Dessert

Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe

Name: Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American / French-inspired
Ingredients: 8 large butter croissants; 8 ounces ham, cut into 1 x ¼-inch strips; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 10 large eggs; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (10 grams); 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams); ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups whole milk (16 ounces); 1 cup heavy cream (8 ounces); Chopped fresh chives

ByMariam Harutyunyan January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

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Introduction

This Croissant Breakfast Bake is a decadent and comforting dish perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Layers of flaky butter croissants, savory ham, and melted Gruyère cheese are soaked in a rich custard, creating a creamy, flavorful start to your day.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole consisting of roughly torn golden brown bread pieces as the visible top layer, mixed with melted creamy cheese covering much of the bread, and small cubes of pink ham scattered evenly throughout. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. The background shows a white marbled texture with a soft blue cloth partially under the dish, a few white eggs in a white carton in the upper right corner, and a small white bowl with green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 large butter croissants
8 ounces ham, cut into 1 x ¼-inch strips

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
10 large eggs

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (10 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)

¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups whole milk (16 ounces)

1 cup heavy cream (8 ounces)
Chopped fresh chives, for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Tear the croissants into large chunks, about 2 inches in size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes to dry them out.
Step 3: Remove the croissants from the oven and place them closely together in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 325°F.

Step 5: Scatter the ham evenly over the croissant pieces, then sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
Step 6: In a large bowl with a pourable spout, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 7: Whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, then pour the mixture evenly over the croissants in the casserole dish.

Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try using smoked ham or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetable boost.

If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss or sharp cheddar cheese are great substitutes.
Drying the croissants thoroughly helps prevent the bake from becoming soggy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in a microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

A rectangular baking dish filled with torn pieces of golden brown croissant layered with small bits of light pink ham and topped with shredded pale yellow cheese. A large clear glass bowl in the bottom right corner pours a creamy pale sauce over the croissant mixture. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a soft grey cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this bake the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning, but omit the initial croissant drying step.

Can I use a different type of bread instead of croissants?

While croissants provide a rich, buttery texture, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a similar custardy bake, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.