Croissant Breakfast Bake with Ham, Cheese, and Black Pepper Gravy
There is something undeniably comforting about a breakfast bake that brings everything together in one dish. This Croissant Breakfast Bake is rich, savory, and indulgent in the best way. Buttery croissants are stuffed with ham, crispy bacon, and melty gruyere and mozzarella, then soaked in a savory egg custard infused with shallots and chives. Once baked, the croissants turn golden and crisp on top while staying soft and custardy underneath. The final touch is a silky black pepper gravy that takes every bite over the top. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a slow weekend morning when you want breakfast to feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Croissant Breakfast Bake
- Made with flaky croissants that soak up the custard beautifully
- Packed with savory ham, bacon, and two kinds of cheese
- Easy to prep ahead for stress-free mornings
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or feeding a crowd
- Finished with a rich black pepper gravy for extra comfort
Ingredients for Croissant Breakfast Bake
Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Mini croissants
- Thinly sliced ham
- Bacon, cooked
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Gruyere cheese, shredded
Savory Egg Custard
- Large eggs
- Half and half
- Chives, minced
- Shallots, minced
- Garlic, minced or paste
- Salt
- Black pepper
Black Pepper Gravy
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
How to Make the Egg Custard for Breakfast Bake
Add all ingredients listed under the egg custard to a bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Set aside while you prepare the remaining components.
How to Make Creamy Black Pepper Gravy
Add the unsalted butter to a pan over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
Slowly stream in the heavy cream while continuously whisking. As you whisk, the gravy will begin to thicken and come together.
Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside until ready to serve.
How to Assemble Ham and Cheese Croissants
Slice the croissants lengthwise and stuff generously with ham, gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cooked bacon. Close each croissant and cut in half. Repeat until all croissants are filled and sliced.
How to Assemble and Bake Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Evenly arrange the ham and cheese croissants in an 8×11 baking dish. Fill in any gaps with any remaining ham, bacon, mozzarella, and gruyere cheese.
Slowly pour the shallot and chive infused egg custard evenly over the croissants, making sure everything is well coated. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is fully set.
How to Serve Croissant Breakfast Bake
Serve the bake warm with a generous side of black pepper gravy for spooning over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a hot cup of coffee for a complete brunch spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325F oven until heated through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave until warm. Serve with extra black pepper gravy if available.
Croissant Breakfast Bake
Equipment
- 8×11 baking dish
Ingredients
Ham & Cheese Croissants
- 8-9 mini croissants
- 1 lb thinly sliced ham
- 8-9 slices of bacon cooked
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 cups gruyere cheese shredded
Egg Custard
- 6-8 large eggs
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tbsp chives minced
- 1 tbsp shallots minced
- 1 tsp garlic minced or paste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Black Pepper Gravy
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Egg Custard
- To a bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Egg Custard.” Mix until fully combined, then set aside.
Black Pepper Gravy
- Add the unsalted butter to a pan over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly stream in the heavy cream while continuously whisking. As you whisk, the gravy will begin to thicken and come together.
- Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to serve.
Ham & Cheese Croissants
- Slice the croissants lengthwise and stuff with ham, gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the cooked bacon. Close each croissant, then cut in half. Repeat until all croissants are filled and cut.
Assemble
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Evenly arrange the ham and cheese croissants in an 8×11 baking dish. Fill in any gaps with any leftover ham, bacon, mozzarella, and gruyere cheese.
- Slowly pour the shallot and chive infused egg custard over the top. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once baked through, serve warm with a side of black pepper gravy and enjoy.
