty meal to start the day, this ham and cheese croissant casserole is the ultimate breakfast casserole. With its rich flavors and minimal prep time, it’s a great recipe to add to your rotation. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite!

If you’re looking for another casserole option, check out the Ultimate Cashew Chicken Casserole Recipe!

Plate of casserole serving.

Easy to Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole

If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and satisfying breakfast idea, this delicious ham and cheese croissant casserole is the perfect choice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large croissants torn into pieces
  • 1 ½ cups cooked ham diced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Assemble Base

  • Tear croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in the dish.
  • Sprinkle diced ham over the croissants.

Prepare Egg Mixture

  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika until fully combined.

Combine Ingredients

  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant pieces and ham.
  • Gently press down to ensure the croissants absorb the egg mixture.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Bake

  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until eggs are set and cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve

  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
Keyword breakfast, breakfast casserole, cashew chicken casserole, ham and cheese, ham and cheese casserole, quick and easy recipe, Simple ingredients

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating