This Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake is a warm and tasty dish. Flaky croissants, gooey cheese, and savory ham come together for a delightful breakfast feast!
You can prepare it the night before, making mornings so much easier. Trust me, your family will be flocking to the table for this cheesy goodness! 🥐❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Use fresh, buttery croissants for the best flavor and texture. If you’re in a pinch, store-bought puff pastry can work, but they won’t have the same taste. I find the most delicious croissants come from local bakeries.
Cooked Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a savory touch. If you want to make it lighter, chopped turkey or rotisserie chicken are great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella or pepper jack can bring a nice twist. If you’re dairy-free, a plant-based cheese can work but ensure it melts well.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk provides richness. You can replace it with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the right flavor.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together. If you need an egg substitute, try a mix of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana per egg, though this may change the flavor a bit.
How Can You Ensure the Croissants Soak Up the Egg Mixture Well?
Letting the croissant mixture sit is crucial. This step allows the egg mixture to soak in, resulting in a moist and flavorful bake. After you pour the egg mix over the croissants, gently press down so they absorb all that goodness.
- After mixing, let it sit for around 10 minutes.
- Check that the croissant pieces are well submerged; some might need a little extra press.
- If creating wells for eggs, be careful not to create too many; you want enough even soaking.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bake:
- 6 large croissants, torn into chunks
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for baking. Make sure to give it 10 minutes of resting time for the croissants to soak up the egg mixture. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious brunch bake that’s both hearty and comforting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking later.
2. Assemble the Croissant Base:
Now, tear the croissants into large chunks and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure they cover the base well.
3. Add Ham and Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the diced cooked ham evenly over the croissant pieces. After that, top it off with the shredded cheese of your choice, spreading it out to cover the ham and croissants nicely.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Gently pour the egg mixture over the croissants, ham, and cheese. Use a fork to press lightly on some of the pieces to help them soak up the egg mixture. This ensures every bite is delicious!
6. Let It Rest:
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time is key for the croissants to absorb all that wonderful egg mixture.
7. Optional Baked Egg Wells:
If you’d like, create a few small wells with a spoon in the mixture and crack one or two eggs into these wells. This gives you baked eggs right in the dish, which is a lovely touch!
8. Bake the Dish:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for that extra pop of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy Your Brunch:
Serve the warm Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake with a side of coffee or your favorite brunch beverages. Enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family!
This hearty bake is perfect for a comforting brunch or breakfast gathering! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Stale Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants can work perfectly in this bake since they’ll absorb the egg mixture well. To refresh them, you can lightly warm them in the oven for a few minutes before tearing them up.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this a vegetarian brunch bake by omitting the ham. You could add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions instead for extra flavor and nutrition.
What Happens if I Don’t Let It Sit?
If you skip the resting time, the croissants may not soak up enough of the egg mixture, resulting in a drier bake. Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes is key to achieving that creamy texture!