Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor profile, you can incorporate fresh herbs such as chives or parsley into the egg custard mixture before pouring it over the croissants. These herbs add a bright, fresh note that complements the richness of the cheese and ham perfectly.

Ensure the herbs are finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the bake without creating large clumps that might affect the final texture or appearance of the finished dish.

If you prefer a softer crust, you can prepare the base and let it sit in the refrigerator for up to an hour before baking. This resting period allows the croissants to absorb more of the custard, resulting in a more uniform, pudding-like consistency throughout the entire dish.

If you choose to do this, ensure the dish is brought back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it into the preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Variations

• Vegetarian Spinach and Feta: Replace the ham with one cup of chopped fresh spinach and half a cup of crumbled feta cheese for a vibrant, vegetarian-friendly version of this breakfast bake.
• Spicy Sausage and Pepper: Substitute the ham with browned, crumbled breakfast sausage and add a quarter cup of diced bell peppers to the custard for a spicy and bold breakfast experience.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Store any leftovers by covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transferring the individual squares to an airtight container. This will keep the bake moist and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.

Consume the refrigerated leftovers within three days for the best quality and flavor. When storing, ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than two hours to maintain food safety standards.

You can assemble the base with the croissants and ham, then prepare the custard separately. Keep the custard covered in the refrigerator and pour it over the croissants just before baking to prevent the bread from becoming overly saturated and mushy.

This approach allows you to have a nearly ready-to-bake meal prepared in advance, saving significant time on the morning of service while maintaining the integrity and texture of the croissants.

Serving ideas

Serve the breakfast bake warm directly from the baking dish, using a sharp spatula to cut neat, square portions. The dish is substantial enough to be served as a complete main course, but it pairs beautifully with a side of fresh seasonal fruit or a crisp green salad to provide a refreshing balance to the rich, savory flavors of the ham and melted cheese.

Because the dish is quite filling, consider accompanying it with a light, acidic beverage like fresh orange juice or a black coffee, which helps cleanse the palate between bites. If serving for a larger group, place the dish in the center of the table and allow guests to serve themselves, ensuring that everyone gets a portion that includes a good mix of the golden, crispy top and the tender, custard-soaked bottom.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Bake

Prep 10 minCook 35 minRest 5 minTotal 50 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 large croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup ham cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish, evenly distribute the torn croissant pieces. Scatter the ham cubes over the croissants to ensure every section has plenty of savory protein.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture carefully over the croissant and ham base, making sure to moisten all the bread pieces thoroughly. Top the dish with the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
3. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. To ensure the eggs are cooked through, the center must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, mustard

Food safety: This recipe includes eggs that may not be fully cooked through. Use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

410

Protein

17.5 g

Carbohydrates

26 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

5.5 g

Sodium

720 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.