Name: The Best Croissant Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, preferably day-old; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional); Powdered sugar, for serving

Hey y'all! If you're craving something that's buttery, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd, you need to try The Best Croissant Bake Recipe. This easy brunch casserole features rich, flaky croissants soaked in a velvety egg custard and layered with gooey cheese and savory ham. Whether it's for a relaxing weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or a cozy family dinner, this croissant bake is sure to win everyone's heart. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Croissant Bake

Loaded with luscious flavor thanks to buttery croissants and two kinds of cheese.
Super easy to prep ahead—just assemble, chill, and bake when ready.
Perfect for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or holiday gatherings.
Incredibly customizable with your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses.
Keeps well for leftovers and reheats beautifully!

Ingredients for The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

6 large butter croissants, torn into large pieces
1 ½ cups thick-cut ham, cubed (or cooked bacon/sausage)
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

How to Make The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Croissants and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Tear the croissants into large chunks and layer half in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle with half the ham and half each cheese.

Step 2: Layer Everything Up

Spread the remaining croissant pieces over the first layer, followed by the rest of the ham and both cheeses. This gives you those incredible gooey cheese pulls in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant layers. Gently press down to help the croissants soak up the custard. Let sit for 10–30 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight for even better texture).

Step 5: Bake!

Bake, uncovered, for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with chives and serving warm. Enjoy!

Notes for The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

For extra depth, try adding sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach before baking.
If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight for a fluffier, well-soaked bake; let it come to room temperature before baking.
Use day-old croissants for even better results—they soak up more custard. Learn more about breakfast casseroles at The Kitchn.

Variations on The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted peppers.
Southwestern: Use cooked chorizo, pepper jack cheese, and diced green chilies for a spicy twist.
Sweet brunch: Omit meat and cheese, and instead use berries, cream cheese chunks, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Required Equipment for The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

9x13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil (as needed)

Storage & Shelf Life for Croissant Bake

Store leftover croissant bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For best texture, avoid freezing, as custard-based bakes can become watery.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or citrusy greens for a bright counterpoint.
Pair with hot coffee, Earl Grey tea, or a sparkling mimosa for brunch magic.
Try a side of crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes for a heartier meal.

Pro Tips for The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

Use high-quality, all-butter croissants for the richest flavor (find tips at Epicurious).
If your croissants are very fresh, dry them out in a low oven (250°F/120°C) for 8–10 minutes so they absorb more custard.
Let the bake rest after cooking—this makes for easier slicing and a more cohesive texture. Learn more about custard bakes at Bon Appétit.

FAQ: The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

Can I make this croissant bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake in the morning for an effortless brunch.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Feel free to swap Gruyère for Swiss, fontina, or even mozzarella for a slightly different (but still tasty) flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

While possible, freezing may alter the custard's creamy texture, so refrigeration is best for optimal results.

Prep & Cooking Time for The Best Croissant Bake Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus optional overnight chill)
Cook time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (plus chilling, if desired)

The Best Croissant Bake Recipe