Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Chef Josie
Flaky croissants, melted cheese, savory ham, and a creamy egg custard come together in this irresistible Croissant Breakfast Casserole, a brunch-worthy dish that’s equal parts indulgent and easy to make. Imagine buttery layers of croissant soaked in rich egg custard, baked until golden, and dusted with a touch of powdered sugar for that perfect sweet-and-savory finish.
It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet simple, perfect for special occasions like holidays, brunches, or weekend mornings. Whether you’re craving a ham and cheese croissant bake or a twist on croissant French toast casserole, this recipe delivers buttery perfection in every bite.
Click to Access the Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Buttery croissants layered with ham, cheese, and creamy custard make this Croissant Breakfast Casserole the ultimate brunch dish; flaky, rich, and make-ahead friendly.
Ingredients
-
6 croissants, halved
-
6 eggs
-
1½ cups milk
-
½ cup cream
-
1½ cups Swiss or Gruyère cheese
-
1 cup chopped ham
-
2 tbsp melted butter
-
¼ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer croissants, ham, and cheese in a greased baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly.
- Press down gently and rest 15 minutes (or overnight).
- Brush butter on top and bake 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Use day-old croissants for best texture.
Add spinach or mushrooms for a savory twist.
Assemble the night before for easy mornings.
Serve with fruit or coffee for brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Flaky and rich: Buttery croissants soak up the custard for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweet and savory combo: The mix of ham, cheese, and a hint of sweetness is irresistible.
- Quick to prep: Only 15 minutes of prep time; then bake and enjoy.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Perfect for brunch: Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for everyday.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants (day-old or slightly stale, halved)
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup cooked ham, chopped or sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer croissants: Slice croissants and layer the bottoms in the dish. Top with ham and cheese, then add remaining croissant halves.
- Make custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Soak: Gently press down to ensure croissants absorb the custard. Let sit 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Brush tops with melted butter and bake 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes and Top Tips
- Use day-old croissants; they soak up the custard better.
- For a Croissant French Toast Bake, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Replace ham with cooked bacon or turkey for variation.
- Serve with fresh fruit or coffee for a complete breakfast.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This croissant breakfast casserole pairs perfectly with a fruit salad, mimosa, or cup of espresso for an elevated brunch.
Variations:
- Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake: Keep it savory with extra Swiss cheese and dijon mustard.
- Croissant French Toast Casserole: Add vanilla extract and cinnamon for a sweeter twist.
- Croissant Egg Bake: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Croissant Breakfast Bake: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap portions in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave single servings.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh for a stress-free brunch.
Why You’ll Make It Again
This croissant breakfast casserole has everything you love about a bakery-style breakfast—flaky pastry, creamy custard, and savory flavor; all baked into one pan. It’s elegant enough for holidays yet easy enough for weekend mornings. Once you make it, you’ll find endless ways to customize it, from croissant French toast bake to croissant egg casseroles for any occasion.
If you loved this recipe, leave a comment and explore more croissant breakfast ideas and holiday brunch recipes on the blog.
FAQs
1. Can I make this croissant breakfast casserole the night before?
Yes, assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
2. Can I make this recipe without ham?
Absolutely! Substitute with bacon, turkey, or sautéed vegetables.
3. Can I make it sweet instead of savory?
Yes, simply omit ham and cheese, add 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp vanilla, and top with fruit or syrup.
4. Why are my croissants soggy?
Make sure to bake uncovered so the tops crisp while the inside stays creamy.
For more delicious recipes follow me on :
Medium: @RecipesByJosie
Instagram: @RecipesByJosie
Pinterest: @RecipesByJosie