Description

A stress-free, make-ahead brunch dish featuring buttery croissants, savory ham, and sharp cheddar soaked in a rich custard. Perfect for holidays and feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

Scale

12 large butter croissants (day-old or fresh, torn into 1–1.5 inch pieces)
12 ounces (340 grams) smoked ham, diced
1 1/2 cups (150 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
6 large eggs
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Tear croissants into rough, bite-sized pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If fresh, let them sit out for 30 minutes to dry slightly.
Spread diced ham evenly over the croissants, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the ham, reserving 2 tablespoons for the top.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until uniform and slightly frothy.
Pour custard evenly over the croissant mixture. Gently press down on the croissants to ensure they are fully saturated.
Let the dish sit for at least 10 minutes, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) or for at least 4 hours.
Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Use day-old croissants to prevent a soggy bottom. Ensure the custard ratio is 6 eggs to 2 cups cream for the best texture. Press croissants down firmly to ensure even soaking. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to firm up for clean slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 650
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 18

Keywords: make ahead brunch, ham and cheese bake, croissant casserole, holiday breakfast, easy brunch recipe, crowd pleaser