There’s something truly irresistible about a warm, custardy breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting. This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe delivers all that and more — buttery croissants soaking up a rich maple-spiked egg custard with melty Swiss cheese and savory ham. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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

From casual weekend brunches to holiday morning gatherings, this casserole brings a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy that feels like a special treat but is super easy to throw together. I love how it transforms simple croissants into something that tastes fancy without fuss.

Comfort in every bite: The combination of buttery croissants, Swiss cheese, and tender Black Forest ham makes for a cozy, satisfying dish.
Hands-off soaking time: Letting the croissants soak in the maple syrup and egg mixture means the flavors meld beautifully without extra babysitting.
Perfect balance of sweet and savory: The hint of maple syrup and dusting of powdered sugar elevate this casserole beyond your average breakfast bake.
Feeds a crowd easily: The 9×13-inch casserole dish is ideal for serving about 15 people — great for family or friends.

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 here plays a special role, melding textures and tastes so the final casserole shines. Using day-old croissants is key — they absorb the custard beautifully without turning mushy. Choosing Black Forest ham brings a smoky-sweet edge that complements the Swiss cheese flawlessly.

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 or left out overnight allows them to soak up all that custard goodness.
Black Forest deli ham: Adds smoky, slightly sweet flavors and tender bites.
Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly, lending a creamy, nutty richness.
Eggs: The base of the custard, binding everything together.
Half and half: Makes the egg custard luxuriously creamy.
Salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, pepper: These seasonings build savory depth without overpowering.
Pure maple syrup: Sweetens gently and pairs wonderfully with ham and cheese.
Powdered sugar and raspberry jam (for toppings): Provide that final festive touch balancing sweet and savory.

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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 tweaking this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the fridge. It’s so adaptable — meaning you can make it your own and still get great results.

Variation: I sometimes swap Swiss for Gruyère for an earthier note, or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for some greens.
Dietary swap: Use turkey or chicken instead of ham to lighten it up, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Sweet twist: Adding chopped apples or pears pairs surprisingly well with the ham and Swiss for a hint of fruitiness.

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

Step 1: Cube the croissants and prep the ham and cheese

I start by slicing those buttery croissants into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch cubes — not too small, so they hold some texture but soak up all that custard. Then I chop the Black Forest ham into bite-sized bits, making sure to separate any sticky layers. Tossing in shredded Swiss cheese right after helps integrate the flavors early.

Step 2: Mix the custard with care

Whisking together 8 eggs, half and half, maple syrup, salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of pepper creates that lovely custard. I prefer to use a large mixing bowl or measuring cup here so pouring is easy and even.

Step 3: Combine everything and bake

After spreading the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly in a 9×13 baking dish, pour the custard gently on top. I like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the skillet if I’m feeling indulgent. Cover it tightly with foil and let it soak while the oven preheats to 350°F. The soak time — at least 20 minutes — makes the difference between a dry bake and this casserole’s signature custard-y texture.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and rotate the pan for even browning. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp, and the eggs are fully set. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels firm but still moist — perfect for serving right away.

Top Tip

Making this Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe a few times taught me that soaking the croissants long enough is absolutely key. Rushing that step will leave you with dry edges and a less custardy bite — so give it at least 20 minutes covered before baking.

Soak patiently: Allow the croissants to fully absorb the egg and maple mixture while the oven heats up.
Even layering: Toss ham and cheese uniformly with the croissants to get every bite flavorful.
Watch your bake time: Removing the foil halfway helps the top crisp without drying out the custard inside.
Use leftover croissants: Don’t toss those day-old croissants; they’re perfect here and reduce waste.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe

Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to dust the casserole lightly with powdered sugar — it sounds quirky, but it offsets the savory richness beautifully. Serving it alongside a spoonful of raspberry jam adds a bright, tangy contrast that guests always rave about. A little extra maple syrup on the side never hurts either.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad, lightly dressed arugula, or a crisp green salad bring a fresh element to the table. If you want something warm, roasted breakfast potatoes or sautéed asparagus are my go-tos. These sides complement the casserole’s richness without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like to serve this casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions — it looks so charming and makes guests feel extra-special. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover leftovers with foil or plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Just make sure to cover it well so the croissants don’t dry out.

Freezing

I have frozen this casserole before by baking it first, then letting it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and freezing. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. While you can freeze unbaked versions too, I find baking first gives a better texture after reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying, heating for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling much better than the microwave, which can make the croissants tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use croissants that are fresh instead of day-old?

You can use fresh croissants, but I recommend letting them sit out for at least a few hours or overnight to dry out a bit. Day-old croissants absorb the custard better, resulting in a creamier texture without becoming too mushy.

What kind of cheese works best in this casserole?

Swiss cheese is classic here because it melts beautifully and pairs well with ham’s smoky flavor. Gruyère is a great alternative if you want something a little nuttier. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well, as the texture can be off.

Can I make this recipe ahead and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it well, and refrigerate overnight. Let it soak in the fridge for at least 4 hours before baking. Bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Is it okay to skip the maple syrup?

You can omit the maple syrup if you prefer a purely savory dish, but it brings a subtle sweetness that balances the ham and cheese beautifully. If skipping it, consider adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of orange juice to still incorporate a hint of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep returning to because it’s such a crowd-pleaser that feels special without complicated steps. It’s cozy, cheesy, and delightfully balanced with just the right hint of sweetness. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — and trust me, your friends and family won’t be able to get enough!