There's something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked croissants mixed with savory ham and melty cheese wafting through the kitchen. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe brings all those cozy brunch vibes together in a simple, make-ahead casserole that's perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.

The image shows a close-up of a flaky, golden-brown pastry with several layers of light, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. Inside the pastry, there are visible slices of pinkish meat and melted cheese giving a creamy texture. On top of the pastry, there is a thick layer of red jam with visible fruit bits. The pastry is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. The dish is served on a white plate with some fresh green herbs placed beside it. The background is a white marbled surface with another plate and a jar blurred behind. 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 Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it turned simple ingredients into something festive yet homey. It’s that rare recipe that’s upscale enough to impress but casual enough for everyday enjoyment.

Deliciously easy: You just toss everything together—no complicated dough or fancy techniques needed.
Make-ahead magic: The casserole soaks up flavors while it rests, making mornings less hectic.
Sweet & savory harmony: The creamy eggs and Swiss cheese blend beautifully with ham, while maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Feeds a crowd: With plenty of servings, it’s perfect for brunch parties, holiday mornings, or big family breakfasts.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered bread pudding made from torn croissant pieces on top, creating a golden, flaky texture with visible puffed layers. Mixed throughout are slices of pink ham and melted cheese that gives a creamy, slightly browned surface. The inside layers of the pudding reveal soft, soaked bread with ham pieces embedded, showing a mix of light cream and pink colors. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a green cloth napkin partially visible on the right side. A portion of the pudding has been removed from the front corner, revealing the moist, textured inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe plays a key role, from providing texture to balancing flavors. Knowing a bit about why helps you shop smarter and even tweak the recipe confidently.

Flat lay of eight large golden croissants cut into cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, thinly sliced pink Black Forest ham neatly arranged next to the croissants in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow shredded Swiss cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with creamy half and half, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, another small white bowl with pale yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with white garlic powder, a small white bowl of ground white pepper, a small white bowl of bright red raspberry jam, and a white ceramic plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar, all placed 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: Left out overnight, these create a soft, buttery bread base that soaks up the egg custard beautifully without turning soggy.
Black Forest deli ham: Its smoky, slightly sweet flavor adds great depth and pairs wonderfully with Swiss cheese.
Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly and adds nuttiness that complements the ham.
Eggs: The binder that holds everything together, creating that custardy texture we all love in bakes.
Half and half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy—creamier than milk but lighter than heavy cream.
Seasonings (mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper): Give subtle warmth and spice without overpowering the main flavors.
Pure maple syrup: My secret weapon—adds a gentle sweetness that contrasts the savory ingredients, making every bite interesting.
Powdered sugar and raspberry jam (for topping): They bring a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that elevates the dish when serving.

📝

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

I love how flexible the Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is—so, feel free to mix it up depending on what you have or your preferences. Every time I make it, I tweak it a bit and it’s still fantastic.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out Swiss cheese for Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. It’s a quick switch that really changes the vibe.
Dietary tweak: If you prefer, turkey ham or a vegetarian deli slice works great too.
Seasonal add-in: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some extra veggie love.

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

Step 1: Prep the Croissants and Ham

First things first, chop those croissants into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches. I like to leave them out overnight so they get just lightly dried on the edges. Then chop your deli ham into pieces, making sure to separate any slices that stick together. Toss the croissants and ham into a big bowl to get ready for cheese and eggs.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Spread It Out

Measure out your shredded Swiss cheese and add it to the bowl. Give everything a gentle toss so those flavors mingle. Once mixed, spread this croissant-ham-cheese blend evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’ll look like a glossy, textured blanket waiting for its custard bath.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture with Spices and Maple Syrup

In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the half and half, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, white pepper, and 100% pure maple syrup. I always use real maple syrup—it’s the detail that makes all the difference for that subtle sweetness contrasting the savory.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant-ham-cheese base, making sure you cover all the nooks and crannies so every cube soaks up that custard goodness. I like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top if I’m feeling fancy. Cover tightly with foil and let the casserole soak for at least 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and rotate the pan for even cooking. Pop it back in the oven uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and you see those tantalizing toasted edges. The egg should be fully set but still soft and custardy inside.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and these tricks really helped me bump it from good to unforgettable. Here’s what I’ve picked up along the way that’ll help you nail your Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe every time.

Overnight croissants: Always let your croissants sit out overnight to dry slightly; this prevents that soggy bake and ensures a custard-soaked yet fluffy texture.
Maple syrup magic: Don’t skip the pure maple syrup in the egg mixture—it balances the savory flavors and adds amazing depth.
Soak time matters: Letting the casserole rest after pouring the liquid is key; it gives time for the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in lusciousness.
Cover while baking: Baking covered first locks in moisture and cooks evenly; uncovering later adds a stunning golden top without drying out the inside.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe

ham and cheese croissant - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of dusting the warm bake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and serving a spoonful of fresh raspberry jam on the side. The tangy sweetness of the jam cuts through the richness perfectly—it’s like the cherry on top. Sometimes I add a bright handful of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley just to add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I keep it simple yet balanced. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps lighten things up. Roasted breakfast potatoes or a fresh fruit salad round out the meal beautifully without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

When I make this for holiday brunches, I sometimes bake it in a cast iron skillet for a rustic look. You can also put the casserole into individual ramekins to serve personalized portions—great for impressing guests! A drizzle of warm maple syrup tableside always wins big smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the casserole keeps well up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture.

Freezing

Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil to avoid freezer burn. When I thaw and reheat, the bake tastes almost as fresh as the day I made it! Just make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is popping leftovers covered in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the top crispy and the inside soft—microwaving tends to make it a bit rubbery, so I avoid that.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other breads besides croissants?

While croissants add a unique buttery flakiness, you can substitute with brioche or soft French bread cubes if croissants aren’t available, but expect a different texture and less richness.

How long can I let the casserole soak before baking?

I recommend at least 20 minutes for the best custard absorption, but you can soak it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours if prepping ahead. Just bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free croissants or substitute with gluten-free bread cubes. Make sure your ham and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The bake will still be delicious but slightly different in texture.

What type of cheese works best in this bake?

Swiss cheese melts nicely and complements ham beautifully, but Gruyère, cheddar, or even fontina are excellent alternatives depending on your flavor preference.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe has become one of my go-to feel-good dishes when I want something hearty, indulgent, and loved by everyone around the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it for special weekends or no-excuse breakfasts alike. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed how this cozy casserole turns simple croissants into something truly memorable.