Ham, Cheese & Pesto Croissant Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ham, Cheese & Pesto Croissant Bake is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner. Combining flaky croissants with savory ham, melted cheese, and aromatic pesto, it’s a flavorful way to use up stale croissants and impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 6 stale croissants
• 4 tbsp butter, plus extra for the tin
• 6 slices of ham, roughly torn
• 100g cheddar, grated
• 100g gruyère, grated
• Small handful of chives, chopped
• 4 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
• 4 eggs
• 100ml double cream
• 100ml milk
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Grating of nutmeg
• 75g pesto
• 10g parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Halve the croissants through the middle and butter each side. Fill each croissant with ham and most of the grated cheddar and gruyère. Butter the base and sides of an ovenproof dish or frying pan (about 26cm), then pack all of the croissants tightly in.
2. Step 2: In a jug, mix the remaining cheese, chives, thyme, eggs, double cream, milk, and Dijon mustard. Season well with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg to taste. Pour this mixture over the croissants and leave to soak for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Dot the pesto over the top with a teaspoon. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas 6.
4. Step 4: Optionally, top the croissants with a little more butter. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden-brown and the eggs are set.
5. Step 5: When cooked, leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with the finely chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old croissants to absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy.
• Swap the ham for cooked bacon or smoked salmon for a different flavor.
• Try different herbs like basil or rosemary if you don’t have thyme and chives.
• If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half the cream with extra milk.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 160°C for about 10–15 minutes until heated through to maintain the crispiness of the croissants.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and leave it to soak covered in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before baking as directed.

What can I use if I don’t have gruyère cheese?

Emmental, Swiss cheese, or a good melting cheese like mozzarella can be used as a substitute for gruyère.