Introduction

This Croissant Breakfast Bake is a comforting and savory dish perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings. Flaky croissants soak in a rich egg custard with ham and Gruyère cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

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. Place 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 arrange them closely together in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 325°F.
Step 5: Scatter the ham pieces 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, then pour the mixture evenly over the croissants in the casserole dish.
Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the egg custard has set and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

To add a smoky flavor, substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage.
Use sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese if Gruyère is unavailable.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Let the bake sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to make slicing easier.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze the Croissant Breakfast Bake?

It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions after baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 135 reviews

A rich and savory Croissant Breakfast Bake combining buttery croissants, savory ham, and creamy Gruyère cheese, enveloped in a flavorful custard of eggs, Dijon mustard, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty brunch or special breakfast gathering.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Base

8 large butter croissants

Meat and 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 your oven to 250°F (120°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Dry the croissants: Tear the croissants into roughly 2-inch chunks. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes to dry out and slightly toast them, which will help maintain texture after soaking.
Arrange croissants in dish: Remove the dried croissant pieces from the oven and closely fit them into the greased casserole dish, creating an even base layer.
Increase oven temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Add ham and cheese: Scatter the ham strips evenly over the croissants, then sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese on top, ensuring coverage for a flavorful bite.
Prepare custard: In a large bowl with a pourable spout, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Incorporate milk and cream: Whisk the whole milk and heavy cream into the egg mixture thoroughly, creating a creamy custard.
Pour custard over croissants: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the croissant, ham, and cheese layers, making sure all pieces are soaked.
Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. The bake is done when the custard is fully set and the top turns golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped fresh chives over the top for a bright finish, and serve warm.

Notes

Drying the croissants before assembling helps prevent sogginess by allowing them to absorb the custard gradually without becoming mushy.
This bake can be prepared the night before by assembling and refrigerating, then baking the next morning (add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if chilled).
Gruyère can be substituted with Swiss or cheddar cheese if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Make sure the casserole is covered during baking to keep the custard moist and prevent over-browning.

Keywords: croissant breakfast bake, breakfast casserole, savory breakfast, ham and cheese bake, Gruyère casserole, brunch recipe