If you’re craving something warm, gooey, and utterly delicious, these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are exactly what you need. Buttery, flaky croissants stuffed with savory ham and melted cheese—what’s not to love? Whether you’re making them for breakfast, lunch, or as a fun snack, they’re perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s something magical about biting into a warm, fresh croissant with gooey cheese and savory ham. These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are buttery, crispy on the outside, and perfectly melty on the inside. They make the perfect breakfast, lunch, or even an appetizer for a dinner party. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients to create these deliciously indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for these mouthwatering croissants (full ingredient list below):
- Croissant dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Sliced ham
- Sliced cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite)
- Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a great flavor kick)
- Butter (for brushing)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
Roll out the croissant dough on a flat surface. If you’re using pre-made dough, it’ll likely come in triangles. Simply place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each triangle. If you like a little extra flavor, spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on the inside of the dough before adding the ham and cheese.
Step 3: Roll and Shape
Carefully roll up each croissant starting from the wide end, rolling towards the point. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with the pointed end tucked underneath so they stay rolled up during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Croissants
Brush the tops of the croissants with a little melted butter to help them get golden and crispy. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re baked to perfection, let the croissants cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce (like honey mustard or ranch) for an extra kick!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use good cheese: For the best melty texture, opt for a good-quality cheese that melts well, like Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère.
- Make ahead: You can prep these croissants ahead of time and refrigerate them, then bake them off when you’re ready to serve.
- Add some veggies: If you want to add more flavor, try adding a few slices of tomato, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms before rolling them up.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese options: Feel free to swap out the cheese for your favorite—provolone, mozzarella, or even brie would be delicious.
- Meat alternatives: If you’re not a fan of ham, you can substitute with turkey, roast beef, or even crispy bacon.
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, try using dairy-free cheese and plant-based ham or your favorite meat substitute.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are perfect on their own but can also be served with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a complete meal. They’re fantastic for brunch, parties, or as a quick snack to satisfy your cravings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to warm them through and restore that crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but they may lose their crispiness.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use homemade croissant dough?
Yes! Homemade croissant dough will work perfectly for this recipe, though it does take a bit more time. Pre-made dough is a quicker and easier option if you’re short on time.
2. Can I freeze these croissants?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked croissants. Simply assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
3. Can I make these without ham?
Yes! You can make these croissants with just cheese for a simple, vegetarian option, or you can fill them with other ingredients like cooked chicken or veggies.
4. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, feel free to use yellow mustard or even a sweet mustard for a different flavor.
Conclusion
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the perfect blend of buttery, flaky, and cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and always a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for brunch or snacking on them after a long day, they’re bound to be a favorite in your household. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delectable croissants are filled with savory ham and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- 6 large croissants
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 12 slices deli ham
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Croissants:
- Slice each croissant in half lengthwise.
- Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each croissant.
- Add a slice of ham on top of the cheese.
- Place another slice of Swiss cheese over the ham.
- Cover with the top half of the croissant.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
- Glaze the Croissants:
- Brush the glaze generously over the top of each assembled croissant.
- Bake:
- Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, over the glaze before baking.
- These croissants are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
- To make ahead, assemble the croissants and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, brush with the glaze and bake as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg