Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a delicious addition to any brunch or breakfast spread. You can’t go wrong with buttery croissants, savory ham, and melty cheese, and it’s so easy you only need 10 minutes to put it together!

this Recipe

 

This ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole is not your average breakfast casserole. Now, I’m not knocking breakfast casseroles made with bread—they’re delicious!—but if you want to really make something special, swap the bread with flaky croissants. They make this dish irresistible!

And if you’re looking for a holiday brunch idea, you’ve found it. This easy croissant breakfast casserole is kind of like a mash-up of a ham and cheese croissant sandwich with a savory breakfast strata, which makes it an instant hit. Because you can make it ahead of time as an overnight croissant breakfast casserole, it’s also a low-stress recipe for busy holiday mornings!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

• A fun twist on breakfast casserole – Breakfast casseroles are always a crowd-pleaser, but this one takes it to another level by layering in buttery, flaky croissants.
• Easy to make – With just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this breakfast croissant casserole ready to pop in the oven.
• A hit with all ages – Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or trying to impress your foodie friends, this croissant casserole breakfast recipe will please every palate and age group!
• Packed with flavor – Let’s be real, who doesn’t love the combination of ham and cheese?! This dish has all the flavors you love in a croissant sandwich in the form of a casserole!

Ingredients + Substitutions

• Croissants – Stale croissants will soak up more of the custard. You can use full sized croissants like I did here, or use twice as many mini-croissants
• Ham – I like to use sliced deli ham, but cubed ham or leftover glazed ham also works.
• Large eggs
• Half and half– Substitute milk if needed.
• Dijon mustard – Dijon adds a little kick and depth of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular mustard will work too.
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese – You can use mild cheddar or sharp cheddar for a more assertive flavor.
• Parsley – Optional, for garnish but it adds to the festive look.

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole – If ham isn’t your thing, this recipe can easily be adapted to use sausage instead. Simply substitute the sliced ham for cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage.
• Vegetarian Croissant Breakfast Casserole –To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the ham and add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. 
• Bacon Croissant Breakfast Casserole –  Swap out the ham for crispy cooked bacon. I like to bake bacon in the oven and chop it up and layer it in with the croissants.
• Ham and Swiss Breakfast Croissant Casserole – Try using Swiss cheese instead of cheddar and add in caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Recipe Step by Step

I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

Recipe Tips

1. Stale croissants are best – They hold their shape and absorb the egg mixture better. If you only have fresh croissants, you can cut them into small pieces and let them sit out overnight to dry a bit. Or if you are in a real rush, cut them up and toast them first.
2. Cut the croissants and ham into bite-sized pieces – This will ensure that every bite has a good balance of ingredients and that it’s easy to eat. You don’t want to need a knife for eating a breakfast croissant casserole!
3. Carefully layer everything in the pan – Spread the croissants and ham evenly so that each layer is consistent. I also like to tuck the ham between the croissants so the edges stick out of the egg mixture, which makes the ham irresistibly crispy on the edges.
4. Let it sit before baking – If you can, let the casserole sit for about 15 minutes after assembling so the croissants have extra time to soak up the egg mixture.

Freezer Meal Instructions

Making this Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To freeze before cooking

1. Assemble the casserole as outlined in the instructions, up to the point of baking.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Bring the casserole to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake according to the recipe instructions.

How to Freeze Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole After Cooking

1. Cut the ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole into individual portions or leave it whole.
2. Place the portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
3. Freeze for up to 1 month.
4. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a covered baking dish at 350ºF or in the microwave.

What to Serve with Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Since this easy breakfast casserole has classic savory breakfast flavors, it will pair well with many of your favorite breakfast side dishes.

Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded breakfast or brunch. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

Side Dish Ideas

• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Summer Fruit Salad
• Perfect Oven Roasted Vegetables
• Million Dollar Bacon