I’ll tell you a little secret; brunch is my favorite meal. There’s something magical about the late morning sun spilling into the kitchen. The aromas of breakfast feast mingle together, creating an invitation no one can refuse. Recently, I stumbled upon a delightful recipe called Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake. It’s a stunning masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes. I knew I had to share this with you!
What is Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake?
Imagine a dish that combines the buttery goodness of croissants with the rich, comforting flavors of eggs. Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake is just that! It’s a savory bake that layers croissants, eggs, and cheese, creating a delightful fusion of textures. When baked, it transforms into a golden, fluffy delight. You can serve it for a weekend gathering, a festive holiday brunch, or even a casual weekday breakfast. Once you try this, it might become your go-to recipe for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake
Let me tell you why this dish is worth your time. First, it’s incredibly satisfying. The soft croissants soak up the egg mixture while the cheese melts into a creamy dream. Plus, the addition of smoked ham and fresh spinach adds protein and nutrients. It’s all about balancing indulgence with healthiness.
Second, this bake is straightforward to prepare. I value recipes that don’t create a mountain of dishes. With just a few steps and a single baking dish, cleanup is a breeze.
Lastly, everyone loves it! Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, picky eaters, or your sophisticated friends, this dish brings smiles all around. There’s a kind of charm in sharing a homemade brunch that binds everyone together.
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The Ingredients
To whip up this incredible brunch bake, you’ll need:
12 large eggs: The base of our bake, providing fluffiness and nutrition.
½ cup whole milk: For creaminess that enhances flavor.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A little zing to elevate the taste.
1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: A touch of warmth, just how you like it.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing, offering a heart-healthy fat.
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: Sweet and savory, it adds depth.
2 ½ cups diced smoked ham: A savory star that brings protein and richness.
2–3 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves: Adding color and a nutritional boost.
1 cup shredded cheese blend: Swiss and Gruyère are my personal favorites here.
5–6 mini croissants, torn into bite-sized pieces: Flaky, buttery goodness is a must!
Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: For a subtle herbaceous note.
Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a bit of smokiness that plays well with the ham.
These ingredients come together in a fashion that feels special yet is uncomplicated. And I love that!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down how to create this heavenly bake! Follow these steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with enticing scents.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bake will cook evenly and thoroughly. While it heats up, you can prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the thinly sliced onion. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. This adds a lovely sweetness to your bake. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs. Pour in ½ cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. You want a fluffy mixture!
Step 4: Add the Ham and Spinach
Once the eggs are whisked, it’s time to add some heartiness. Stir in the diced smoked ham and baby spinach. The spinach will wilt while baking, blending beautifully with the ham. If you’re using thyme or smoked paprika, toss that in now too.
Step 5: Assemble the Croissant Layers
Take your croissants and tear them into bite-sized pieces. The more rustic, the better! Add these pieces to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the egg, ham, and spinach mixture over the croissants. Give it a gentle mix with a spatula to ensure the croissants soak up that delicious egg mixture.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Opt for a generous layer! The cheese will melt and create a bubbling, golden crust that everyone will rave about.
Step 7: Bake
Pop your dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If you shake the dish slightly and the center jiggles, give it a few more minutes. Every oven is a bit different.
Step 8: Serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. This allows everything to settle, making it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm, and watch your friends and family swoon.
Tips & Tricks
Use Day-Old Croissants: If you have stale croissants lying around, use them! They soak up the egg mixture better and yield a fantastic texture.
Customize Your Fillings: Don’t have smoked ham? Chicken, bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms work great. Tailor it to what you have on hand.
Prep Ahead of Time: You can assemble everything the night before. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it in the morning! Less chaos during brunch.
Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can bring in extra flavors and nutrition. The more the merrier!
Play with Cheeses: While Swiss and Gruyère are stellar, feel free to use cheddar, pepper jack, or feta. Mix it up to find your favorite flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Let’s address what you’re fueling your body with. This Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake serves approximately 8. Here’s an approximation per serving:
Calories: 350
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g (Saturated: 10g)
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
This dish is packed with protein and flavors while also providing a balance of carbohydrates from the croissants.
Can I Store Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers or want to prepare it in advance, it can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
What Can I Serve with Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake?
Pair this bake with delicious sides to elevate your brunch:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of berries, melons, and citrus adds a refreshing contrast.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a protein-packed side.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette offers crispness.
Coffee or Mimosas: Don’t forget beverages! Coffee matches perfectly; for something festive, serve mimosas or a Bloody Mary.
Hash Browns: Crispy potatoes can complement the baked dish perfectly.
Variations
Spice things up! Here are some fun variations to consider:
Vegetarian Delight: Skip the ham and load up on veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. Try adding crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Southwestern Style: Throw in black beans and corn with a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack for a zesty kick.
Italian Inspiration: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Italian sausage, and mozzarella. Oregano and basil add an authentic flavor echoing Italian cuisine.
Breakfast Burrito Bake: Use chorizo instead of ham and add diced bell peppers with a sprinkle of cumin. Fresh cilantro for garnish brings it home.
Herbed Mushroom Medley: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme. This earthy addition adds depth and pairs beautifully with the croissants.
Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs: The base of our bake providing fluffiness and nutrition.
- ½ cup whole milk: For creaminess that enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A little zing to elevate the taste.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: A touch of warmth, just how you like it.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing offering a heart-healthy fat.
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced: Sweet and savory, it adds depth.
- 2 ½ cups diced smoked ham: A savory star that brings protein and richness.
- 2 –3 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves: Adding color and a nutritional boost.
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend: Swiss and Gruyère are my personal favorites here.
- 5 –6 mini croissants torn into bite-sized pieces: Flaky, buttery goodness is a must!
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: For a subtle herbaceous note.
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a bit of smokiness that plays well with the ham.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bake will cook evenly and thoroughly. While it heats up, you can prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the thinly sliced onion. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. This adds a lovely sweetness to your bake. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs. Pour in ½ cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. You want a fluffy mixture!
Step 4: Add the Ham and Spinach
- Once the eggs are whisked, it’s time to add some heartiness. Stir in the diced smoked ham and baby spinach. The spinach will wilt while baking, blending beautifully with the ham. If you’re using thyme or smoked paprika, toss that in now too.
Step 5: Assemble the Croissant Layers
- Take your croissants and tear them into bite-sized pieces. The more rustic, the better! Add these pieces to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the egg, ham, and spinach mixture over the croissants. Give it a gentle mix with a spatula to ensure the croissants soak up that delicious egg mixture.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
- Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Opt for a generous layer! The cheese will melt and create a bubbling, golden crust that everyone will rave about.
Step 7: Bake
- Pop your dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. If you shake the dish slightly and the center jiggles, give it a few more minutes. Every oven is a bit different.
Step 8: Serve
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. This allows everything to settle, making it easier to cut into squares. Serve warm, and watch your friends and family swoon.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Croissants: If you have stale croissants lying around, use them! They soak up the egg mixture better and yield a fantastic texture.
- Customize Your Fillings: Don’t have smoked ham? Chicken, bacon, or even sautéed mushrooms work great. Tailor it to what you have on hand.
- Prep Ahead of Time: You can assemble everything the night before. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it in the morning! Less chaos during brunch.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can bring in extra flavors and nutrition. The more the merrier!
- Play with Cheeses: While Swiss and Gruyère are stellar, feel free to use cheddar, pepper jack, or feta. Mix it up to find your favorite flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular bread instead of croissants?
Yes, you can! While croissants add unique flavor and texture, any bread can work. Just keep in mind that the final dish may differ in flakiness and richness.
2. How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?
The bake should be puffed up and set in the center. If you insert a knife, it should come out clean. A slight wobble is okay, but avoid a liquid center.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s great for meal prepping. Make it ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat individual portions as needed.
4. Can I add more cheese?
You can never go wrong with more cheese! Feel free to be generous with your toppings. Just adjust the nutritional calculations if you’re tracking.
5. What if I can’t find smoked ham?
No worries! Try prosciutto, turkey, or chicken instead. You could even use cooked sausage or get creative with plant-based protein options.
Conclusion
I hope this Egg and Croissant Brunch Bake becomes a swoon-worthy entry point into your brunch repertoire. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family, this dish promises smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and savor every mouthful of this delightful creation. Happy brunching!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more