This Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake is a tasty way to start your day! It’s packed with soft croissants, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all baked together to perfection.
I’ve made this dish for family brunches, and it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare—just layer, pour in the egg mixture, and bake. You’ll feel like a brunch superstar!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Fresh croissants give the best texture. You could use day-old croissants if that’s what you have. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free rolls or bread that you can cut up and use.
Ham: I prefer using a good quality cooked ham, but turkey ham or even leftover rotisserie chicken works great. If you’re vegetarian, try using sautéed veggies or tofu instead for a meatless version.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but feel free to use your favorite types. A blend can add an extra flavor twist. If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based cheese alternatives; they can melt nicely too!
Eggs and Milk: For a lighter dish, you can substitute some of the eggs for egg whites, or use almond milk or oat milk if you’re lactose intolerant.
How Can I Ensure My Eggs Set Perfectly?
Getting the eggs just right is key to a moist and flavorful brunch bake. Here’s how to ensure they set perfectly during baking:
- Whisk the eggs and milk together until frothy to incorporate air. This helps with fluffiness.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the croissants, press down gently to soak them well. This will help them absorb the egg mixture.
- Letting the dish sit for 10 minutes before baking is crucial. It allows the croissants to soak in the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. If the top browns too quickly, you can cover it with foil partway through baking.
Following these steps will help you achieve a perfectly fluffy and delicious bake every time!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 6 large croissants, cut into halves or quarters
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped or sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful brunch bake will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 30-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. So in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour of time before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Arrange the Croissants
Cut your croissants into halves or quarters. Take those pieces and arrange them evenly in your prepared baking dish. It’s okay if they overlap a bit—just make sure they’re all in there!
3. Add Ham and Cheese
Now, scatter the chopped ham over the croissants. Follow that by sprinkling the shredded cheese evenly across the top. This will create delicious layers of flavor!
4. Mix the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s well combined and looks nice and frothy.
5. Pour and Soak
Take your egg mixture and pour it evenly over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down gently with a fork or your fingers to help the croissants soak up that egg goodness.
6. Let It Rest
After pouring, let the dish sit for about 10 minutes. This step is important as it allows the croissants to absorb the egg mixture well.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the top to be golden brown, the eggs to be set, and the cheese to be melty and bubbly.
8. Cool and Garnish
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, garnish with extra chopped chives to make it look pretty and fresh!
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Brunch Bake warm, alongside some fresh fruit or a side salad, and perhaps a refreshing glass of juice or coffee.
Enjoy your delightful brunch!
Can I Use Stale Croissants for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Stale croissants work great as they’ll soak up the egg mixture nicely. Just ensure they’re not too hard; you can always refresh them in a warm oven for a few minutes if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture the night before! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Serve with the Croissant Bake?
This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, a light side salad, or even some roasted vegetables. Don’t forget a refreshing drink — coffee or juice works wonderfully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist if needed.
