Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole-Skillet Recipe
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This Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole in a Cast Iron Skillet is cheesy, loaded with ham, eggs, and crispy, buttery croissants. Made with just a few simple ingredients-eggs, ham, cheese, milk, and croissants-this is the best breakfast casserole to make for a simple breakfast or weekend brunch.
Skillet Breakfast Casserole
Similar to my recipe for Skillet Baked French Toast Casserole, this recipe for Ham and Cheese Croissant Baked Casserole is a simple and delicious skillet breakfast that you will be coming back to time and time again.
Baking this skillet breakfast casserole in a cast iron skillet makes the best crunchy outer edge, while still keeping the center soft and tender. The croissants in the recipe get a delicious buttery crunch on the outside that is simply irresistible.
Reasons to Love This Breakfast Recipe
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast recipe. Here are some reasons to give it a try:
- Crispy Edges and Soft Center– Cooking in a cast iron skillet creates the most delicious, crunchy edges while still keeping the center soft and custard-like.
- One-Pan Meal-no need to dirty a bunch of dishes-bake and serve this breakfast casserole right from the same pan.
- Feeds a Crowd-this one casserole can feed up to 8 people, perfect for a family breakfast or brunch with friends.
- Retains & Distributes Heat Evenly-Cast iron is know for holding heat better than regular baking dishes, ensuring your casserole bakes evenly every time.
- Rustic & Beautiful Presentation-Serve it straight from the skillet for that warm, classic farmhouse-style look.
Recommended Equipment
Mixing Bowls– it’s nice to have a few different sized mixing bowls around for combining and mixing all the ingredients.
12 inch cast iron skillet– this is the cast iron skillet I use daily in my kitchen. It is very affordable, great quality, and will last a long time.
Why I Love Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are so great to bake with, they create a perfect pizookie with a browned-crispy edge, cake or even this simple breakfast casserole. Cast iron is great for making a perfectly cooked steak or hamburger, as well as for baking whatever you want.
Cast iron is known for its even heat distribution, helping to make the perfect crunchy outer crust all over the outside of this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole.
And let’s not forget, the beautiful non-stick surface that releases the casserole with ease and makes cleanup a breeze. My favorite part!
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
- Butter Croissants– the base of this breakfast casserole. Croissants are buttery and soft, and soak up the custard-like mixture of this casserole without getting soggy. This is also a great way to use up day old croissants.
- Eggs– create the custard that holds this casserole together.
- Milk-the liquid base for the custard mixture, milk softens the croissants and help distribute the flavors. Any milk can be used, but please be aware that whole milk will make a creamier custard.
- Dijon Mustard– this adds a bold flavor to this breakfast casserole.
- Ham-chunks of ham work the best in this recipe for both flavor and texture.
- Cheese– mild or sharp cheddar works best, but any cheese you have on hand could work as well.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole in a Skillet
Prepare the Custard
- in a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dijon mustard, salt and black pepper until well combined
- add in the ham cubes and grated cheddar cheese.
Prepare the Croissants
- grease a 12 inch cast iron skillet with butter or oil if needed.
- tear up croissants into thirds and place into the bottom of the cast iron skillet. It is ok if they are overlapping in the pan.
Prepare the Casserole
- pour the ham and cheese custard mixture over the torn up croissants in the cast iron skillet. Use a fork or back of a spoon to press the croissants into the custard mixture and spread around the ham and cheese if needed.
- allow the breakfast casserole to soak up the egg mixture while the oven heats up
Bake
- bake in a 350º F oven for 25-30 minutes until the custard has become firm in the center, the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving
Can I Make This in a 9×13 inch Baking Dish?
If you don’t own a 12 inch cast iron skillet yet, make a plan to pick one up, but in the meantime, this breakfast casserole recipe can be made in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Just like my recipe for this overnight breakfast casserole, this recipe can easily be baked in a baking dish.
To make this recipe in a baking dish, grease the pan with butter or oil, then follow the recipe according to the instructions at the bottom of this page. Bake according to the recipe instructions.
Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Ahead?
This breakfast casserole can be prepped the night before, then stored in the refrigerator until the next morning. Bake according to the package ingredients.
Please note, the croissants might be more wet from soaking all night and might not crisp up as much as when this is baked the same day.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole, store in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or air fryer until heated through again.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole is delicious on its own with it’s melted cheese, eggs, ham and buttery croissants. However, if you are making this for a special occasion serve alongside a simple fruit salad, milk, juice, and even some cinnamon rolls.
If You Love This Skillet Breakfast Recipe, Try These:
Ham and Cheese Croissant Skillet Breakfast
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 cups ham cubed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F and grease or butter a 12 inch cast iron skillet if needed.
- Make Custard In a large mixing bowl whisk together 6 eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, Salt and pepper until combined. Add in 2 cups ham and 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, mix until incorporated.
- Prepare Casserole Tear 6 large croissants into thirds and place into the bottom of the prepared cast iron skillet. Pour the custard mixture over the croissants and press down into the egg mixture. Allow to rest and absorb egg mixture while the oven heats up.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crisp and the center is no longer jiggly. The cheese will be golden and melted.
- Rest the breakfast casserole for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition facts are just an estimate of the ingredients listed and are provided as a courtesy
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Ham and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole in a Cast Iron Skillet
When you have finished feeding your fam this breakfast casserole recipe, be sure to come back and leave me a review here! I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turned out for you!
If you are looking for more detailed recipes and ideas to help with your menu planning dilemma, or maybe a sweet treat, be sure to follow along with me on YouTube, and if you feel like sharing your masterpieces, be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
