Picture this: it’s a Wednesday morning, and the sunlight is just peeking through the curtains. The aroma of something delicious wafts through the air while you’re chasing kids who seem to be moving at warp speed. You’ve got one kid trying to find their left shoe, another is insisting that peanut butter and jelly is a perfectly acceptable breakfast, and somewhere in the mix, you’ve forgotten to make your own breakfast. But wait! You remember the ham and cheese croissant bake sitting quietly in your slow cooker, slowly coming together like a beautiful harmony of flavor. This ham and cheese croissant bake is chef’s kiss and perfect for morning. The dreamy savory scent fills the kitchen, calming the chaos and inviting everyone to the table.
Why Make This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
The thing about this ham and cheese croissant bake is it’s not just an ordinary breakfast dish. It’s reminiscent of dreamy weekend brunches, where the only agenda is to savor every bite and make leisurely conversation. Sure, life gets chaotic—my chickens often seem to have a group meeting about who can escape the coop next! But this slow cooker gem feels like a warm hug amidst the pandemonium of daily life.
This dish embodies comfort, convenience, and a bit of family history. It’s a recipe that has made its rounds in my large family, gathering stories and laughs as we’ve devoured every last bite. We’ve had birthday breakfasts, sleepy Sunday mornings, and everything in between, all around the table with this delightful dish sitting proudly in the center. It’s one of those recipes that turns everyday moments into something extraordinary, reminding us that food brings us together.
Preparing This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake Without Losing Your Mind
“When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good dinner.”
Grab your coffee and take a breath. You’re ready to whip up this fantastic recipe without losing your cool. This ham and cheese croissant bake is not just about throwing a few ingredients into a pot. It’s about layering flavors and creating a dish that feels like a special occasion, even if it’s a busy Tuesday morning. The buttery croissants mixed with the nutty cheese and savory ham create a blend that melts in your mouth. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will whisk you away from the morning mayhem, if only for a moment.
Gathering the Ingredients
Now, let’s gather the stars of our show. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 large croissants
- 8 ounces of cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or cheddar work beautifully)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or your favorite milk)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon salt (feel free to adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or parsley (optional)
Don’t worry if you forget an ingredient or accidentally buy salted butter. We’ve all been there! The beauty of home cooking is that you can tailor it to your pantry and your tastes.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Trust me, this will prevent any sticky situations later.
- Layer the Croissants: Tear those luscious croissants into bite-sized pieces. It feels quite therapeutic, really. Layer half of the croissant pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the Ham and Cheese: Sprinkle half of the diced ham over the croissants, followed by half of the cheese. The more cheese, the better, right?
- Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining croissant pieces on top, followed by the rest of the ham and cheese.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Here’s a little secret: if you over-whisk the eggs and get little bubbles, don’t panic! These bubbles will evaporate as it cooks.
- Pour and Set: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure everything is nicely coated. You want the croissants to soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Cook on Low: Set your slow cooker to low for about 4-6 hours. Here’s where the magic happens.
- Check the Doneness: After a few hours, check in. It should look set and puffed. If it looks a bit too thin, don’t worry! It thickens as it cools, and remember, this isn’t a soufflé—it’s home cooking!
Bringing This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake to the Table
Ah, the moment has finally arrived. The slow cooker beeps, letting you know dinner is ready. The anticipation builds as you lift the lid, and that warm aroma envelopes you like a favorite blanket.
Gather your family around the table, and dive into this delicious ham and cheese croissant bake. The croissants will have fluffed up beautifully, with creamy cheese and savory ham nestled in between.
Consider pairing it with a crisp side salad for a fresh dimension. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of cranberry sauce complements the flavors nicely. There’s nothing like sharing this warm, comforting food with family, engaging in cheerful chatter and laughter. This truly is a farmhouse dinner to remember.
Saving This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake for Tomorrow
Leftovers? Oh, yes, please! Once the dish has cooled down, pack it away in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This ham and cheese croissant bake will keep for about three days.
When it’s time to reheat, simply pop it into the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just remember to pop a paper towel over it to avoid any volcanic eruptions of cheesy goodness.
What’s even better? The flavors often deepen overnight, making those next-day bites just as delightful.
Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips
Here are a few kitchen tidbits I’ve gathered during my culinary adventures that might save you time or add a little pizzazz to your bake:
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of ham, try cooked sausage or even wilted spinach for a vegetarian twist. Life is all about adapting, isn’t it?
- Herb Boost: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten up flavors. If you have some wilting parsley or chives, go ahead and toss them in.
- Timing is Everything: If you know you’ll have extra chaos in the morning, you can prepare everything the night before, keep it in the fridge, and pop it in the slow cooker when you wake up. It’s a time saver for sure!
- Cheese Choices: Swiss cheese offers that delightful nutty flavor, but don’t shy away from trying pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for stringy goodness.
- Try Different Sauces: A drizzle of hollandaise sauce on top elevates this breakfast dish even further. Don’t let anyone tell you comfort food can’t be gourmet!
Family Twists on This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
Everyone has a unique spin on this dish. My neighbor throws in jalapeños for some extra kick, while my aunt sneaks in fresh spinach and tomatoes for a healthier version.
My grandmother’s version involved layering in some bacon—who can resist bacon?
You could use flaky biscuit dough instead of croissants for a heartier twist. Try using different cheeses or adding veggies to make it your own. These small changes bring big flavor and cater to your family’s tastes.
Print
Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
A comforting and delicious ham and cheese croissant bake made in a slow cooker, perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants
- 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or cheddar)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Fresh herbs (chives or parsley, optional)
Instructions
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
- Tear the croissants into bite-sized pieces and layer half in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle half of the diced ham and half of the cheese over the croissants.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining croissants, ham, and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 4-6 hours.
- Check for doneness; it should be set and puffed.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
FAQs About This Ham & Cheese Croissant Bake
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough! I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was… delayed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in freezer-safe bags. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What can I pair with this dish?
It’s perfect with a fruit salad or a simple green salad. You could even add some crispy bacon on the side for that extra indulgence!
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
It should look set and no longer jiggly in the middle. A knife inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, and use your favorite veggie cheese for a non-meat alternative.
A Final Thought
When you whip up this ham & cheese croissant bake, you’re not just creating a meal. You’re investing in family moments that warm your heart and feed your soul.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s these cozy recipes that remind us to slow down and savor the little things. Gather your loved ones around the table, share some laughter, and enjoy the real magic of home-cooked meals. This ham and cheese croissant bake is indeed chef’s kiss and perfect for morning, capturing the sweetness of life, chaos and all. Until the next slow day, may your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and a few gourmet disasters turned masterpieces.
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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.
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