Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

Flaky Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe For Brunch Magic

Let’s talk about a mouthwatering baked ham and cheese croissants that’ll make your weekend breakfast spectacular.

Flaky pastry hugs savory ham and melted cheese in a delightful embrace.

Crisp edges promise a golden crunch with every bite.

Weekends deserve something special beyond standard breakfast fare.

Quick preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the meal.

Warm, buttery layers invite you to savor each delectable moment.

These croissants will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

Ham and Cheese Croissants That Feel Bakery Fresh

  • Quick Weekday Lunch Savior: Whip up these delicious ham and cheese croissants in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or parents needing a fast, satisfying meal.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires only 3-4 simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks or those wanting a no-fuss lunch option.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Easily scalable for gatherings, brunches, or casual get-togethers, these croissants can be prepared ahead and quickly baked when guests arrive, ensuring hot, cheesy goodness every time.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Children love the combination of soft croissants, melted cheese, and ham, making this a great option for picky eaters or family meals that everyone will enjoy.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Croissants: Flaky, buttery pastry that serves as the foundation of the sandwich.
  • Ham: Savory protein that adds a classic deli flavor.
  • Cheese: Melty component that provides richness and binding.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds tangy depth to the sandwich.
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds richness.
Optional Additions:
  • Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance overall taste, can be sprinkled to personal preference.

Ham and Cheese Croissants Baking Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Croissants

Carefully slice each croissant right down the middle, creating a perfect sandwich base.

Step 3: Add Zesty Flavor

If you’re feeling adventurous, spread a layer of tangy Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each croissant.

This adds a delightful kick to your sandwich.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Stack

Create a mouthwatering layer of ingredients:
  • Savory ham slices
  • Melty cheese slice

Gently place the top half of the croissant back on to complete your sandwich.

Step 5: Butter Up

Grab a pastry brush and lovingly coat the top of each croissant with melted butter.

This will give your croissants a beautiful golden sheen.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Carefully place the prepared croissants on your lined baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven.

Step 7: Bring to Perfection

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese turns into a gooey delight and the croissants develop a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece from the oven and serve these incredible ham and cheese croissants while they’re warm and irresistible.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Breakfast Tips For Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Select bakery-fresh or high-quality croissants for the best texture and taste.
  • Swap Swiss or cheddar with Gruyère, provolone, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
  • Adjust Dijon mustard amount based on personal preference or omit for milder taste.
  • Lightly toast croissants before adding fillings to maintain crispy texture.
  • Add sliced turkey, sprinkle herbs, or include caramelized onions for extra depth.

Save Ham & Cheese Croissants Just Right

  • Store leftover ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each croissant individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Warm croissants at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Unwrap from foil and place directly on a baking sheet for best results.
  • Heat croissants for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Note that microwaving may soften the croissant's texture, so oven reheating is preferred.
  • Wrap cooled croissants tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Croissants That Go With Ham Cheese

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of ham and cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the warm, buttery croissants, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Match with Zesty Pickle Spears: Add some crunchy, acidic dill pickles on the side to complement the creamy cheese and salty ham, providing a refreshing and textural counterpoint to the rich sandwich.
  • Complement with Light Fruit Smoothie: Blend a cool, fruity smoothie like strawberry or peach to add a sweet and refreshing element that balances the savory croissant and helps cut through the buttery texture.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Flavor Ideas

  • Vegetarian Cheese Croissants: Swap ham with roasted bell peppers, spinach, or grilled zucchini slices for a meat-free option packed with flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free croissants or substitute with gluten-free bread rolls to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace croissants with large lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps, using thin-sliced turkey and Swiss cheese for a lighter meal.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard for chipotle sauce, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, warm sandwich variation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can easily swap cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or cheddar for different flavor profiles.

  • Is Dijon mustard necessary?

No, the mustard is optional. You can skip it or use another condiment like mayonnaise or honey mustard if you prefer.

  • How do I know when the croissants are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and fully melted cheese. The croissants should be crisp on the outside and warm throughout.

  • Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble the croissants earlier and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

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Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory baked ham and cheese croissants deliver flaky pastry perfection with layers of melted cheese and smoky ham. Crisp golden edges and gooey interior promise a delightful breakfast or brunch experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Bread:

  • 4 large croissants
  • 8 slices of deli ham
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese

Condiments:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, creating a delicate sandwich base.
  3. Optional: Apply a thin layer of Dijon mustard across the bottom half of each croissant for an extra flavor dimension.
  4. Arrange ham slices strategically on the croissant base, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Place a single slice of cheese atop the ham, allowing it to melt and blend with the meat.
  6. Gently position the croissant top back onto the layered ham and cheese.
  7. Generously brush the exterior of each croissant with melted butter, promoting a golden, crispy exterior.
  8. Position the prepared croissants on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  9. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and completely melted cheese.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, presenting these delectable ham and cheese croissants as an irresistible meal or snack.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, fresh croissants for the best texture and flavor.
  • Opt for thinly sliced ham to ensure even heating and prevent bulkiness.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone for unique taste profiles.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat ham and cheese or swap with turkey and reduced-fat cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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