There’s something irresistibly cozy about the combination of buttery croissants, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in one dish. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe is a brunch game-changer, offering layers of flavor that melt together into a comforting, elegant casserole you'll want to serve again and again.

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 Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this casserole for a weekend brunch with friends—it disappeared in no time. The way the croissants soak up the egg mixture while retaining a slight crisp on top is just perfect. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to throw together.

Convenient Make-Ahead: Prep it the night before and let it soak in the fridge for an effortless next-morning bake.
Flavorful Layers: The mix of Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a subtle hint of maple syrup balances savory and sweet brilliantly.
Impressive Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for feeding a hungry group while feeling special and homemade.
Flexible and Customizable: Easy swaps for cheese, ham, or even adding veggies make it your own kind of perfect.

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

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe works because each ingredient has its moment: buttery croissants absorb the custard, Swiss cheese adds nuttiness and melt, and the Black Forest ham brings smoky sweetness. The touch of maple syrup adds a surprising depth without overpowering.

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: Day-old or left out overnight, croissants soak the egg custard beautifully while still keeping some texture.
Black Forest Deli Ham: The smoky, slightly sweet flavor provides a nice contrast to the richness of the eggs and cheese.
Swiss Cheese: Melts evenly with a mild nutty taste that complements but doesn’t overwhelm.
Eggs: The base of the custard, binding everything together with richness and structure.
Half and Half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy like full cream.
Mustard Powder & Garlic Powder: These spices quietly elevate the savory flavors.
Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes perfectly—trust me, this little touch makes all the difference!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors evenly.
Powdered Sugar & Raspberry Jam (Toppings): Sweet finishing touches that make the dish feel special and brunch-worthy.

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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

What I love about this bake is how adaptable it is. Feel free to switch out Swiss for Gruyère or cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste. Sometimes I toss in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for a veggie boost that keeps it hearty and fresh.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap ham for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach—I’ve done this for a friend’s brunch and nobody missed the meat.
Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Make It Mini: Use mini croissants and bake in muffin tins for adorable, perfectly portioned bites—great for parties.

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

Step 1: Prep the Croissants and Mix Ins

I start by cutting those buttery croissants into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches works best. I find that this size lets the croissants soak up just enough egg custard without turning to mush. Then, chop the Black Forest deli ham into pieces and toss everything into a large bowl along with the shredded Swiss cheese. Mixing it up ensures even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

Next, in a separate bowl or large measuring cup, I whisk together 8 eggs, half and half, maple syrup, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and a bit of pepper. This mixture is the heart of the bake—creamy, lightly sweet, and full of flavor. Whisk it until everything’s well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Combine and Let It Soak

Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, making sure you cover all the nooks and crannies. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle an extra ¼ cup maple syrup for a more pronounced sweetness on top. Then cover it tightly with foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. This step is key for that perfect custardy texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

While your casserole is soaking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 20 minutes to let it firm up, then remove the foil, rotate the pan for even cooking, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and nicely toasted. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are fully set and the edges start to crisp up slightly.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve

Once out of the oven, I love dusting the bake lightly with powdered sugar—oddly satisfying—and serving it alongside a dollop of raspberry jam and a splash of extra maple syrup. The sweet and savory contrast is what makes this dish so addictive.

Top Tip

Through countless brunches, I’ve learned that letting the croissant bake soak is non-negotiable if you want that creamy, rich texture without a dry center. Here are some keys to getting it just right.

Don’t Skip the Soak: Even 20 minutes makes a huge difference — if you have time, let it soak longer (up to an hour) in the fridge.
Use Day-Old Croissants: Fresher croissants won’t absorb the custard as well—it’s the little bit of dryness that helps it soak perfectly.
Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Toss croissants, ham, and cheese well so every bite has all the flavors.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after baking so it slices clean and the layers set beautifully.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe

ham and cheese croissant bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often dust the top with powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness that pairs amazingly well with the salty ham and cheese. Fresh raspberries or a small side of raspberry jam give it a bright, fruity contrast that uplifts the whole plate. It might seem quirky, but trust me—it’s delicious!

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like serving this bake with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. If it’s a heartier brunch, some roasted asparagus or crispy breakfast potatoes complement it wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this bake in individual ramekins—which feels a bit fancy and makes portion control easy. Mini versions in muffin tins also steal the show at brunch. Garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or thyme adds an elegant pop of color and fresh flavor, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a brunch party, I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and the flavors mellow even more overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake once or twice with good results—wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes), which helps keep the top crispy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works but expect the topping to soften a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Fresh croissants tend to be too soft and won’t hold the custard as well, making the casserole soggy. Using day-old or slightly stale croissants ensures they absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.

Can I substitute the ham with another protein?

Absolutely! Turkey, cooked bacon, or even sausage works well in this recipe. Just make sure whatever you use is pre-cooked since the bake only needs to cook long enough to set the eggs.

How much maple syrup should I use?

The recipe calls for ⅓ cup of pure maple syrup in the egg custard, with an optional drizzle of up to ¼ cup on top before baking. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors wonderfully.

Can I prepare the casserole a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, letting the casserole soak in the egg mixture overnight in the fridge intensifies the flavors and makes the texture even better. Just cover tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake Recipe holds a special place in my brunch rotation because it hits all the right notes—comforting, a little fancy, and totally satisfying. It’s easy to prepare but impressive on the table, and honestly, it’s a recipe I recommend whenever friends come over for a lazy weekend. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to for effortless, delicious gatherings!