Dive into a sumptuous ham and cheese croissant bake, the ideal recipe for an easy breakfast recipe or delightful brunch dish. This dish embodies a luxurious combination of buttery croissants and creamy, rich cheese with the savory goodness of ham. It’s suitable for any occasion, from a daily family meal to a special holiday feast, and is designed to satisfy all your comfort food cravings.
Renowned for its simplicity, this bake is a perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks, ensuring a mouthwatering experience without the stress of complex preparations. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 50 minutes, you can have this delicious brunch dish ready in no time, making it a stellar make-ahead breakfast option.
Key Takeaways
- Serves 6 people with a total cook time of 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Made with buttery, day-old croissants for added richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes.
- Contains approximately 1189 kcal per serving, with 25g protein, 32g fat, and 25g carbohydrates.
- Can be made ahead and stored, making it an easy breakfast recipe for busy mornings.
Ingredients for a Perfect Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake
Creating a mouthwatering breakfast casserole involves selecting the finest ingredients that add flavor and richness. For a crowd-pleasing breakfast, the following components are essential.
Main Ingredients
- Croissants: Use 4 or 5 day-old croissants, approximately 12 ounces. The slightly stale texture soaks up flavors better.
- Ham: Opt for Black Forest ham, 8 ounces, for a savory undertone.
- Cheese: A mix of 4 ounces (1 cup) Swiss cheese and 4 ounces (1 cup) white cheddar cheese for a melty, creamy outcome.
- Eggs: 4 eggs to bind everything together.
- Milk: Whole milk, 3 cups to ensure a rich consistency.
- Seasoning: Fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
Optional Ingredients
Consider adding these optional ingredients to personalize your ham and cheese bake recipe:
- Everything bagel spice: Sprinkling this on top provides a unique and delightful twist.
- Additional Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella or gruyere to adjust taste and texture.
- Vegetables: Sliced mushrooms for added umami or bell peppers for a hint of sweetness.
- Butter and honey: For a subtle, sweet note, drizzle a mix of melted butter and honey over the bake before serving.
- Mustard: A hint of Dijon mustard can elevate the mix’s overall taste.
With these main and optional ingredients, you are well-equipped to craft a crowd-pleasing breakfast. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients truly sets this ham and cheese bake recipe apart, making it a beloved staple for any gathering.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating the perfect ham and cheese croissant bake involves a few straightforward but essential steps. Ensuring each stage is completed correctly will yield an exceptional easy breakfast recipe or a delicious brunch dish that everyone will love.
Prepping the Croissants
To start, take two sheets of frozen puff pastry and let them defrost. Once soft, cut them into squares that will become your croissants. Toast these croissant squares for about 12-14 minutes at 300 degrees F until they are slightly crisp. This step is critical as it adds a delightful crunch to the final bake.
Creating the Cream Sauce
While the croissants are toasting, you can get started on the cream sauce. Combine mustard, cream, eggs, and your choice of herbs in a bowl. Whisk them together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture. This sauce not only brings everything together but also infuses the dish with a rich flavor that complements both the croissants and the ham.
Combining and Baking
Once your croissants are ready, it’s time to assemble. Toss the toasted croissant squares with caramelized mushrooms, 5 slices of black forest ham, and cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the flavorful mustard cream sauce you prepared earlier. Mix it well to ensure every piece is coated. Pour this mixture into a deep baking dish, such as Pyrex Deep, and bake for approximately 20-24 minutes until golden and melty. This process yields nine croissant squares of indulgent, mouth-watering delight.
The nutritional breakdown of this dish per serving is as follows:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 414kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 84mg |
| Sodium | 734mg |
| Potassium | 169mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 705IU |
| Calcium | 221mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Why This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is Perfect for Any Meal
The Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is an incredibly versatile dish, perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re planning an easy breakfast recipe, a savory breakfast idea, or a delicious brunch dish, this bake checks all the boxes. Inspired by the classic flavors of a ham and cheese sandwich, the added twist of croissants and a custard-like egg mixture elevates it to a sophisticated and satisfying meal.
One standout feature of this savory breakfast idea is its incredible ease of preparation. The straightforward assembly of ingredients like croissants, ham, Gruyère cheese, and eggs allows you to put this recipe together quickly, making it suitable for both busy weekday mornings and relaxed weekend brunches. Plus, the bake’s ability to be prepped ahead of time further highlights its convenience, making it a fantastic option for hosts and busy families alike.
Layering 6-8 fresh croissants (about 450 grams), you can dry these out in a low oven for 10 minutes if they’re not stale. In a large dish, you’ll blend essential ingredients such as eggs, Dijon mustard, cream, and milk, integrating well with ham slices and shredded cheese. The final product, baked until golden and puffed, serves approximately 6 hearty portions, enough to feed a hungry crowd.
The adaptability of this bake is truly impressive. Consider customizing it with bacon, sausage, or prosciutto instead of ham, or trying different cheeses like Gruyère or parmesan. For those who enjoy vegetables, sautéed spinach or mushrooms make excellent additions. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the croissants with gluten-free bread or rolls.
The Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake isn’t just a hit for breakfast. It makes a worthy dinner entree as well, owing to its rich, comforting layers and crowd-pleasing flavors. Serve it with a green salad topped with honey mustard dressing to round out the meal perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Croissants | 8 large (stale or dried out) |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Black forest ham | 15 slices |
| Shredded mixed cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Maple syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp |
| Caramelized onions (optional) | 1 cup |
Moreover, leftovers can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, with the option to freeze for up to 2 months. This ensures you always have a delicious meal on hand. For more details on prepping and baking this incredible dish, click here.
Make-Ahead Tips for Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake
The ham and cheese croissant bake is a versatile make-ahead breakfast option, perfect for those busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Whether you’re prepping for a special event or planning your weekly meals, understanding short-term and long-term preparation can elevate your ham and cheese bake recipe.
Short-Term Preparation
For a quick make-ahead breakfast solution, assemble the breakfast casserole a few hours in advance. Start by layering the thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese between halves of mini croissants, using the butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and green onions mixture. Arrange the assembled croissants in a 2-quart baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 15-18 minutes until the croissants are golden brown.
Long-Term Storage
If you plan to store the ham and cheese bake recipe for longer periods, make sure to properly prepare and store the components individually. Combine the croissant and filling mixture and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the entire breakfast casserole in a baking dish and follow the same baking instructions. Brush the croissants with an egg white mixture for a glossy finish and sprinkle with poppy seeds for added flair. This method ensures your make-ahead breakfast is ready to go without losing its freshness, making breakfast or brunch gatherings seamless and stress-free.
By employing either of these methods, you can enjoy the delicious ham and cheese bake recipe with minimal hassle, ensuring that your breakfast casserole is always a hit at the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ham and cheese croissant bake stands out as an elegant and easy breakfast recipe that transcends the ordinary. This dish is a harmonious blend of ingredients, baked to a golden, cheesy delight that is sure to captivate anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re prepping the croissants, creating the cream sauce, or combining and baking, every step of the process contributes to the final delectable result.
The flexibility for make-ahead preparation adds to the allure of the ham and cheese croissant bake. You can prepare the croissant dough, refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes, and even freeze the shaped croissants for 4 to 6 weeks. On the day you plan to bake, simply defrost the croissants at room temperature for about three hours, and they’ll be ready for their final proofing and baking.
With its adaptability and ease, the ham and cheese croissant bake fits seamlessly into any household’s rhythm. Whether it’s for a relaxing Sunday brunch or a special holiday morning, this easy breakfast recipe is guaranteed to impress. The proofing, brushing with egg wash, and the controlled baking at varying temperatures ensure that each croissant achieves a light, flaky texture and a deep golden brown finish. Embark on your baking journey, and let this delightful recipe provide a cozy, satisfying start to your day.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need for a ham and cheese croissant bake?
To make a sumptuous ham and cheese croissant bake, you will need day-old croissants, eggs, prosciutto or deli ham, a blend of Brie and Swiss or fontina cheese, mushrooms, fresh chopped thyme, heavy cream, whole milk, Dijon mustard, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Optional ingredients include everything bagel spice and additional cheeses such as mozzarella or gruyere.
How can I prepare the croissants for this breakfast casserole?
Begin by roughly tearing the day-old croissants and then toasting them in the oven to add crispness. This step enhances the texture and helps the croissants to hold up better in the bake.
What steps are involved in creating the cream sauce for this savory breakfast idea?
The cream sauce is made by blending mustard, cream, eggs, fresh chopped thyme, whole milk, and a hint of cayenne pepper. This mixture brings a depth of flavor that elevates the ham and cheese croissant bake.
Can I make the ham and cheese croissant bake ahead of time?
The ham and cheese croissant bake is perfect for make-ahead breakfast preparations. For the short term, you can assemble the bake a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. For long-term storage, combine the croissant and mushroom mixture and refrigerate for up to three days, completing the assembly just before baking.
Is this dish suitable for occasions other than breakfast?
The ham and cheese croissant bake is a versatile dish that works well for any meal, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful option for any occasion.
How can I make this dish fit for a crowd-pleasing breakfast?
This recipe inherently caters to a crowd, thanks to its substantial nature and universally loved ingredients. To better suit the tastes of your guests, you can also personalize it by adding your preferred ingredients or using leftovers.