Description
This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole is a deliciously rich breakfast or brunch dish featuring fluffy croissants soaked in a savory egg mixture with Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese. Baked to golden perfection and topped with powdered sugar and raspberry jam, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 8 large croissants (20 oz. or 570 g), left out overnight
- 12 ounces Black Forest deli ham (340 g)
- 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 or black pepper
- ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup
Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare the croissants and ham: Cut the croissants into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes and place them into a large bowl. Chop the Black Forest deli ham into pieces and separate any stuck layers. Add the ham to the bowl with the croissants.
- Add cheese and combine: Add shredded Swiss cheese to the croissant and ham mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Arrange in baking dish: Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside while preparing the egg mixture.
- Make the custard: In a medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add half and half, pure maple syrup, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and white ground pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Pour custard over casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the baking dish. Optionally, drizzle up to an additional ¼ cup of maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.
- Soak the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it soak at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard.
- Preheat oven and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil, rotate the pan for even cooking, and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the top is golden and the egg is fully set.
- Serve: Dust the finished casserole with powdered sugar and serve warm with raspberry jam and extra maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- For best results, use croissants that are at least a day old to better absorb the egg mixture.
- You can substitute Black Forest ham with smoked ham or any preferred deli ham.
- Swiss cheese can be replaced with Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Letting the casserole soak ensures a custardy texture by the time it’s baked.
- Using half and half adds richness, but whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness.
- Covering the casserole while baking prevents the top from drying out too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg
