Description
Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is a savory breakfast dish featuring cubes of day-old croissants baked with Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a rich custard of eggs, half and half, and maple syrup. This comforting casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings and is served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam for a delightful sweet contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 8 large croissants 20 oz.
- 12 ounces Black Forest deli ham
- 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
- raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants and Ham: Cut the 8 large croissants into cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches in size and place them in a large bowl. Chop the 12 ounces of Black Forest deli ham into pieces, separating any layers that stick together, then add to the bowl with croissants.
- Add Cheese and Mix: Add 8 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese to the croissant and ham mixture. Toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Arrange in Baking Pan: Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Make Egg Mixture: 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 ground pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour Egg Mixture Over Casserole: Pour the liquid egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking pan. Optionally, drizzle up to another ¼ cup of maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.
- Soak Before Baking: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, rotate the pan to ensure even baking, and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes or until the top is golden, slightly toasted, and the eggs are fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the baked casserole with powdered sugar and serve warm with raspberry jam and optional additional maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Using day-old or overnight croissants helps them absorb the custard better without turning soggy.
- Black Forest ham can be substituted with any deli ham or cooked bacon for a different flavor.
- Swiss cheese can be replaced with Gruyere or cheddar for variation.
- Allowing the casserole to soak before baking improves the texture and flavor blending.
- Adjust maple syrup according to your preferred sweetness level; it balances the savory ingredients nicely.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 275 mg
