Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

Irresistible Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe for Brunch

Crispy, golden baked ham and cheese croissants dance with flavors that wake up your morning appetite.

Flaky pastry embraces savory ingredients in a delightful breakfast surprise.

Buttery layers melt around salty ham and rich cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Weekends deserve something special that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Bakery-style comfort emerges from your own kitchen with minimal effort.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but this recipe welcomes everyone.

Slice into these heavenly croissants and feel the delicious magic unfold.

What’s In These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Bread Base:
  • Croissants: Soft, flaky pastry that serves as the foundation for the sandwich, preferably fresh and buttery from a bakery.
Protein and Cheese:
  • Ham, Cheese: Classic combination that provides rich, savory flavor and protein; choose high-quality deli ham and a good melting cheese like Swiss or Cheddar.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp flavor to complement the ham and cheese, optional but recommended.
  • Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds extra richness to the croissants.

Ham & Cheese Croissants Oven Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

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

Step 2: Slice Open the Croissants

Take each fluffy croissant and slice it carefully in half, creating a perfect sandwich canvas.

Step 3: Add Zesty Flavor

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

This will give your sandwich a tangy kick.

Step 4: Build the Delicious Layers

Arrange your filling with care:
  • Sliced ham
  • Cheese slice

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

Step 5: Create a Golden Shine

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

This will help create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Carefully place your assembled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for:
  • Melted, gooey cheese
  • Golden-brown croissant tops

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull the croissants out of the oven and let them cool for a moment.

Serve while warm and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of crispy croissant, melted cheese, and savory ham.

Croissant Baking Pointers for Ham and Cheese

  • Experiment with different mustard varieties like whole grain or honey mustard to add unique flavor profiles to your croissants.
  • Use various cheese types like Swiss, provolone, or cheddar to create different taste experiences while maintaining melty goodness.
  • Lightly toast croissants before adding fillings to create a crisp base that resists moisture and maintains structural integrity.
  • Substitute ham with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising sandwich texture.
  • Mix melted butter with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to infuse extra aromatic dimensions into the croissant's exterior.

Ham and Cheese Croissants Reheating

  • Store leftover ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Warm croissants at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they crisp up without drying out.
  • Place croissants in the toaster oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
  • Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy, tough croissants that lose their delicate texture.

What Goes With Ham and Cheese Croissants

  • Savor Complementary Classics: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, buttery croissants and balance the salty ham.
  • Refresh with Zesty Sidekick: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy contrast against the creamy cheese and savory ham.
  • Perfect Morning Companion: Brew a strong French roast coffee to enhance the buttery pastry's depth and complement the robust flavors of the ham and cheese.
  • Cleanse the Palate: Add a small side of cornichons or pickled vegetables to introduce a bright, acidic note that helps cut through the sandwich's richness.

Ham and Cheese Croissants Baked Versions

  • Vegetarian Croissant Delight: Replace ham with grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and swap cheese with plant-based mozzarella for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croissants from specialty bakeries or make your own with alternative flour blends like almond or rice flour.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add sliced roasted red peppers, swap Dijon mustard for harissa paste, and include feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace croissants with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas, using thin sliced turkey and Swiss cheese for a lighter meal option.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ham and cheese?

Yes, you can swap ham for turkey, prosciutto, or roast beef. Cheese options like Swiss, cheddar, or provolone work great and will add unique flavors to your croissants.

  • Is Dijon mustard necessary for the recipe?

No, Dijon mustard is optional. You can skip it or substitute with other condiments like honey mustard or mayonnaise if you prefer a different taste.

  • Can I prepare these croissants ahead of time?

You can assemble the croissants up to a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook them.

  • How do I prevent the croissants from getting soggy?

Use fresh croissants and don’t overload them with ingredients. Pat ham and cheese dry before assembling to reduce excess moisture, which helps maintain the croissant’s crispy texture.

Ham and Cheese Croissants That Taste Bakery-Fresh

  • Speedy Meal Solution: Whip up these delicious ham and cheese croissants in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays or quick lunches when time is tight.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of melted cheese, savory ham, and buttery croissants, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like mustard, cheese type, or meat to suit individual tastes, creating a versatile recipe that adapts to everyone's preferences.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With only eight simple steps and basic ingredients, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive.
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Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Irresistible baked ham and cheese croissants blend flaky French pastry with savory ham and melted cheese, creating a perfect breakfast indulgence. Warm, golden, and packed with flavor, you’ll savor each bite of this simple yet elegant morning treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large croissants
  • 8 slices (200 grams / 7 ounces) deli ham
  • 8 slices (120 grams / 4.2 ounces) Swiss cheese or Gruyere

Condiments:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and covering a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Split the croissants carefully and paint the interior surfaces with a harmonious blend of tangy Dijon mustard and creamy mayonnaise for enhanced flavor depth.
  3. Carefully arrange alternating layers of savory ham and melty cheese within each croissant, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
  4. Gently seal the croissants, pressing edges together to secure the delectable fillings inside.
  5. Position the assembled croissants strategically on the prepared baking sheet, leaving modest spacing between each pastry.
  6. Apply a delicate, gossamer-thin coating of melted butter across the croissant surfaces to promote golden, glossy browning.
  7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and allow the croissants to transform for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the cheese becomes luxuriously molten and the pastry achieves a rich, amber-toned exterior.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest momentarily, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize before serving these warm, indulgent delicacies.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, fresh croissants for the best texture and flavor.
  • Spread condiments sparingly to prevent soggy bread and maintain crisp edges.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone for unique taste profiles.
  • Allow croissants to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and let cheese set properly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1045 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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