This delicious Croissant Bake is the ultimate dish for any special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive recipe for a holiday brunch or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this dish has it all. Flaky croissants, rich butter, savory herbs, melted cheese, and flavorful deli meat come together in perfect harmony.
It’s so good, you might just find yourself sneaking seconds (or thirds)!
Why This Recipe is a Crowd Favorite
- Super Simple: This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. Even the kids can help with this one!
- Perfect for Crowds: Hosting a big family gathering? This dish is a lifesaver. It’s kid-approved and loved by picky eaters, so no one leaves the table hungry. If you’re feeding a crowd, make multiple pans—it disappears quickly!
- Great for Meal Prep: Need a quick breakfast or snack on the go? This bake reheats beautifully. Skip the pricey café sandwiches and enjoy this homemade delight anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Croissants (Day-old ones work best!)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Fresh Herbs
- Cheese
- Honey
- Butter
Substitutions and Variations
• Make It Pork-Free: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Don’t eat pork? Swap in any deli meat, or skip the meat entirely. For a vegetarian option, try adding asparagus or mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful twist.
• Go Vegetarian: No meat? No eggs? No problem! Use milk, cheese, and your favorite plant-based substitutes or veggies to create a delicious vegetarian version.
• Low-Calorie Option: While this dish is indulgent, you can experiment with lighter ingredients if you’re watching calories. But hey, sometimes it’s okay to indulge—it’s food for the soul!
Storage Instructions:
• Refrigerator: Store any leftover croissant bake in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Cut it into portions, wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.
Reheating Tips:
• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave: For a quick option, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this croissant bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then bake it fresh the next morning. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or hosting brunch!
What type of croissants work best?
Day-old croissants are ideal since they’re slightly firmer and better at soaking up the egg mixture. Fresh croissants can be used too but might result in a softer texture.
Can I make it without eggs?
Absolutely! For an egg-free version, simply skip the eggs and use milk, cream, and cheese as the base. You can add more veggies or a plant-based protein substitute to make it hearty.
What other cheeses can I use?
This recipe works well with a variety of cheeses! Try Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for extra flavor. Mix and match to suit your taste.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or bell peppers are excellent additions. Sauté them lightly before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
Croissant Bake Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Bake:
- 6 –8 croissants cut into halves or thirds
- 10 –12 slices deli meat ham, prosciutto, turkey breast, or salami
- 3 –4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 8 –10 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Honey Butter Herb Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 tbsp fresh herbs rosemary, thyme
Instructions
Prepare the Croissants
- Cut the croissants into thirds or halves, depending on their size.
Make the Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream or milk, salt, garlic salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. Whisk until well combined.
Dunk and Arrange
- Dunk each croissant piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess liquid and arrange the croissant pieces in a baking dish.
Add Deli Meat and Cheese
- Fill the spaces between the croissants with slices of deli meat and Swiss cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Prepare the Honey Butter Herb Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and fresh herbs.
Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the croissant bake until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Baste and Serve
- Once baked, brush the croissant bake generously with the honey butter herb sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!