Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

hi everyone!

I hope everyone had a good Christmas

Every year for Christmas morning I always like to make some sort of breakfast casserole. Also, can we talk about how good casseroles are? I don’t care if they are old school or typically made using a canned soup, I freaking love them. In all forms. Tuna noodle casserole being one of my favorites. So this year I had an idea to turn a ham and cheese croissant into a breakfast bake..

And a star was born..

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

This turned out so freaking good you guys omg. The perfect dish to make ahead of time to serve guests for brunch. I have always been obsessed with ham and cheese croissants. Back when I was working at Eleven Madison Park, I would treat myself to one a week. On the weekends I would have to work a double shift, so like a 15 hour shift, and I would always stop at this local coffee shop on my way before that crazy long day and treat myself to a coffee and ham and cheese croissant.

This recipe starts out with croissants. Day old croissants work the best for this! I used about 6. Just tear them up into slightly larger than bitesize pieces.

Then for the filling/egg mixture. I just used eggs, half and half, dijon mustard (provides a subtle flavor and nice tang), hot sauce, diced ham, and grated cheddar and gruyere cheese. A LOT of cheese.

This casserole would do great chilling in the fridge overnight. I let mine chill for about an hour before baking it.

Baked at 350 for about 35 minutes until the eggs are no longer runny. So freaking good you guys. Please make this!!! You wont regret it, I promise!

A ham and cheese croissant but with a creamy delicious egg custard. And did a mention a lot of gooey melty cheese?!

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake 

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 6 croissants, broken up into pieces
• ½ cup diced ham 
• 12 eggs
• ¾ cup half and half
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups grated cheese ( I did a mix of gruyere and cheddar, just make sure to grate it yourself!)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Thoroughly grease a 9 by 13 inch pan (or you could use a large cast iron skillet)
2. Place the pieces of croissant in the baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, dijon mustard, and hot sauce together. Season with about ½ tbsp salt and a lot of freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the ham and grated cheese.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the croissant and press down so the liquid fully submerges the croissants. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or over night.
5. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until the top is brown and bubbly and the eggs are fully cooked through. Serve immediately.

Paired with my uncle Ronnie’s famous hash browns, bacon, and fruit. The perfect Christmas morning brunch! Oh and mimosas..because duh.

I think this would be a great dish to whip up for New Year’s Day. I can’t believe it is almost 2022. Wild!!

Anyways, talk to you next year😉

Xoxox Chef Chelc