Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Weekends call for indulgent breakfast treats like these delectable baked ham and cheese croissants that promise a delightful morning surprise.

Flaky, buttery croissants cradle savory ham and melted cheese in a mouthwatering combination.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, golden pastry and hearty fillings.

Crisp edges and gooey center make these croissants an irresistible morning delight.

The simple yet elegant dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something special.

Effortless to prepare and guaranteed to impress, these croissants will become your new weekend breakfast favorite.

Serve them hot and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Perfection

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up these delectable ham and cheese croissants in minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger pangs or unexpected cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ham types, choose different cheeses, or add extra ingredients like sliced tomatoes or spinach to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for casual brunches, game day gatherings, kids' lunches, or impromptu snacks that everyone from picky eaters to food enthusiasts will enjoy without complicated preparation.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No advanced cooking techniques needed – even beginner home cooks can master this simple recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward assembly steps.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Ingredients

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastries that serve as the base for this delicious sandwich.
• Deli Ham: Thin slices of savory meat that provide protein and flavor to the croissant.
• Swiss or Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that adds richness and creates a gooey texture when baked.

• Dijon Mustard: A tangy condiment that adds a sharp, zesty flavor to the croissant sandwich.
• Garlic Powder: A seasoning that brings a subtle, aromatic garlic taste to the topping.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds depth of flavor to the croissants.

Baking Ham and Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Split the Croissants

Take a serrated knife and gently slice each croissant in half horizontally.

Try to keep them connected at the back like a little sandwich book, creating a perfect hinge for your filling.

Step 3: Spread Some Zesty Flavor

Grab some Dijon mustard and apply a light, tantalizing layer on the inside of each croissant half.

Remember, a little goes a long way in boosting the overall taste.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Layers

• Deli ham slices (fold them to fit perfectly)
• Cheese slice (Swiss or cheddar work wonderfully)

Step 5: Create Your Sandwich

Carefully close the croissants by placing the top half over the fillings.

Arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between each one for even heating.

Step 6: Add the Golden Touch

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder

Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each croissant.

This magical mixture will give your croissants a beautiful golden color and extra flavor punch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the croissants turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the croissants out of the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.

Serve them while they’re warm, with the cheese still gooey and the outside perfectly crisp.

These croissants are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

Tips for Flaky Croissants

• Pick high-quality croissants that are soft and buttery, along with deli ham and cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Lightly toast croissants before adding fillings to maintain crispness and prevent moisture from making them soggy.
• Apply Dijon mustard sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the delicate croissant taste.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking for an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, provolone, or gouda to create unique flavor combinations.

Croissant Filling Ideas to Try

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ham with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based version. Add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croissants from specialty bakeries or replace with gluten-free bread rolls. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Swap Dijon mustard with olive tapenade, use prosciutto instead of deli ham, and choose mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano on top before baking for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sliced jalapeños inside the croissant, use pepper jack cheese, and mix hot sauce into the melted butter for a fiery transformation.

Ways to Serve Ham Croissants

• Breakfast Boost: Pair these golden croissants with a fresh fruit smoothie for a balanced morning meal.
• Lunch Companion: Serve alongside a light garden salad to create a complete and satisfying lunch plate.
• Picnic Perfect: Wrap these croissants in parchment paper for an easy-to-pack outdoor dining option that stays delicious when slightly cooled.
• Wine Night Snack: Slice into smaller portions and serve with a crisp white wine as an elegant appetizer during evening gatherings.

Storing Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Store leftover ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover croissants individually before storing, which helps prevent them from drying out and preserves their delicate texture.
• Warm refrigerated croissants in a preheated oven at 325F (165C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and melty cheese without making them soggy or tough.
• Freeze uncooked or cooked croissants in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, wrapping each one separately in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right croissants for this recipe?

Select fresh, buttery croissants from a bakery or high-quality store-bought ones. Look for croissants that are soft, flaky, and not too dense to ensure the best texture after baking.

• Can I use different types of ham or cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute deli ham with turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto. For cheese, try provolone, gouda, or monterey jack instead of Swiss or cheddar. The key is using melting cheeses that complement the ham.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary for the recipe?

While Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor that enhances the ham and cheese, you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Alternatively, use whole grain mustard or a light spread of mayonnaise for moisture and extra taste.

Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory ham and cheese croissants elevate breakfast with French-inspired elegance. Flaky pastry, melted cheese, and tender ham create a delightful morning indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 12 slices deli ham
• 6 large croissants
• 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Fats:

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or light grease to prevent adhesion.
2. Slice croissants horizontally with a serrated knife, maintaining a slight connection at the back to create a natural hinge.
3. Apply a delicate layer of Dijon mustard across the interior surfaces of each croissant half, ensuring even distribution without overwhelming the flavor profile.
4. Arrange deli ham slices strategically on the bottom croissant halves, folding or trimming as needed to create a uniform layer that covers the surface.
5. Position cheese slices atop the ham, selecting either Swiss or cheddar to complement the meat’s flavor.
6. Carefully close the croissants by gently pressing the top halves down, creating compact sandwiches with visible fillings.
7. Whisk melted butter with garlic powder in a small bowl, creating a fragrant seasoning mixture.
8. Brush the butter mixture generously over the croissant tops, ensuring complete coverage for enhanced golden coloration and flavor intensity.
9. Transfer the prepared croissants to the preheated oven, spacing them evenly to promote consistent heating.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the croissants transform into a rich golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
11. Remove from oven and allow a brief 2-3 minute cooling period to stabilize the filling and prevent immediate burning.
12. Serve immediately while the croissants maintain their crisp exterior and molten cheese interior.

Notes

• Select high-quality croissants from a local bakery for the most authentic and flavorful results.
• Try different cheese varieties like Gruyère or provolone to create unique flavor profiles.
• Reduce butter quantity or use olive oil spray for a lighter, healthier version of the recipe.
• Customize fillings by adding sliced turkey, roasted vegetables, or herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg