“Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake”

Yes, I have been away for a little R&R but glad I’m back with all of you. So, do the weekends spell homemade breakfast? It does in my house and I get the pleasure of cooking new recipes not to mention old favorites. This weekend Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake was a recent creation and one I think you’ll make over and over again. Made with butter croissants, ham, Swiss cheese, eggs, half & half, honey, dry mustard, and nutmeg. This casserole is perfect with a slight sweetness from the honey and savoriness of both ham and cheese. I promise you’ll hear angels singing at first bite and smile on your face.

Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

To start this breakfast bake, all ingredients are combined and covered overnight the baked in the morning. Makes a great brunch casserole if you’re entertaining. Anyway, first, slice up your croissants and place in the bottom of your baking dish which has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Second, sprinkle ham and cheese over croissants. And third, in mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, honey, half & half, dry mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Now pour, egg mixture over croissant, ham, and cheese. Press croissants down into egg mixture and cover dish with foil. Refrigerate at least 8 hours to overnight.

Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

To bake, bring casserole to room temperature for 20 minutes while oven heats. Place covered casserole in the oven and bake until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let rest before slicing and serving. Go ahead and “swoon”. (laugh…) It’s delicious and I guarantee you’ll want seconds. All you’ll need is a side of fresh fruit.

Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

One of my favorite ingredients in my breakfast bake is orange blossom honey. Hints of orange give this honey such a unique flavor and uncharacteristically with less bite and a smoother flavor profile. Click here to read more about orange blossom honey. My pantry is never without a bottle and this particular honey is exceptional. The taste is amazing and can be used as you would the ever popular clover honey but without an overpowering taste. I think the honey gives the breakfast bake it’s unique flavor and contrast with the dry mustard and nutmeg. This dish is simple yet complex enough to serve to all your guests. Enjoy your breakfast!

Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

Croissant Ham and Cheese Breakfast Bake

6 small croissants, cut into 4 pieces each

1 – 8 oz. package cooked ham, small diced

1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese

6 large eggs

1 cup half & half

2 T. orange blossom honey

1 t. dry mustard

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. black pepper

Spray a 11×7-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place croissants pieces in dish.

Sprinkle ham and cheese over top of croissants.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, honey, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour egg mixture over croissants, pressing to submerge croissants.

Cover baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight up to 24 hours.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place covered baking dish in oven and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover dish and continue to bake for an additional 25 minutes.

Let casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.