Description
This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is a rich and flavorful breakfast bake featuring layers of flaky croissants, savory Black Forest ham, and melted Swiss cheese, soaked in a seasoned egg and half-and-half custard with a touch of maple syrup. Baked until golden and topped with powdered sugar and raspberry jam, it makes a perfect dish for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 8 large croissants (20 oz or 570 g), left out overnight
- 12 ounces Black Forest deli ham (340 g)
- 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon white ground pepper or black pepper
- ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup
Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants: Cut the 8 large croissants into cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches in size and place them into a large bowl.
- Add Ham: Chop the 12 ounces of Black Forest deli ham into pieces, separating any stuck layers, then add to the croissant cubes.
- Add Cheese: Add 8 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese to the bowl with the croissant and ham, then toss to combine evenly.
- Arrange in Pan: Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Eggs and Seasoning: In a medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup, beat 8 large eggs. Add ½ cup half and half, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper, then whisk until combined.
- Pour Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking pan. Optionally, drizzle up to ¼ cup more maple syrup over the top.
- Soak: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the top is golden brown, slightly toasted, and the egg is fully set.
- Serve: Dust the casserole with powdered sugar, and serve with raspberry jam and additional maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Leaving croissants out overnight helps them dry out and better absorb the egg mixture.
- Mustard powder can be substituted with Dijon mustard for a slightly different flavor.
- Black Forest ham can be replaced with any smoked ham or cooked ham.
- For a richer casserole, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Covering the casserole during the initial baking prevents the top from drying out before the eggs set.
- Allowing the casserole to soak before baking enhances the custard texture.
- Powdered sugar and raspberry jam add a sweet contrast to the savory casserole but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
