If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s luxurious, comforting, and deceptively easy to prepare, look no further. This buttery croissant strata is your answer for effortless hosting or simply treating yourself to something special.
Packed with layers of flaky croissants, creamy cheeses, and savory prosciutto, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rock star—without the stress.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is a dream come true for anyone who loves easy, crowd-pleasing recipes. The croissants lend a rich, buttery base that feels indulgent but remains light and airy.
The combination of fresh spinach and salty prosciutto brings a perfect balance of flavors, while the creamy custard binds everything into a satisfying casserole that’s ideal for brunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Hosting brunch for friends? Assemble it the night before for a no-fuss morning.
Need something versatile? Swap ingredients to suit different preferences or dietary needs. It’s quick to prepare, impressive to serve, and endlessly adaptable.
Simple Substitutions & Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the prosciutto for sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croissants or bread for a similar texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with Gruyère, feta, or even a smoky cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or basil can add a burst of freshness.
This recipe invites creativity, making it a perfect choice for every cook—from beginners to seasoned pros.
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve strata perfection, follow these simple tips:
- Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants soak up the custard better, ensuring a creamy interior and crisp top.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Evenly distribute the spinach and prosciutto to get a bite of everything in each serving.
- Chill Overnight: Letting the strata sit in the fridge overnight enhances the flavors and allows the custard to fully absorb.
- Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on the top layer. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
Pairing Suggestions
This buttery croissant strata pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. Add a side of fresh fruit or a citrusy mimosa for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired brunch.
For dinner, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Easy Recipe
What makes this recipe unforgettable is its simplicity paired with incredible flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
The buttery layers of croissants, creamy cheeses, and savory prosciutto create a luxurious bite every time, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch, a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, this croissant strata is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Its ease of preparation and versatile nature make it a go-to for any occasion.
Elevate your cooking game with this easy, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your table.
Buttery Croissant Strata with Spinach & Prosciutto
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter thinly sliced, plus more for greasing
- 6 croissants roughly torn into thirds
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 1½ cups shredded Gouda cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto torn
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the croissant pieces in the baking dish and cover with sliced butter. Bake until lightly toasted, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, sage, nutmeg, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach and ¾ cup of each cheese.
- Carefully pour the mixture over the toasted croissants, ensuring even distribution. Top with the remaining cheese and torn prosciutto.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F again. Bake uncovered until the center of the strata is set, about 45 minutes. If the croissants brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
- Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a sweet-and-savory twist, serve with a dollop of fruit jam.
- This recipe is ideal for make-ahead meal prep and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Don’t Miss These:
Easy Japanese Dinner: Fluffy Omelet & Edamame Rice
Green Eggs, No Ham: Baked Eggs with Spinach, Leeks & Feta
Spice Up Dinner with South Indian Poached Eggs
Easy Chilaquiles for Dinner with Tangy Tomatillo Salsa
A Flavorful Twist on the Classic Spanish Tortilla Recipe
Golden Tomato Shakshuka with Goat Cheese for Easy Dinners
Quick Sesame Chicken Recipe to Simplify Your Dinner Routine
Seafood Dinner Recipe: Perfect Soft-Shell Crabs at Home
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.