Name: Croissant Ham and Cheese Bake recipe
Ingredients: 6-8 Large Croissants: Fresh, bakery-style croissants are highly recommended for the best results. They provide that signature flaky, buttery texture that is essential to this bake. You can use day-old croissants if you have them, but ensure they are still somewhat soft and not overly dry. Pre-made croissants from the grocery store bakery section work wonderfully. Avoid the pre-packaged, shelf-stable croissants as they tend to be less flaky and flavorful.; 8 oz Cooked Ham, Sliced or Cubed: Use your favorite type of cooked ham. Deli ham slices, thick-cut ham steaks cubed, or even leftover holiday ham will work perfectly. For a richer flavor, consider using Black Forest ham or smoked ham. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey ham or even cooked chicken or sausage as a substitution.; 8 oz Cheese, Shredded: A good melting cheese is crucial for that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. A combination of cheeses can add depth of flavor. Here are some excellent cheese options and combinations: Gruyere: This classic Swiss cheese is nutty, slightly salty, and melts beautifully. It’s a fantastic choice for a traditional ham and cheese flavor profile.; Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a robust, tangy flavor that complements the ham perfectly. A medium or mild cheddar will also work, depending on your preference.; Monterey Jack: Known for its mild flavor and exceptional melting properties, Monterey Jack creates a wonderfully creamy and smooth texture.; Mozzarella: While mozzarella is known for pizza, it adds a mild, milky flavor and fantastic stretch to the bake. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.; Provolone: A mild Italian cheese with a slightly sharp and buttery flavor. It melts well and adds a nice complexity.; Cheese Blend Suggestions: Gruyere and Cheddar (classic and flavorful); Monterey Jack and Mozzarella (extra gooey and mild); Cheddar and Provolone (savory and slightly sharp); Gruyere, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack (the ultimate cheesy trifecta!); 6 Large Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent for the bake, creating a custard-like texture that holds everything together. Use large eggs for the recipe as specified.; 1 Cup Milk or Half-and-Half: Milk adds moisture and helps create the custard base. Half-and-half will result in a richer, creamier bake. For an even more decadent version, you can use heavy cream, but be mindful that it will significantly increase the richness and calorie content. For a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.; 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham. It’s a key ingredient that elevates the overall taste. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard, but the flavor will be less complex. For a spicier kick, consider using a grainy Dijon mustard or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.; 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the bake. It’s optional but highly recommended for both flavor and visual appeal. Other fresh herbs like chives or thyme can also be used.; Salt and Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients. Be sure to season the egg mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.; Optional Toppings (for extra flair): Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for added texture and flavor.; Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: These seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.; Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust.; Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

- 6–8 Large Croissants: Fresh, bakery-style croissants are highly recommended for the best results. They provide that signature flaky, buttery texture that is essential to this bake. You can use day-old croissants if you have them, but ensure they are still somewhat soft and not overly dry. Pre-made croissants from the grocery store bakery section work wonderfully. Avoid the pre-packaged, shelf-stable croissants as they tend to be less flaky and flavorful.

- 8 oz Cooked Ham, Sliced or Cubed: Use your favorite type of cooked ham. Deli ham slices, thick-cut ham steaks cubed, or even leftover holiday ham will work perfectly. For a richer flavor, consider using Black Forest ham or smoked ham. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey ham or even cooked chicken or sausage as a substitution.

- 8 oz Cheese, Shredded: A good melting cheese is crucial for that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. A combination of cheeses can add depth of flavor. Here are some excellent cheese options and combinations:
  - - Gruyere: This classic Swiss cheese is nutty, slightly salty, and melts beautifully. It’s a fantastic choice for a traditional ham and cheese flavor profile.
  - - Cheddar: Sharp cheddar adds a robust, tangy flavor that complements the ham perfectly. A medium or mild cheddar will also work, depending on your preference.
  - - Monterey Jack: Known for its mild flavor and exceptional melting properties, Monterey Jack creates a wonderfully creamy and smooth texture.
  - - Mozzarella: While mozzarella is known for pizza, it adds a mild, milky flavor and fantastic stretch to the bake. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results.
  - - Provolone: A mild Italian cheese with a slightly sharp and buttery flavor. It melts well and adds a nice complexity.
  - - Cheese Blend Suggestions:
      - Gruyere and Cheddar (classic and flavorful)
      - Monterey Jack and Mozzarella (extra gooey and mild)
      - Cheddar and Provolone (savory and slightly sharp)
      - Gruyere, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack (the ultimate cheesy trifecta!)

- 6 Large Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent for the bake, creating a custard-like texture that holds everything together. Use large eggs for the recipe as specified.

- 1 Cup Milk or Half-and-Half: Milk adds moisture and helps create the custard base. Half-and-half will result in a richer, creamier bake. For an even more decadent version, you can use heavy cream, but be mindful that it will significantly increase the richness and calorie content. For a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.

- 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham. It’s a key ingredient that elevates the overall taste. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard, but the flavor will be less complex. For a spicier kick, consider using a grainy Dijon mustard or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

- 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the bake. It’s optional but highly recommended for both flavor and visual appeal. Other fresh herbs like chives or thyme can also be used.

- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients. Be sure to season the egg mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.

- Optional Toppings (for extra flair):
  - - Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
  - - Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds: These seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.
  - - Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust.
  - - Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish. This will prevent the bake from sticking and make cleanup easier.

1. Prepare the Croissants: If using whole croissants, slice them in half horizontally. If your croissants are particularly large, you can cut them into thirds or quarters. The goal is to create smaller, manageable pieces that will fit nicely in the baking dish and absorb the egg mixture evenly. Arrange the croissant pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. They can overlap slightly, but avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can prevent even baking.

1. Layer with Ham and Cheese: Sprinkle the diced or sliced ham evenly over the croissant pieces in the baking dish. Then, generously scatter the shredded cheese over the ham. Make sure to distribute the ham and cheese evenly so that every bite is cheesy and savory. Don’t be shy with the cheese – a generous layer is what makes this bake so irresistible.

1. Whisk Together the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that the ham and cheese are already salty, so be mindful of the salt you add. If using fresh parsley, stir it into the egg mixture now.

1. Pour Egg Mixture Over Croissants: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the croissants, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Ensure that the egg mixture soaks into the croissants and reaches all parts of the bake. You can gently press down on the croissants with a spatula or spoon to help them absorb the liquid. Let the bake sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the croissants to soak up the egg mixture. This step is important for achieving a moist and flavorful bake.

1. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bake is golden brown and set. The top should be nicely browned, and the egg mixture should be fully cooked and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a little moisture is okay). Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your croissants. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes and adjust baking time as needed.

1. Let it Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Croissant Ham and Cheese Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set up further and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the incredible flavors of your homemade Croissant Ham and Cheese Bake!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450-550
Sugar: 3-5 grams
Sodium: 600-800 mg
Fat: 30-35 grams
Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
Fiber: 1-2 grams
Protein: 20-25 grams
Cholesterol: 200-250 mg