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