This Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is a rich and indulgent dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Made with buttery croissants, Brie cheese, prosciutto, and mushrooms, all tossed in a creamy mustard sauce, this dish is both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it fresh when ready to serve—ideal for holiday gatherings or weekend brunch!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 12 cups (about 12-16) roughly torn, day-old croissants
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms, roughly chopped
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 rounded tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 3 ounces deli ham or prosciutto, torn
• 4 ounces creamy Brie cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Fontina cheese
• 2 tablespoons everything bagel spice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the torn croissants in the dish and top with thinly sliced butter. Bake for 5-8 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden. Stir and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, eggs, mustard, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Toss the toasted croissants with the mushroom mixture, ham, and Brie cheese. Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle Swiss cheese and everything bagel spice on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6)
• Calories: 1189 kcal
• Carbohydrates: High due to croissants
• Protein: Rich in protein from eggs, ham, and cheese
• Fat: High in healthy fats from dairy and croissants
• Fiber: Moderate due to mushrooms

The Comfort of Croissants: Buttery, Flaky Perfection

The base of this dish is croissants—flaky, buttery, and soft, croissants provide the perfect foundation for this rich bake. When day-old croissants are torn into pieces and baked until slightly toasted, they absorb the creamy mustard sauce beautifully, creating a texture that’s both soft and custardy with a crispy exterior. The light, flaky texture of the croissants adds a delicate richness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Using day-old croissants is essential for achieving the right texture. Fresh croissants can be too soft and may become soggy when soaked in the creamy sauce, while day-old croissants have had time to dry out a bit, making them ideal for absorbing the sauce while retaining their structure. The result is a satisfying contrast between the creamy interior and crispy edges that adds a delightful complexity to each bite.

The Richness of Brie and Swiss Cheese

Brie cheese plays a starring role in this dish, lending its signature creamy, buttery flavor and velvety texture. When cubed and baked, Brie melts into the croissant mixture, enriching the bake with a silky smoothness that’s indulgent without being overly heavy. Brie’s delicate flavor adds a subtle tang that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

In addition to Brie, Swiss or Fontina cheese is sprinkled on top, adding a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the Brie. Swiss cheese also melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly crust on top of the bake that adds a satisfying texture and a slightly caramelized flavor.

Prosciutto or Ham: Salty Savory Goodness

The salty, savory addition of prosciutto or deli ham takes this croissant bake to the next level. Prosciutto adds a touch of elegance with its delicate, thin slices and subtle, sweet saltiness, while ham brings a more hearty, familiar flavor. Both options contribute a satisfying depth of flavor, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese and the earthiness of the mushrooms.

Whether you choose prosciutto or ham depends on your personal preference, but either way, the saltiness of the meat helps cut through the richness of the creamy sauce, creating a well-rounded, balanced flavor profile. The ham or prosciutto also provides protein, making this dish more filling and satisfying.

Mushrooms: Earthy and Flavorful

Mushrooms add a wonderful depth of flavor to this dish. They have an earthy, savory taste that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy croissant base and the saltiness of the ham or prosciutto. Sautéing the mushrooms brings out their natural umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the bake.

In this recipe, mixed mushrooms are used, offering a variety of flavors and textures. Whether you use cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms, they all contribute to the dish’s hearty, comforting appeal. The mushrooms also provide fiber and important nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nourishing.

The Mustard Sauce: Creamy with a Tangy Kick

The creamy mustard sauce that binds this dish together is what really sets it apart. Made with a combination of heavy cream, milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, and a touch of cayenne pepper, the sauce is both rich and tangy, with just enough heat to add depth without overpowering the other flavors.

The Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese. The subtle heat from the cayenne pepper gives the dish an extra layer of complexity and warmth. This sauce coats the croissants, mushrooms, and meat, creating a velvety base that perfectly ties together all the ingredients.

An Elegant Dish That’s Easy to Make

Despite its rich, indulgent flavor, this Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is incredibly easy to prepare. While it might look like a gourmet dish, the preparation process is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. The croissants are torn into pieces, toasted slightly to create a base that absorbs the sauce, and then layered with sautéed mushrooms, ham or prosciutto, and Brie cheese.

Once the ingredients are layered in the baking dish, the mustard sauce is poured over the top, and everything is baked together. The result is a dish that looks and tastes impressive but is simple enough to prepare even on a busy day. The ability to assemble it ahead of time and bake it fresh when needed makes it ideal for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or dinner parties.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to meal prepping. You can easily assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready in no time. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits in the fridge, allowing the croissants to soak up the mustard sauce and the cheese to flavor the dish even more.

For busy families or anyone hosting a brunch or holiday gathering, this make-ahead aspect is a huge time-saver. It also ensures that you can enjoy a gourmet-quality dish without spending all your time in the kitchen the day of the event.

Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply leave out the ham or prosciutto and use a variety of mushrooms to create a hearty, flavorful dish. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or goat cheese, for unique flavor variations.

If you want to make the dish lighter, consider using low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for the cream and milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use whole grain croissants for a healthier take on this indulgent recipe. The recipe’s versatility makes it easy to customize, ensuring it can fit into a variety of meal plans and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is a comforting, indulgent dish that combines the richness of croissants, the creaminess of cheese, and the savory flavors of ham, mushrooms, and Dijon mustard. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday brunch, a casual family breakfast, or a special dinner. The ability to prepare it ahead of time and bake it fresh when needed makes it incredibly convenient, and the combination of flavors ensures that it will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

With its buttery croissants, savory meat, and creamy mustard sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of elegance and ease. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy meal at home, this Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is sure to become a favorite. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!