Name: Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 large croissants (20 oz or 570 g), left out overnight; 12 ounces Black Forest deli ham (340 g), chopped; 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; ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Raspberry jam, for serving

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of buttery croissants filled with savory ham and melted cheese. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe transforms simple breakfast ingredients into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again.

The image shows a close-up of a flaky, golden brown croissant sandwich layered with slices of pink ham and melted yellow cheese, with a topping of shiny red jam spreading over the top. The croissant has a rough, crisp texture with visible flaky layers. It sits on a white plate with small round indentations, garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs on the side. The background shows more blurred croissants and a jar of red jam on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe quickly became my go-to for feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish with layers of textures and a sweet-savory balance that’s just irresistible.

Effortless Prep: Toss together day-old croissants, ham, and cheese then pour an easy custard over—minimal steps, maximum flavor.
Great for Leftovers: Use croissants left out overnight for the perfect soak, giving you a crisp outside and soft, custardy inside.
Sweet and Savory Harmony: Maple syrup and powdered sugar add a gentle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty ham and sharp Swiss cheese.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is generous, making enough to serve about 15, perfect for brunches or family gatherings.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown bread casserole featuring layers of torn croissant pieces, thin slices of ham, and melted cheese. The top layer is crispy and uneven with visible browned cheese patches and pink ham slices spread throughout. A wedge has been removed, showing the soft, slightly moist interior with layers of bread, ham, and cheese inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect texture and balance—flaky, savory, and slightly sweet. Let me share a few tips on why these work and what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of large whole croissants with golden flaky crusts, slices of glossy Black Forest deli ham separated slightly, a small white bowl filled with shredded Swiss cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, a small white bowl containing creamy half and half, another small white bowl holding pure amber maple syrup, small white bowls with fine white salt, bright yellow mustard powder, light beige garlic powder, and finely ground white pepper, plus a small white bowl of vibrant red raspberry jam and a sifter with powdered sugar dusting nearby, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Croissants: Ideally use large croissants left out overnight so they dry just enough to soak up the egg mixture without turning mushy.
Black Forest Deli Ham: Adds smokiness and richness — choose good quality ham for the best flavor.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and offers a nutty, mild sharpness that complements ham perfectly.
Eggs & Half and Half: The base for the custard soak; half and half keeps it creamy but not too heavy.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness that pairs amazingly with the savory ingredients.
Seasonings: Mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add subtle depth without overpowering the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about the Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you swap out the cheese, add veggies, or tweak the seasoning, you can make this casserole truly your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to sneak in some greens—delicious and colorful!
Dietary Mods: For a lighter version, try using turkey ham and low-fat dairy or even plant-based milk alternatives with a bit of nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
Sweet Touch: That extra drizzle of maple syrup on top before baking gives a lovely glazed finish; you can skip it if you prefer less sweet.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Croissants and Mix Fillings

The night before, I leave my croissants out so they become slightly stale—this helps them soak up the custard better. In the morning, cut them into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and toss them in a big bowl. Chop up your Black Forest ham and add it in, then sprinkle in shredded Swiss cheese. Give it all a gentle toss so the flavors start mingling nicely.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy, then pour in the half and half. Add the maple syrup along with salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of white pepper for warmth. Whisk everything until it’s smooth — this custard is what makes the whole casserole dreamy and rich.

Step 3: Assemble and Let it Soak

Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard carefully over the top, ensuring every piece is coated. I sometimes drizzle a bit more maple syrup on top here for extra sweetness. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This soak time is key to getting a tender, custardy inside that’s not soggy.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your casserole into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and rotate the pan for even baking. Bake another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is fully set. The smell will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water, trust me!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, dust the casserole with powdered sugar to enhance the sweet-savory experience. Serve warm, alongside raspberry jam and more maple syrup if your guests want to go all out!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe turns out perfectly every time—especially if you want that gorgeous, custardy texture without it getting soggy or too dense.

The Overnight Croissant Trick: Leaving the croissants out to dry overnight is a game-changer—it soaks up the custard just right without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Soak Time: Letting the assembled casserole sit covered for 20 minutes before baking ensures the bread absorbs the flavors deeply.
Layer Evenly: Toss croissants, ham, and cheese well before spreading in the pan to avoid clumps of cheese or ham in one spot.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye during the last 10 minutes so the top gets golden but doesn’t burn, rotating the pan for even color.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

ham and cheese croissant - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting powdered sugar over the casserole just before serving—it adds that little sweet surprise with every bite. A spoonful of raspberry jam on the side is a beautiful contrast and always a crowd-pleaser. If you want, a fresh herb sprinkle like chopped chives or parsley can add color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

For a balanced brunch, I often pair this casserole with simple sides like a green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad. Roasted potatoes or crispy bacon also make a hearty addition if you’re going all out.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a wow factor. You can also plate slices with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and fresh raspberries on the side for a rustic, elevated look that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When refrigerated properly, the casserole holds its flavor and texture surprisingly well.

Freezing

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing before baking—just assemble, cover tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop leftovers into a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 minutes to warm through without drying out, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to refresh the golden crust. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in the Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Swiss is classic for its melt and flavor, but sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina work beautifully too. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements ham.

What if I don’t have half and half—can I use something else?

You can swap half and half with whole milk or even cream, depending on how rich you want the casserole. Whole milk makes it lighter; cream makes it extra indulgent. Just keep the volume similar.

Can I prepare the casserole completely the night before?

Yes! You can assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Is the maple syrup necessary?

Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ham and cheese perfectly, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer your casserole less sweet. Some like it savory-only, and it’s still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe feels like a hug on a plate. It’s cozy but elegant, simple yet impressive enough to wow your guests. I genuinely enjoy making this when I want to slow down on a weekend morning and share something warm and satisfying with friends or family. Give it a try—you’ll see how easy and delicious it is to bring a bit of indulgence into your breakfast routine.