Name: Buttery Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 6 large croissants, preferably a day or two old, cut into quarters; 2 cups cooked halal ham, diced (or use halal turkey or chicken as a substitute); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk (or substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version); ¼ cup heavy cream (for extra richness); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice tangy flavor); Salt and pepper, to taste; A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (to drizzle on top); Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional); Croissants: These buttery, flaky pastries create the perfect base for the casserole, absorbing the creamy custard and creating a soft, indulgent texture.; Halal Ham: For the meat in this dish, use halal-certified ham or opt for turkey or chicken as a delicious alternative.; Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the bake a perfect balance of meltiness and sharp flavor. Feel free to mix in other cheeses for a unique twist.; Egg & Milk Custard: The eggs and milk create a smooth, custardy base that soaks into the croissants and helps everything bake together into a cohesive casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

6 large croissants, preferably a day or two old, cut into quarters

2 cups cooked halal ham, diced (or use halal turkey or chicken as a substitute)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4 large eggs

1 ½ cups whole milk (or substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version)

¼ cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a nice tangy flavor)

Salt and pepper, to taste

A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

2 tablespoons butter, melted (to drizzle on top)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Croissants: These buttery, flaky pastries create the perfect base for the casserole, absorbing the creamy custard and creating a soft, indulgent texture.

Halal Ham: For the meat in this dish, use halal-certified ham or opt for turkey or chicken as a delicious alternative.

Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives the bake a perfect balance of meltiness and sharp flavor. Feel free to mix in other cheeses for a unique twist.

Egg & Milk Custard: The eggs and milk create a smooth, custardy base that soaks into the croissants and helps everything bake together into a cohesive casserole.

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Instructions

Prepare the Casserole:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Croissants: Cut the croissants into quarters and layer them evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. If the croissants are fresh, you may want to let them sit out for a little while to become slightly stale, as this helps them absorb the custard better.

Add the Ham & Cheese: Evenly distribute the diced halal ham over the croissants, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese. Make sure to leave a little cheese aside for topping.

Make the Custard:

Whisk the Custard Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika here if you’re using it.

Pour Over Croissants: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring that each piece is soaked through. Gently press down with a spoon to help the croissants absorb the custard.

Bake the Casserole:

Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter over the top for an extra golden, crispy finish.

Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. The casserole should be firm to the touch, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve while warm. This casserole pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, a simple salad, or some roasted potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 400
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g