If you’re anything like me, breakfast is the best meal to kickstart the day—and this Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe is an absolute game-changer for busy mornings or weekend brunches. Fluffy scrambled eggs, savory ham, melty cheese, and buttery croissants get an irresistible boost from fresh garlic and herbs. I promise, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to throw together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, perfect for any morning.
- Flavor-Packed: Garlic herb butter adds a fresh, savory punch that elevates every bite.
- Family Favorite: My crew always asks for seconds, which means it’s a winner at my house.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner when you want something cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe comes from simple ingredients that work beautifully together: buttery croissants, fresh garlic, herbs, eggs, ham, and Muenster cheese. When shopping, pick croissants that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings but still soft and flaky. Fresh herbs and good-quality deli ham really make a difference.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the base for your garlic herb spread; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers that rich, aromatic flavor that makes this bake stand out.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the garlic butter.
- Kosher salt: Balances the flavors without overpowering the garlic.
- Croissants: Baker’s croissants that are split horizontally make the perfect vessel for all the fillings.
- Deli ham: Thin but flavorful slices add a savory protein punch—choose your favorite variety.
- Large eggs: Scrambled just right for creamy, fluffy texture inside the bake.
- Muenster cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a mild, buttery richness that complements the ham.
Variations
I love how flexible this Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe is—once you’ve nailed the base, feel free to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. It’s fun to experiment with extra veggies or swap cheeses to keep things interesting.
- Add Veggies: I sometimes mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the scrambled eggs to sneak in some greens and boost flavor.
- Cheese Swaps: Switching Muenster for sharp cheddar or Gruyère gives the bake a different twist—try what you love!
- Meat Alternatives: Use turkey or chicken slices if you prefer lighter protein, or go vegetarian by adding extra cheese and veggies.
- Herb Variations: Dill or chives can replace parsley in the garlic butter for a fresh alternative that’s still delicious.
How to Make Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Garlic Herb Butter
Start by softening your butter to room temperature so it’s easy to mix. In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, and kosher salt. This garlic herb butter is key—it melts into the croissants while baking, giving that rich, aromatic flavor you crave. I usually taste a little at this point to make sure it’s balanced and garlicky enough!
Step 2: Prep the Croissants
Split your baked croissants horizontally—if you pick up croissants that are still fresh, they’ll split without crumbling. Spread a generous layer of your garlic herb butter on the bottom halves. Save some butter for brushing on top later, which will help them brown beautifully in the oven. Lay the buttered croissant bottoms on baking sheets lined with parchment paper to keep clean-up simple.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Next, pile on three slices of deli ham, followed by a nicely heaping ¼ cup of scrambled eggs on each, finishing with a slice of Muenster cheese. The balance of ham, egg, and cheese ensures every bite has that perfect mix of savory, creamy, and melty goodness. When I first made this, I worried about overstuffing—the secret is to go just right to keep the croissants from getting soggy or tough.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Place the croissant tops gently over each filled bottom. Melt the remaining garlic butter and brush it over the croissant tops—this step helps create a golden, flavorful crust. Bake everything at 350°F for about 15 to 18 minutes until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. I always keep a close eye during the last few minutes so it doesn’t overbake and dry out.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Butter Softening: Always soften your butter at room temperature—it blends better with garlic and herbs, making a smooth spread.
- Egg Texture: Scramble eggs gently over low heat to keep them creamy, which contrasts nicely with the flaky croissant.
- Croissant Choice: Use croissants that are fresh but a day old—they hold shape better when baked with fillings.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye near the end to avoid overbaking and drying out the eggs or croissant.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a little fresh parsley or chives for color and brightness—plus a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a nice touch. Sometimes, a thin slice of ripe avocado on the side balances out the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides include a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some mixed fruit for sweetness. If you’re serving this for brunch, crispy breakfast potatoes or roasted tomatoes make a satisfying addition without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to arrange the baked croissants on a large platter with fresh herb sprigs and edible flowers to impress guests. You can also cut each croissant bake into smaller slivers and serve them as bite-sized appetizers—perfect for brunch parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I wrap leftovers tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, which is great if you want to make ahead for an extra-busy morning.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen individual croissant bakes wrapped in plastic and foil. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing is a wonderful time-saver and doesn’t compromise the buttery croissant texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the croissant flaky and melt the cheese perfectly. Microwaving works, but you risk soggy bread, so the oven is my favorite method.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in the Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Muenster cheese melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can swap in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even Swiss cheese depending on your taste. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the bake creamy and delicious.
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Is it better to use fresh croissants or store-bought ones?
Fresh bakery croissants are ideal because they have that perfect flaky texture and buttery flavor. However, day-old or slightly stale croissants can actually hold up better during baking, preventing the bake from becoming too soggy.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for a brunch party?
Yes! You can assemble the bake the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply brush with the garlic butter and bake according to the instructions. This makes busy morning hosting a breeze.
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How do I keep the eggs moist and fluffy in the bake?
Cook your scrambled eggs gently over low heat without overcooking them—they should still be slightly creamy before layering. This helps keep the bake moist and ensures the eggs don’t dry out after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe has honestly become one of those dishes I turn to when I want to impress with minimal effort. Its rich flavors and simple technique make it a winner every time, and it’s so satisfying to feed your family or guests something that tastes this good. Give it a try — I’m confident you’ll find it as comforting and delightful as I do. Trust me, these croissants baked with garlic, herbs, eggs, ham, and cheese aren’t just breakfast—they’re a little morning celebration on a plate.
Print
Garlic Herb Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Breakfast Croissant Bake is a savory morning delight featuring flaky baked croissants layered with garlic butter, deli ham, scrambled eggs, and melty Muenster cheese. Perfectly golden and bubbling from the oven, it’s an easy yet impressive dish to serve for brunch or a special breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Sandwich Components
- 8 baked croissants, split horizontally
- 24 slices deli ham
- 12 large eggs, scrambled
- 8 slices Muenster cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped fresh parsley, and kosher salt to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare Croissants: Spread the garlic butter evenly over the bottom halves of the split croissants, reserving some butter for brushing the tops later. Arrange these croissant bottoms on the prepared baking sheets to form the base.
- Build the Layers: On each croissant bottom, layer 3 slices of deli ham, then add about a heaping ¼ cup of scrambled eggs, and top with one slice of Muenster cheese for creamy richness.
- Top Croissants: Place the remaining croissant tops over the fillings to enclose the savory layers inside.
- Brush with Butter: Melt the remaining garlic butter and brush it generously over the croissant tops to enhance browning and flavor during baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled croissants in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the croissants are beautifully golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can also prepare this recipe using an air fryer: preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the croissants for 15 minutes or until golden and cheese is melted.
- Make sure to use day-old or baked croissants to achieve the best texture without sogginess.
- Feel free to substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- To save time, scramble eggs while preparing garlic butter.
- Sprinkling a little extra parsley on top before serving adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant bake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 275mg