Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

While you can substitute bread, you'll lose the distinctive buttery flavor and texture that makes this casserole special. If using bread, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter to the egg mixture to compensate.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is completely set (no jiggling when gently shaken), the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean without any raw egg mixture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ham and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. You could also add plant-based breakfast sausage for that savory element.

Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?

This usually happens if your oven temperature is too high (causing the outside to cook faster than the inside) or if there's too much liquid. Make sure to follow the recommended measurements and check that your oven temperature is accurate.

Breakfast Croissant Casserole Recipe

Name: Breakfast Croissant Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-484863H36S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 large croissants, baked; 1 pound chopped ham; 1 cup chopped onions; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This Breakfast Croissant Casserole is a game-changer for your morning routine! Buttery croissants soaked in a savory egg mixture, loaded with ham, spinach, and melty cheese create an irresistible breakfast that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings. The beauty lies in its simplicity—just 10 minutes of prep before the oven does all the work, giving you a stunning, restaurant-quality breakfast with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive with Little Effort: This casserole looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the prep is literally just mixing and baking!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning—perfect for stress-free entertaining or holiday breakfasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery croissants, savory ham, and melty cheese appeals to everyone, even picky eaters.
Versatile: Works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights when you need something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Eggs: The foundation of our casserole, creating that custardy, rich texture that holds everything together.
Half-and-half: Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture—don’t substitute with just milk if you want that indulgent texture.
Croissants: The star ingredient! Their buttery, flaky texture soaks up the egg mixture while maintaining a delightful chewiness. Day-old croissants work perfectly here.
Ham: Provides the savory, meaty component that makes this casserole satisfying and hearty. Pre-chopped ham saves prep time.
Onions: Adds a subtle savory flavor that enhances the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Spinach: Brings color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, melty top while adding sharp, creamy flavor throughout. Use freshly shredded for best melting.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors—don’t skip these!

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.

Variations

Want to customize your casserole? Here are some delicious options:

Meat Lover’s Version: Swap the ham for crispy bacon pieces or cooked breakfast sausage for a different savory profile.
Veggie Delight: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before adding to reduce excess moisture.
Cheese Exploration: Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a mixture of cheeses for complex flavor.
Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese, add some sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle in dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.
Sweet and Savory: Drizzle maple syrup over individual servings for an irresistible flavor contrast.

How to Make Breakfast Croissant Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 2: Add the Croissants

Tear the croissants into 1-2 inch pieces with your hands (don’t cut them—tearing creates more texture!) and add them to the egg mixture. The irregularly shaped pieces create the perfect combination of crispy edges and soft centers.

Step 3: Mix in the Fillings

Add the chopped ham, onions, and spinach to the bowl. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure everything is well distributed throughout the egg and croissant mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for 50 minutes until the center is completely set (it shouldn’t jiggle when gently shaken) and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Don’t Oversoak: If preparing ahead, don’t let the croissants soak for more than 12 hours, or they might become too mushy.
Even Distribution: Make sure your ham, spinach, and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the casserole for consistent flavor in every bite.
Cover If Browning Too Quickly: If the top is getting too brown before the center is set, loosely cover with foil for the remaining bake time.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps it set up properly for cleaner slices.

How to Serve

This versatile casserole works beautifully in multiple settings:

Brunch Spread

Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas for an impressive weekend brunch.

Holiday Breakfast

Serve alongside cranberry juice, coffee, and cinnamon rolls for a special holiday morning meal.

Potluck Star

Bring to morning meetings or potlucks—it stays delicious even at room temperature.

Simple Sides

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!

Freezing

After baking and cooling completely, cut into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts!

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?

While you can substitute bread, you’ll lose the distinctive buttery flavor and texture that makes this casserole special. If using bread, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter to the egg mixture to compensate.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is completely set (no jiggling when gently shaken), the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean without any raw egg mixture.
Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ham and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. You could also add plant-based breakfast sausage for that savory element.
Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?

This usually happens if your oven temperature is too high (causing the outside to cook faster than the inside) or if there’s too much liquid. Make sure to follow the recommended measurements and check that your oven temperature is accurate.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Croissant Casserole combines convenience with incredible flavor, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday mornings when you want something a cut above the ordinary. The contrast between the crispy top, the buttery croissants, and the savory filling creates breakfast magic that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try this weekend—I promise it’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!