If you love a cozy, flavorful breakfast that feels a little special but comes together quickly, you’ll want to make this Breakfast Croissant Bake! Fluffy baked croissants are loaded with ham, creamy scrambled eggs, and melty Muenster cheese, then brushed with a fantastic garlic butter. This easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast is perfect for a weekend brunch or a fun weeknight treat. If you love breakfast sandwiches, be sure to check out my Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Croissant next.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Garlic Butter: Softened butter is combined with fresh garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt to create a simple, flavorful spread. You can swap the butter for olive oil, and dried parsley works in a pinch instead of fresh.
- Croissants: Use baked croissants, either store-bought or leftover. Make sure they’re already baked, not raw dough.
- Deli Ham: Classic sliced deli ham works perfectly here. You can also use turkey, cooked bacon, or Canadian bacon for a different flavor profile. It’s also a great way to use leftover apricot honey ham or brown sugar-glazed ham; just slice it thin and layer it in the croissants for extra (a little sweet and savory) flavor.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs are the base of the filling. You can substitute egg whites for a lighter option, or mix in a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess.
- Cheese: Muenster cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor. Other great options include cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella, depending on your taste preference.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the croissants up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake or air fry just before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I use frozen croissants?
Absolutely. Thaw them completely first, then slice and prepare as directed before making the breakfast croissants. Using frozen, unbaked dough is not recommended, as this recipe is designed for baked croissants.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions to the filling and add a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Can I use leftover ham?
Yes! This is a great way to use leftover honey ham, brown sugar ham, or any cooked ham. Just slice it thinly and layer it in the croissants.
Can I make this without ham or use other meats?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can leave out the ham entirely for a vegetarian version. Other meats like cooked bacon, turkey slices, Canadian bacon, or cooked breakfast sausage patties work beautifully, too. You can even mix and match depending on what you have in the refrigerator.
What to Serve with Breakfast Croissant Bake
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, grapes, or a simple fresh fruit platter add a refreshing, sweet contrast to the savory croissants.
- Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes or crispy hash brown patties pair perfectly and make this a more filling brunch.
- Yogurt or Parfait: A creamy yogurt or layered parfait balances the richness of the croissants while keeping it light.
- Smoothies: Green smoothies, my good morning breakfast smoothie, or any of my easy smoothie recipes are a quick, nutritious beverage option that pairs well with the bake.
- Brunch Cocktails: Bright, refreshing cocktails are perfect for a special brunch. Try a Raspberry Lime Mojito for a fruity kick, a Blackberry Moscato Cocktail for a sweet bubbly option, or a Cucumber Mint Refresher for a crisp, light sip.
- Simple Side Salad: A small green salad or arugula with a light vinaigrette works well if serving this bake for brunch.
- Beverages: Freshly squeezed juice, coffee, or a mimosa make this feel extra special for weekend mornings.
How to Store Breakfast Croissant Bake
Refrigerator: Store leftover croissant sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: This bake can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap individually or as a whole batch in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or air fryer as above.
Tips for best results:
- If freezing after baking, cover tightly to prevent the croissants from drying out.
- Reheat slowly for even warming and to keep the cheese melty.
Breakfast Croissant Bake
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 baked croissants, split horizontally
- 24 slices deli ham
- 12 large eggs, scrambled
- 8 slices Muenster cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.* Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, and salt to make a garlic butter.
- Spread the bottom halves of the split croissants with the prepared garlic butter, reserving some butter for brushing the tops later. Arrange the croissant bottoms on the prepared baking sheets.
- Top each with 3 slices of deli ham, a heaping ¼ cup of scrambled eggs, and a slice of Muenster cheese.
- Place the croissant tops over the filling.
- Melt the remaining garlic butter and brush it over the tops of the croissants.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Prepare the croissants as directed: spread the bottom halves with garlic butter, layer with ham, scrambled eggs, and cheese, then place the tops on.
- Secure each croissant with a toothpick to keep the tops from flying off during cooking.
- Place the croissants in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space and aren’t overcrowded. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.)
- Air fry at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These are just perfect! Savory ham, fluffy eggs, and the garlic butter is incredible!
Elizabeth
These crossiant breakfast sandwiches are really, really good! I love the garlic butter…I could taste it in every bite!
Stephanie
These are quick, delicious, and so satisfying. And, I love that you can make them in the air fryer.
Bella
I love breakfast sandwiches, and these are amazing! The croissants stay soft, the cheese melts perfectly, and the eggs are creamy. I could start my day with one of these every day!
