My mom always made a brunch strata for Christmas and Easter. She would prep the day ahead and stick it in the oven while everyone opened gifts. Of course when everyone remembered they were actually starving, the aroma of the delicious strata was filling the home. I have since dabbled in making something similar for my own kids, and croissants have been the winner! This Savory Croissant Strata Recipe is a nostalgic nod to childhood memories. I am so happy to share it with you to use any time of the year! Prep ahead Christmas Eve or NYE and bake the next morning:)
(I found the holiday plates at a small shop, but here are some similar plates.)
I usually get my croissants from Costco the week of Christmas, because they are large and inexpensive! They can sit out a day or a few days before you use them for this strata, so they are a little stale; it allows for a better overall (less soggy) texture.
Ingredients:
7-8 large day-old croissants
5 eggs
1 c. cream
1 c. milk
A couple dashes of salt and a pinch of pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tbsp. dijon mustard
1/3 c. chopped green onions
2 c. thin sliced ham, chopped into pieces (can substitute with bacon or sausage!)
1 c. shredded cheddar or gouda
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar or gouda for topping
Instructions:
-Tear apart croissants into chunks and arrange in buttered 9×13 Pyrex dish.
-Toast in the oven for 3 min. on 400°
-In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Mix in cream, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, green onions, ham, and cheese.
-Pour mixture over toasted croissant pieces, and use a fork to spread out evenly.
-Sprinkle shredded gruyere, swiss, or whatever cheese you have on hand on top!
-Cover with greased foil and refrigerate for an hour (but best overnight!).
-Bake on convection setting at 350° for 45 min. You can remove foil for last ten minutes if you want it a little toasty on top!
-Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit! ✨
Makes 12 servings.
I usually serve this warm with fresh fruit before the kids dive into their stocking loot. Hope you all enjoy!
- 7-8 large croissants (day old)
- 5 eggs
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1 c. whole milk
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbls. dijon mustard
- 1/3 c. green onions (chopped)
- 2 c. chopped deli ham slices
- 1 c. shredded gouda (or cheddar)
- 1 1/2 c. shredded cheese of choice Swiss, Gouda, or Cheddar work well!
- Tear apart croissants into chunks and align in buttered 9x13 in pyrex dish.
- Toast in the oven for 3 min. on 400 °
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Mix in cream, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, green onions, ham, and cheese.
- Pour mixture over toasted croissant pieces, and use a fork to spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded gruyere, Swiss, or whatever cheese you have on hand on top!
- Cover with greased foil and refrigerate for an hour (but best overnight!).
- Bake at 350° for 45 -50 min. You can remove foil for last ten minutes if you want it a little toasty on top! (I usually use convection setting so the middle cooks well.)
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit!
You can always substitute ham for sausage or bacon. You can also swap croissants for french bread! (Adjust the recipe by adding a little more milk + 1 more egg for french or Italian bread since it will absorb more.)
