This Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake is the perfect dish for a cozy weekend! It combines flaky croissants, tasty ham, and gooey cheese, all baked together until golden.
It’s like breakfast and lunch had a delicious baby! I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: These are the star of the dish! Use large, buttery croissants for a rich flavor. If you’re short on croissants, you can use brioche or even day-old bread, though the texture will change slightly.
Ham: I love using cooked ham because it’s flavorful and ready to go. If you need a substitute, turkey or chicken can work nicely, and if you prefer a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or spinach!
Cheese: I recommend cheddar for its sharpness, but a mix of mozzarella and Gruyère adds a creamy touch. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese melts that can substitute well in baked dishes.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk gives a creamy texture. You can use 2% if that’s what you have. If you want to lighten the dish a bit, swap out heavy cream for more milk or use a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a lovely tang! If you want something milder, use yellow mustard, or skip it altogether. No worries—there’s still plenty of flavor without it!
How Do I Make Sure the Egg Mixture Soaks Everything Perfectly?
Letting the croissants soak in the egg mixture is crucial to creating a dreamy, custardy texture. After pouring the egg mixture, wait for at least 10-15 minutes. You want the croissants to absorb that eggy goodness.
- Press down on the croissants slightly to ensure they’re soaking well.
- If you have time, covering the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for up to an hour will enhance the flavors even more!
How to Make Ham And Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bake:
- 6 large croissants, sliced into thick pieces
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for flavor)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious brunch bake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 30-35 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it sit for 10-15 minutes after pouring the egg mixture so the croissants can soak up all that goodness—it’ll be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Grease:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grab a medium-sized baking dish and grease it with a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Assemble the Croissants:
Slice those fresh croissants into thick pieces and arrange them evenly in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they fill the bottom completely for even cooking!
3. Add Ham and Cheese:
Sprinkle the chopped ham over the croissant pieces. Then, pile on the shredded cheese generously! You can mix different types of cheese if you want a blend of flavors.
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Stir in the chopped parsley, along with a pinch of salt and some black pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well combined!
5. Pour and Soak:
Now, pour that creamy egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the dish. Make sure everything is soaked well! Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the croissants can absorb all that delicious custard.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard looks set.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving warm, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley on top for that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy this filling and tasty brunch bake with a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage!
Can I Swap Out Croissants for Another Bread?
Absolutely! If you don’t have croissants on hand, you can use brioche or even day-old French bread. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep the bake from drying out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can make this brunch bake dairy-free by using dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and a plant-based cream. For the cheese, look for dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well.
Can I Make This Recipe the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just be sure to cover it tightly. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before baking, which may take a little longer in the oven.
