There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of buttery croissants, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese all baked together in one cozy dish. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe brings breakfast and brunch to a whole new level — it’s easy to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and tastes like a comforting hug on a plate.

The image shows a close-up of a flaky, golden brown croissant sandwich layered with slices of pink ham and melted yellow cheese, with a topping of shiny red jam spreading over the top. The croissant has a rough, crisp texture with visible flaky layers. It sits on a white plate with small round indentations, garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs on the side. The background shows more blurred croissants and a jar of red jam on a white marbled surface. 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 Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish quickly became one of my go-to brunch staples because it’s unexpectedly simple but so impressive. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without any fuss.

Savory and Sweet Harmony: The subtle sweetness from maple syrup paired with salty ham and Swiss cheese creates a flavor combo you’ll want to make again and again.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing the night before, so mornings are relaxed without rushing.
Super Versatile: You can swap out ham or cheese, add veggies, or adjust spices — it’s very forgiving and fun to personalize.
Crowd-Sized Portions: This casserole easily serves 12-15 people, making it ideal for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden-brown bread casserole featuring layers of torn croissant pieces, thin slices of ham, and melted cheese. The top layer is crispy and uneven with visible browned cheese patches and pink ham slices spread throughout. A wedge has been removed, showing the soft, slightly moist interior with layers of bread, ham, and cheese inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a green cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe comes from combining rich, buttery croissants with savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a custard that’s lightly sweetened and spiced. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly, creating layers of flavor and indulgent texture.

Flat lay of large whole croissants with golden flaky crusts, slices of glossy Black Forest deli ham separated slightly, a small white bowl filled with shredded Swiss cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, a small white bowl containing creamy half and half, another small white bowl holding pure amber maple syrup, small white bowls with fine white salt, bright yellow mustard powder, light beige garlic powder, and finely ground white pepper, plus a small white bowl of vibrant red raspberry jam and a sifter with powdered sugar dusting nearby, all arranged symmetrically 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: Using day-old, cubed croissants soaked up the custard beautifully—fresh croissants might get too soggy.
Black Forest ham: This deli ham adds a smoky, slightly sweet bite that pairs wonderfully with the cheese.
Swiss cheese: Its nutty, mellow flavor melts smooth without overpowering other ingredients.
Eggs: The base for the custard that holds everything together.
Half and half: Gives the custard richness without making it too heavy.
Maple syrup: The hint of sweetness here is key to balancing salty and savory notes.
Mustard powder and garlic powder: Add depth and subtle spice, rounding out the flavor.
Salt & pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that bring it all to life.
Powdered sugar & raspberry jam (for topping): These finishing touches add a lovely contrast of sweet and tart at serving.

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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 experimenting with this recipe. You can easily swap out the ham for cooked bacon or sausage for a different twist, or try a sharper cheese like aged cheddar or gruyère to deepen the flavor. Mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach gives it a lovely veggie boost without complicating prep.

Vegetarian version: Skip the ham and double up on cheese and veggies like bell peppers or tomatoes.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the custard for a subtle kick.
Healthier twist: Use half-and-half mixed with whole milk and lean ham, plus add fresh herbs for brightness.

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

Step 1: Cube Croissants and Prepare Fillings

I start by cutting my croissants into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. It helps that I leave them out overnight so they get a little stale and absorb the custard nicely without turning mushy. Then I chop the Black Forest ham into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the croissant cubes and shredded Swiss cheese in a big mixing bowl. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly before transferring to your casserole dish.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a separate bowl, I beat 8 eggs really well, then add half and half, maple syrup, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and white pepper. Whisk until everything is combined and smooth. This custard is what transforms the croissants into a buttery, pudding-like filling that’s perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Combine & Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissant-ham-cheese combo in the casserole dish. I like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top for a subtle caramelized finish when it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes — I usually prep this the night before and refrigerate it so the flavors meld beautifully and mornings aren’t rushed.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil, rotate the pan for even browning, and bake another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and toasted, and the eggs are fully set. When you see those edges bubbling and the top slightly crisp, you know you nailed it!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've realized a few small tricks make this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe a total winner every time:

Use Day-Old Croissants: Fresh croissants can get soggy, but day-old cubes soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
Give it a Good Soak: Letting the casserole rest before baking ensures the custard penetrates all those buttery croissant pieces for even richness.
Don’t Skip the Mustard Powder: It might sound subtle, but that little zing lifts the whole flavor profile.
Watch Your Bake Time: Remove the foil halfway to get a golden top without drying out the custard inside.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

ham and cheese croissant - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting the finished casserole with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Then, alongside raspberry jam and extra maple syrup, the sweetness pops and balances all the savory notes. It’s that little added touch that makes it feel special and bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with fresh fruit like berries or sliced melon to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully if you want a light contrast to the creamy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone gets their own perfectly toasted portion. You can also layer it with fresh herbs like chives or thyme on top for color and a herbaceous note that brightens each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to go low and slow in the oven to keep the top crisp while warming through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover loosely with foil and heat in a 325°F oven until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes depending on your portion size. If you want to refresh that crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread instead of croissants?

You can, but the texture will change a bit. Croissants bring buttery flakiness that regular bread lacks. If you substitute with brioche or challah, the casserole will still be delicious but slightly less rich and flaky.

How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?

You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes before baking, but overnight soaking provides even better flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe specifically relies on croissants, which traditionally contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to source gluten-free croissants or experiment with other gluten-free bread that can hold up to soaking in the custard.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 325°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top. This keeps the casserole moist and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe has secured a special place in my brunch rotation because it feels like a celebration in every bite without requiring hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple morning meal into a comforting, memorable experience. Trust me, your family and guests will be asking for seconds.