By Mark BeahmView →
BISTRO BRUNCH
This Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Tastes Like a French Bistro
★★★★★
5.0 (230)|(2 Reviews)Day-old croissants baked into a savory custard with smoked ham, Dijon, and melted Gruyère cheese.
C
By Cynthia Christensen (Recipe Developer)•Published April 28, 2026
⏱ 3 hrs 5 mins (incl. soak)
Simply Recipes / Cynthia Christensen🔥 420 kcal
WHY MAKE THIS
- Assemble the night before and pop in the oven when you wake up.
- Croissants create an infinitely lighter, flakier texture than sandwich bread.
BISTRO BRUNCH
This Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Tastes Like a French Bistro
Think of this as a Croque Monsieur baked into an airy, custardy brunch strata. Flaky croissants soak up rich egg custard, smoked ham, Dijon mustard, and pungent melted Gruyère cheese. Difficulty: Moderate.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time3 hrs 5 mins (incl. soak)
Servings8 servings
Scale Recipe:
📱Keep Screen Awake While Cooking
Ingredients
- 6 large bakery croissants, torn into bite-size pieces
- 8 large eggs & 2 cups whole milk & 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 lb smoked deli ham, chopped
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard & 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Directions
1
Layer croissants and ham
In a buttered 9x13 dish, layer torn croissants, chopped ham, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese.
2
Pour custard and chill
Whisk eggs, milk, cream, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour over croissants. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
3
Bake until puffed
Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in center.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Using day-old slightly stale croissants prevents the strata from becoming too soft.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCalories420 kcal
Protein22g
Carbs28g
Total Fat26g
Sodium: 640mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Community Reviews & Ratings
2 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
S
Sarah M.★★★★★
This has completely replaced my normal avocado toast! The beans blend so well you cannot even tell, and I stay full until lunchtime!
D
David K.★★★★★
Great trick for adding protein without cooking eggs on busy mornings. Added a pinch of red pepper flakes and lemon zest—delicious.
