Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially the croissants. I recommend using buttery, flaky croissants — preferably a day or two old — because they soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. For the cheese, I like a sharp cheddar that melts well and gives a nice tang, but Swiss or Gruyère work wonderfully too, adding depth and a touch of nuttiness. And of course, quality ham is essential; I use smoked deli ham for that extra flavor boost.
- 6 large day-old croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups diced smoked ham
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Swiss/Gruyère)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and spread half of them evenly in the prepared dish.
- Layer half of the diced ham and shredded cheese over the croissants, then repeat the layers with the remaining croissants, ham, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until fully combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered croissants, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This step allows the flavors to meld and the croissants to soak thoroughly.
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole, recipe, cooking, food
