Overnight Breakfast Bake with Ham, Cheese, and Croissants

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This Overnight Breakfast Bake with Ham, Cheese, and Croissants is a delightful way to elevate your brunch game. Layers of buttery croissants are soaked in a creamy egg mixture, mixed with savory ham and melted cheese, making every bite comforting and flavorful. The croissants absorb all the flavors overnight, making this dish perfect for those who love to plan ahead.

Ideal for weekend mornings or special occasions, this dish will impress guests with its rich, cheesy goodness. Simply prepare it the night before, bake in the morning, and enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle of morning prep. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

4 large croissants, torn into pieces

1 cup cooked ham, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
6 large eggs

1 ½ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the torn croissants evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the ham and shredded cheese over the croissants.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the dish, pressing down gently to soak the croissants.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Overview:

This Overnight Breakfast Bake is a versatile, hearty, and convenient dish perfect for feeding a crowd, especially for brunches, family gatherings, or holiday mornings. The buttery croissants provide a rich, flaky base, while the combination of ham and cheese adds savory depth. Preparing it the night before allows the croissants to soak up the egg mixture, making the bake extra fluffy and flavorful after it’s cooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing it the night before lets you relax in the morning, especially useful for busy weekends or hosting guests.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its savory and cheesy flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit at any brunch table.

Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences, such as adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swapping the ham for sausage or turkey bacon.
Minimal Prep Time: It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and the rest is simply baking and waiting for your oven to do the magic.

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to create a delicious vegetarian breakfast bake.

Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Meat Options: You can swap out the ham for bacon, sausage, or even smoked turkey if you prefer different proteins.
Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the egg mixture for a little kick.

Pairing Suggestions:

Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a light and refreshing fruit salad to balance the richness of the bake.
Mimosas or Fresh Orange Juice: For a classic brunch pairing, complement the dish with mimosas or freshly squeezed juice.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a great way to balance the cheesy and buttery flavors.

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Why It’s Perfect for Special Occasions:

The ease of preparation, combined with its decadent taste, makes this breakfast bake ideal for special occasions like Christmas morning, Mother’s Day, or even casual weekend brunches. You can have it ready to bake, which means less stress and more time enjoying the occasion.

Nutritional Notes:

This dish is rich in protein, thanks to the eggs and ham, making it a hearty option to keep you full and satisfied. It also delivers plenty of flavor without requiring extra sauces or condiments. If you want to make it slightly lighter, you can use half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option, though it may change the texture slightly.

Popular Add-Ons:

If you want to make this dish even more luxurious, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking, or adding a drizzle of hollandaise sauce before serving for a more indulgent brunch experience.

History and Background:

The concept of breakfast casseroles has long been a staple in home kitchens, particularly in American households. These dishes combine traditional breakfast ingredients like eggs, bread, and meat into a one-pan meal, making them easy to prepare and share. The idea of using croissants in a breakfast casserole elevates it from the typical “bread base” to a more indulgent version, adding a buttery richness and flaky texture that’s unique. This specific recipe brings together flavors often found in classic French cuisine, such as ham and cheese, but adds the practicality of an all-in-one casserole.

Key Ingredients Breakdown:

Croissants: Using croissants instead of regular bread gives this bake an extra layer of indulgence, as their buttery, flaky texture pairs beautifully with the creamy egg mixture. You can use day-old croissants, which soak up the liquid even better and prevent the bake from becoming too soggy.
Ham: The salty, savory flavor of ham contrasts nicely with the richness of the croissants and eggs. You can use leftover ham from another meal, such as a holiday roast, making this a great recipe for repurposing leftovers.
Cheese: Cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe. Cheddar is a popular choice because it melts well and has a strong, sharp flavor. You can also opt for more sophisticated cheeses like Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or Gouda for a creamy, smoky finish.

Egg Mixture: The eggs, milk, and seasonings (like Dijon mustard and garlic powder) form the base that binds the bake together. The mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the dish, while the garlic and paprika add warmth and depth of flavor.

How to Customize for Dietary Restrictions:

Gluten-Free: You can easily modify this dish for gluten-free diets by substituting regular croissants with gluten-free croissants or bread. There are several options available in stores, and the flavors will still come through beautifully.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with almond milk or another plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free cheese. You might also want to skip the butter if you’re greasing the pan, using olive oil instead.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: This bake can be made keto-friendly by replacing the croissants with low-carb bread alternatives, or even just using a larger quantity of eggs, cheese, and ham. The result will be more of a crustless quiche, but still packed with flavor.

Best Occasions to Serve:

Holiday Breakfast or Brunch: Since this bake can be prepared the night before, it’s a fantastic option for holiday mornings when you want to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen. Simply pop it in the oven when you wake up, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Mother’s Day Brunch: If you’re planning a brunch for Mother’s Day or another special occasion, this dish makes a great centerpiece. Pair it with mimosas, a fruit platter, and perhaps a sweet baked good like scones or muffins to create a well-rounded meal.

Potlucks and Group Gatherings: This dish also travels well, making it ideal for potluck brunches or breakfast meetings. It can be made in advance, covered with foil, and reheated upon arrival, ensuring that it’s fresh and warm when served.

How to Serve and Garnish:

Serving Suggestions: Serve the bake straight from the oven, but let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure that it holds together. You can slice it into squares or wedges for a polished presentation.
Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the dish. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or serve it with a side of salsa or sour cream for extra flavor contrast.

Texture and Flavor Profile:

This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors:

The croissants provide a buttery, crispy edge while remaining soft and tender inside, especially after soaking in the egg mixture overnight.
The ham offers a salty, savory bite that contrasts with the fluffy eggs.

The cheese melts into a gooey, creamy layer that ties everything together.
The subtle tang of Dijon mustard and the mild heat from paprika elevate the flavors without overpowering them.

Expert Tips for Success:

Use Day-Old Croissants: If your croissants are fresh and soft, you can leave them out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the egg mixture better and prevents the bake from becoming too mushy.

Let the Casserole Sit Before Baking: Allowing the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before baking (especially after refrigerating overnight) ensures that the egg mixture is evenly distributed, and the flavors meld together for a cohesive dish.
Cover While Baking: Start with the dish covered with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden without burning.

How to Scale the Recipe:

Doubling the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and adjust the cooking time slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for later. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.

Fun Facts:

Croissant Origins: Although croissants are often associated with French cuisine, their origins actually trace back to Austria. The shape of the croissant was inspired by the crescent moon, a symbol on the Ottoman Empire’s flag.
Why Ham and Cheese Are a Classic Combo: Ham and cheese have been paired together for centuries due to their complementary flavors. The salty, savory notes of ham are balanced by the creamy, mild flavor of cheese, making them a classic duo in many dishes worldwide.

Conclusion

The Overnight Breakfast Bake with Ham, Cheese, and Croissants is a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and versatility. Ideal for special occasions or weekend brunches, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. With its buttery croissants, savory ham, and cheesy goodness, this bake is sure to become a favorite at any family gathering or brunch table. Simple to make, delicious to eat—this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game.