Description
A delicious Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole that combines flaky croissants, savory Black Forest ham, and melted Swiss cheese, soaked in a flavorful egg custard with maple syrup and spices. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam for a sweet contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 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
Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Raspberry jam, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the croissants: Cut 8 large croissants into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Place cubes into a large mixing bowl.
- Add ham and cheese: Chop 12 ounces of Black Forest deli ham into pieces and separate any stuck layers. Add ham and 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese to the croissants and toss to combine.
- Assemble in pan: Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make custard mixture: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, beat 8 large eggs. Add ½ cup half and half, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon white ground pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour custard over casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking pan. Optionally, drizzle up to ¼ cup more maple syrup on top.
- Soak: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F.
- Bake covered: Bake the covered casserole for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the top is golden, slightly toasted, and the egg is fully cooked.
- Serve: Dust the casserole with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam and extra maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Day-old croissants work best as they absorb the custard better without falling apart.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Allowing the casserole to soak ensures the custard fully penetrates the bread for a cohesive texture.
- Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if white pepper is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
