Description
This Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole Delight is a savory and comforting breakfast dish featuring buttery croissants soaked in a flavorful egg mixture with ham, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, this casserole is rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 large buttery croissants, cut into quarters
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Croissants: Place the quartered croissants evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish as the base for the casserole.
- Add Ham and Cheese Layers: Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the croissant pieces to distribute flavor throughout the casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ham, and cheese layers. Press the croissants gently with a spatula to help them soak up the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a flavorful, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to set the custard and meld the flavors.
- Brown the Top: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is fully set in the center.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to firm up before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old croissants as they soak up the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for variation.
- To make a lighter version, use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and milk.
- Prepare the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate; bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a light green salad for a complete breakfast meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: ham and cheese casserole, breakfast casserole, croissant casserole, brunch recipe, savory breakfast, Swiss cheese casserole
