Description
A delicious and savory breakfast casserole featuring cubed croissants, Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a seasoned egg custard, baked to golden perfection and served with powdered sugar and raspberry jam for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Scale
Casserole
- 8 large croissants 20 oz or 570g, left out overnight
- 12 ounces Black Forest deli ham 340g
- 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon white ground pepper or black pepper
- ⅓ cup 100% pure maple syrup
Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Raspberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare Croissants and Ham: Cut the 8 large croissants into 1 to 1.5 inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Chop the 12 ounces of Black Forest deli ham into pieces and add to the croissants, separating any layers.
- Add Cheese: Add 8 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese to the bowl with croissants and ham, then toss to combine evenly.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the croissant, ham, and cheese mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup, beat 8 large eggs. Add ½ cup half and half, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon white ground or black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour Custard over Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissant mixture in the pan. Optionally, drizzle up to ¼ cup more maple syrup on top for added sweetness.
- Soak Mixture: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and let it soak for at least 20 minutes while preheating the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Covered: Bake the covered casserole for 20 minutes to allow it to set.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil, rotate the pan for even baking, and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes until the top is golden and slightly toasted, and the eggs are fully cooked.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with raspberry jam and extra maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the savory casserole.
Notes
- Allowing the croissants to dry out overnight improves texture and prevents sogginess.
- Use Black Forest ham for a smoky, rich flavor; other deli hams can be substituted as preferred.
- The mustard and garlic powder add depth of flavor but can be adjusted or omitted to taste.
- Soaking the casserole before baking allows the custard to absorb into the croissants for a custardy texture.
- Be cautious when removing foil to avoid steam burns.
- Serving with raspberry jam and powdered sugar adds a nice sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
