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Cozy Loaded Ham and Cheese Casserole with Flaky Croissants

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A warm and comforting casserole featuring flaky croissants, savory ham, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly evenings and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large flaky croissants (preferably day-old)
  • 2 cups (300g) cooked ham, diced
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice each croissant into roughly 1-inch cubes.
  3. Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces about ½ inch.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale gold and nutty smelling.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Spread half of the croissant cubes evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half the diced ham over the croissants. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly on top.
  9. Repeat layering with remaining croissants, ham, and cheese sauce, pressing down gently to compact.
  10. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for best texture to avoid sogginess. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set. For gluten-free, use gluten-free croissants or bread. Heavy cream can be swapped with half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives for lighter or dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese casserole, croissant casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, quick dinner, easy casserole, leftover ham recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-loaded-ham-and-cheese-casserole-with-flaky-croissants-recipe/