Looking for a simple, yet indulgent treat to satisfy your hunger and cravings? These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the perfect solution. Flaky, buttery croissants packed with savory ham and gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love? Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a cozy lunch, or a snack for a gathering, these croissants will steal the show. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your new favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are so easy to make, yet they feel incredibly indulgent. The buttery, flaky layers of the croissant dough perfectly complement the salty ham and melty cheese, creating a warm, satisfying bite every time. Plus, they come together quickly with just a few ingredients, making them ideal for busy mornings, picnics, or last-minute get-togethers. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these croissants are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):
- Croissant dough (store-bought works great!)
- Deli ham (sliced)
- Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese (sliced)
- Dijon mustard (optional for added flavor)
- Butter (for brushing)
The full list of ingredients with quantities is below.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the croissants bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.
2. Prepare the Croissant Dough
Roll out your store-bought croissant dough on a clean surface. If you’re using dough that comes in a can, simply unroll it and separate the triangles. Make sure to gently press out any seams or creases.
3. Layer Ham and Cheese
Place a slice of ham on each croissant triangle, followed by a slice of your favorite cheese. Swiss cheese gives a nice melty texture, but cheddar will add an extra sharp bite if you prefer. You can also spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the dough before adding the ham for a little extra flavor, but this step is optional.
4. Roll and Shape the Croissants
Now it’s time to roll up the croissants! Starting from the wide edge, gently roll up each croissant, tucking the ends in slightly as you go. Make sure the ham and cheese stay securely inside as you roll.
5. Brush with Butter
Place your croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Brush each croissant with a little melted butter to give them a beautiful golden finish once baked.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the croissants for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. You’ll start to smell the deliciousness filling your kitchen right around the 10-minute mark!
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, and enjoy the flaky, cheesy, ham-filled goodness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Croissants: While store-bought dough is super convenient, if you have access to freshly baked croissants from a bakery, use them for an even more luxurious result. The croissants will be extra flaky and flavorful.
- Add Some Herbs: For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some dried or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on the ham before rolling up the croissants. It adds a nice depth of flavor!
- Don’t Overstuff: Make sure not to overstuff your croissants with too much ham or cheese, as this could make them difficult to roll and may cause the cheese to spill out during baking.
- Get Creative with Cheese: You can experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use Different Meats: If you’re not a fan of ham, turkey or roast beef would work just as well. For a vegetarian version, swap the ham with sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a savory alternative.
- Change the Cheese: While Swiss and cheddar are the classics, you can switch it up with Gruyère for a more gourmet touch or even brie for a creamy, rich filling.
- Add Veggies: For some extra color and nutrients, you can add some sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers inside the croissants along with the ham and cheese.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are perfect on their own, but you can easily turn them into a full meal. Pair them with a light salad (think arugula or mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette) for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of tomato soup for a comforting lunch or dinner combo.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to warm them through and crisp up the edges. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might lose some of their crispiness. For best results, use the oven.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
2. Can I freeze these croissants?
Absolutely! If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the uncooked croissants. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
3. Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?
Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for croissant dough. The result will be a slightly flakier and lighter texture, but still delicious.
4. How can I make these croissants spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes between the ham and cheese. You can even use spicy mustard instead of Dijon for an extra kick.
Conclusion
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the ultimate easy-to-make comfort food. They’re flaky, cheesy, and full of savory goodness—what more could you ask for in a snack or meal? With so many ways to customize them, you can make them just the way you like. Try this recipe next time you need a quick yet satisfying dish, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants 1x
- Category: Snack, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Flaky, buttery croissants filled with savory ham and melted cheese—these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, they’re quick and easy to make, but indulgent enough to satisfy any craving!
Ingredients
- 1 package croissant dough (store-bought)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Croissant Dough: Roll out the store-bought croissant dough on a clean surface. If using dough in a can, unroll and separate the triangles, pressing out any creases.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham on each croissant triangle, followed by a slice of cheese. Optionally, spread Dijon mustard on the dough before adding the ham for extra flavor.
- Roll and Shape the Croissants: Starting from the wide edge, gently roll each croissant, tucking in the ends slightly. Ensure the ham and cheese stay inside as you roll.
- Brush with Butter: Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet and brush with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the croissants cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For an extra luxurious result, use freshly baked croissants from a bakery if available.
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the ham for additional flavor.
- Don’t overstuff the croissants to avoid spilling cheese while baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or brie for a gourmet twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 croissants
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg