chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Buttery croissants, smokey chicken ham, and gooey cheese come together in this chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions, this dish offers a delightful twist on the classic French Croque Monsieur. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a must-try for your holiday gatherings or lazy weekend mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole is simple to make, with minimal prep time. Just layer ingredients and let the oven do the rest!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of croissants, chicken ham, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with powdered sugar and jam for breakfast or brunch, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it overnight, saving you time on busy mornings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 8 servings per recipe, it’s an ideal choice for family gatherings or hosting friends.

Tools and Preparation

To create your chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish (9×6 or 9×11)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A deep baking dish allows the casserole to rise properly while ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Whisk: This tool helps blend the egg mixture smoothly, integrating all ingredients effectively for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients

For the chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole, gather these ingredients:

For the Casserole Base

• 6-8 medium-sized croissants
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup half and half or whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• pinch of salt

For the Filling

• 8 ounces deli or leftover chicken ham (about 6 thin slices)
• 6 ounces shredded swiss or gruyere cheese

For Serving

• powdered sugar

How to Make chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Lightly coat a 9×6 deep baking dish with cooking spray. A 9×11 baking dish can also be used if you prefer.

Step 2: Layer the Croissants and Chicken Ham

Tear the croissants in half and place them in the prepared pan. Cut the chicken ham into thirds and nestle it around the croissants. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over everything.

Step 3: Combine Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half (or whole milk), Dijon mustard, and salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the layered croissants.

Step 4: Chill Before Baking

Cover the baking dish with foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Bake Your Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the covered breakfast casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving warm for a delightful breakfast treat!

How to Serve chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

This delicious chicken ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Serving

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the dish’s presentation.
• Serve warm: This casserole is best enjoyed right out of the oven for maximum gooeyness.

Accompanying Spreads

• Fruit preserves: Pair with your favorite jam for a fruity contrast to the savory flavors.
• Honey or maple syrup: Drizzle over the top for an added layer of sweetness that complements the cheese.

Beverage Pairings

• Freshly squeezed orange juice: The citrusy flavor brightens up the meal and adds a refreshing element.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the casserole.

How to Perfect chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

To ensure your chicken ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use day-old croissants: Stale croissants absorb more custard mixture, leading to a fluffier texture.
• Chill before baking: Allowing the assembled casserole to sit in the fridge helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Watch your bake time: Keep an eye on it as ovens vary; look for golden tops and bubbling edges.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different types like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Complement your chicken ham and cheese croissant breakfast casserole with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness.
2. Greek yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Hash browns: Crispy hash browns provide additional texture and are always a breakfast favorite.
4. Avocado toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread offers healthy fats and pairs well with eggs.
5. Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the casserole’s heaviness.
6. Sautéed spinach: Lightly cooked spinach adds color and nutrients while keeping things simple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole, a few common mistakes can prevent you from achieving the perfect dish. Here are some errors to watch out for:

• Not using day-old croissants: Fresh croissants may become too soggy during baking. Use day-old or stale croissants for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the casserole allows it to bake unevenly. Always chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor absorption.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Packing too many ingredients into the dish will lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can result in a poorly cooked casserole. Always preheat your oven before placing the casserole inside.
• Forgetting to let it rest after baking: Cutting into the casserole immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the casserole is completely cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm slices with a splash of broth or water, covering until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella. Each will give a different flavor profile.

How do I customize my chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or try adding herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep as you can make it ahead of time and reheat as needed.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This breakfast casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed alone or as part of a bigger brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

The chicken ham And Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion—be it breakfast, brunch, or even holidays. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful start to your day!