If you’re in the mood for something deliciously savory and irresistibly flaky, these baked ham and cheese croissants are exactly what you need. They’re the perfect combination of rich, buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese that’ll make you want to indulge in every bite. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, these croissants never disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These baked ham and cheese croissants are incredibly easy to make yet taste like they came from a gourmet bakery. The layers of flaky, buttery croissants combined with the salty ham and gooey melted cheese create the ultimate comfort food. Plus, you can serve them up for any occasion – breakfast, lunch, or even a fun party appetizer. You can even get creative with different cheeses or add a little Dijon mustard for an extra zing!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make these scrumptious croissants (the full list is below):
- Croissant dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Deli ham slices
- Swiss cheese or your favorite cheese
Find the full list of ingredients below to get started!
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want to make sure your oven is nice and hot so the croissants bake perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissant Dough
If you’re using store-bought croissant dough, unroll it on a clean surface. You’ll find perforated triangles of dough. Gently separate the triangles and prepare them for the next step. If you’re feeling fancy, you could always make your own dough from scratch – but store-bought works just as well here.
Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
Place a slice of ham in the center of each croissant triangle. Add a slice or two of cheese on top of the ham. You can go with Swiss for a classic touch, but cheddar or Gruyère are great options too. Feel free to get creative with your favorite cheese!
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Start rolling the croissants from the wide end, rolling tightly to form a crescent shape. Be sure to tuck in the ends so the fillings stay inside while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Croissants
Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is all melty and gooey inside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute. Serve them warm, and enjoy every single delicious bite!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cheese Choice: If you’re looking for extra flavor, try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyère. The richness of Gruyère will balance perfectly with the creamy melt of cheddar.
- Ham Options: You can switch up the ham – try smoked or honey ham for an extra depth of flavor, or even deli turkey for a twist.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the croissants with a little egg wash before baking (just an egg beaten with a splash of water) for an extra golden finish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and use sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Herbed Croissants: Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the croissant dough or sprinkle them over the top before baking for an herby kick.
- Mustard Twist: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the dough before adding the ham and cheese for a tangy surprise.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These baked ham and cheese croissants are perfect on their own but also pair wonderfully with a simple side salad, fresh fruit, or even some crispy roasted potatoes. For a more complete brunch, serve them alongside fresh orange juice or a warm cup of coffee.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze them before baking for up to 1 month. Just place the unbaked croissants on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen for about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the croissants a day ahead, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh the next day for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like – cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Can I make these with croissant rolls instead of dough?
Yes, using ready-made croissant rolls will work just fine. Just roll them up with the ham and cheese and bake as usual.
How do I make these more savory?
Add a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to the ham and cheese before rolling them up. This will give the croissants an extra savory punch!
Conclusion
These baked ham and cheese croissants are a true crowd-pleaser. They’re buttery, cheesy, and packed with savory ham – everything you could ever want in a delicious, easy-to-make snack or meal. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a simple snack, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or warm them up for a tasty treat later.
PrintBaked Ham and Cheese Croissants: The Perfect Comfort Food
These baked ham and cheese croissants are a delicious combination of flaky, buttery croissants, savory ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Croissant dough (store-bought or homemade): 1 package (usually 8 croissant rolls)
- Deli ham slices: 8-10 slices (about 1/2 lb or 225g)
- Swiss cheese (or your favorite cheese): 8-10 slices (about 1/2 lb or 225g)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll store-bought croissant dough on a clean surface. Separate the perforated triangles.
Place a slice of ham in the center of each croissant triangle. Add a slice or two of cheese on top (Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère).
Roll the croissants from the wide end tightly to form a crescent shape, tucking in the ends to keep the fillings inside.
Place croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melty.
Cool for a minute and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheese Choices: Try using a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for extra flavor.
- Ham Options: Smoked or honey ham can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg