Every now and then, a dish comes along that feels like the warmest morning hug—soft, buttery croissants soaked in a custardy egg mixture with melty Swiss cheese and savory ham nestled throughout. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort food, perfect for weekend brunches or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a flaky, golden-brown pastry with several layers of light, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. Inside the pastry, there are visible slices of pinkish meat and melted cheese giving a creamy texture. On top of the pastry, there is a thick layer of red jam with visible fruit bits. The pastry is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. The dish is served on a white plate with some fresh green herbs placed beside it. The background is a white marbled surface with another plate and a jar blurred behind. 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

I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it combines simplicity and showstopper appeal. The way the croissants soak up the egg mixture, then bake to a golden, slightly crisp finish, creates such an irresistible texture I never get tired of. Plus, the balance between savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and just a hint of sweetness takes it to the next level.

Effortless Yet Impressive: It only takes a few simple steps, but your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Leftover-Friendly: Using day-old or slightly stale croissants works best, so it’s a great way to avoid waste.
Flavor Harmony: Sweet maple syrup paired with salty ham and creamy cheese creates a balanced hit of flavors.
Flexible for Any Occasion: Perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or even an easy dinner option.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered bread pudding made from torn croissant pieces on top, creating a golden, flaky texture with visible puffed layers. Mixed throughout are slices of pink ham and melted cheese that gives a creamy, slightly browned surface. The inside layers of the pudding reveal soft, soaked bread with ham pieces embedded, showing a mix of light cream and pink colors. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a green cloth napkin partially visible on the right side. A portion of the pudding has been removed from the front corner, revealing the moist, textured inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe plays an important role—not just for flavor but for texture and overall enjoyment. From buttery croissants that soak up that eggy custard to Black Forest ham with just the right smoky edge, everything works in harmony.

Flat lay of eight large golden croissants cut into cubes in a simple white ceramic bowl, thinly sliced pink Black Forest ham neatly arranged next to the croissants in a white bowl, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow shredded Swiss cheese, eight whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with creamy half and half, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, another small white bowl with pale yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with white garlic powder, a small white bowl of ground white pepper, a small white bowl of bright red raspberry jam, and a white ceramic plate dusted lightly with powdered sugar, all placed 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: Day-old croissants absorb the egg mixture beautifully, becoming soft inside but holding a slight crisp on the edges after baking.
Black Forest Deli Ham: Offers a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and syrup drizzles.
Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a nutty touch that balances the salty ham and sweet elements.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard, they provide structure and richness.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy—milk alone can make it less indulgent.
Mustard Powder & Garlic Powder: These subtle spices deepen flavor without overpowering the dish.
Pure Maple Syrup: Don’t skip this—it adds a gentle sweetness that cuts through the savory layers beautifully.
Powdered Sugar & Raspberry Jam (for serving): The finishing touch for a perfect sweet-savory contrast.

📝

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 Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand and who I’m serving. Feel free to swap out the ham for turkey or cooked bacon, or try different cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for a flavor twist!

Vegetarian Variation: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty meat-free option I always enjoy.
Herb Boost: Sometimes I toss in fresh thyme or chives—adds a bright herbal note that freshens the dish.
Spicy Kick: Smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne powder amps up the flavor subtly without stealing the spotlight.

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

Step 1: Cube and Combine the Croissants, Ham, and Cheese

Start by cutting those croissants into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. I find that slightly larger chunks hold together nicely throughout the bake. Toss the croissant cubes into a large bowl, then chop the Black Forest ham into bite-sized pieces and add it in. Finally, sprinkle in the shredded Swiss cheese. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Prepare and Pour the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, beat your eight eggs well. Add half and half, maple syrup, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth and fragrant. Pour this custard evenly over the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture, making sure all pieces get soaked. If you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and drizzle a little more maple syrup right on top—it caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Let It Soak and Bake

Cover the pan tightly with foil and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This soak time lets the croissants fully absorb the custard so the center is soft but not soggy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. After soaking, bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil, rotate the dish (for even baking), and bake another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are fully set and the top looks irresistibly toasty.

Top Tip

Over the years, making this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe taught me some handy tricks to nail it every time. The soak is key—it’s tempting to bake immediately, but giving the croissants time to soak up all that custard means the difference between a perfect custardy texture and a dry, crumbly mess.

Use Day-Old Croissants: They hold the custard better than fresh ones, which can get too mushy.
Don’t Skip the Soak Time: I’ve baked it right away before and ended up with dry spots—wait the 20 minutes and you won’t regret it.
Rotate Your Pan Mid-Bake: Our ovens can have hot spots, so a quick turn makes sure your casserole browns evenly.
Trust Your Senses: Look for a golden top and firm but tender feel—if it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

ham and cheese croissant casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I almost always dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar—it adds a nice contrast to the savory layers. Then I serve it alongside a dollop of raspberry jam and extra maple syrup on the side. That combo of sweet and savory is what really makes this dish sing and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep it fresh and simple—like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus tossed with a bit of olive oil and sea salt. Fresh fruit also brightens things up, especially berries or sliced melon.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in smaller ramekins to give everyone their own personalized portion—that’s always a fun touch! I’ve also layered in thin slices of fresh apple inside the casserole for a subtle sweet crunch, which was surprisingly delicious and got rave reviews at a brunch party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Surprisingly, it tastes almost as good cold as it does reheated, but warming it up brings back that fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions successfully—wrap them well in freezer-safe containers or foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture stays intact and doesn’t get soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. It crisps the top back up without drying out the custard inside. Microwave is quick but can make the croissants a bit rubbery, so use it only if you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old ones?

While you can use fresh croissants, day-old or slightly stale croissants soak up the custard better and maintain a better texture during baking, preventing the casserole from becoming too soggy.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the ham with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers and consider adding extra cheese or even tofu for protein. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful without the meat.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to help it bake evenly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way is to reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F) for 10-15 minutes to keep the custard creamy and the croissant edges crisp. Microwaving can work but might create a rubbery texture.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress with minimal effort. It feels nostalgic, cozy, and just downright delicious—plus those layers of flavor and texture keep everyone excited for brunch time. Give it a try in your kitchen, and I’d bet it’ll soon be your favorite morning treat too.