These baked ham and cheese croissants combine buttery pastry with savory ham and melty cheese for a quick, delicious meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!
Why You’ll Love Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
These baked ham and cheese croissants are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combine convenience with gourmet flavor. The flaky, buttery croissants create the perfect vehicle for savory ham and gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – serve them for a fancy weekend brunch, pack them for lunch, or enjoy as a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re customizable with different cheese varieties and additional fillings to suit your taste preferences. The best part? This impressive dish comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep work, making it your new go-to recipe for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious.
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Ingredients
- 8 large croissants (fresh from the bakery works best)
- 16 slices good quality ham (about 1 pound)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for more flavor)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Tools Used to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the croissants: Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. The croissants should open like a book.
- Make the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, poppy seeds, and garlic powder. Mix well until completely blended.
- Assemble the croissants: Brush the inside of each croissant with the butter mixture. Layer each croissant with 2 slices of ham, folded to fit, 1 slice of Swiss cheese, and 1 slice of provolone.
- Finish with butter: Close the croissants and brush the tops with the remaining butter mixture.
- Bake: Place the prepared croissants on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melty.
Variations of Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Breakfast Version: Add a fried egg on top after baking for a complete breakfast sandwich that’s perfect for starting your day. You could also add a thin layer of cheesy potato egg scramble inside before baking.
- Mediterranean Style: Swap the ham for prosciutto and add sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and use mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese.
- Turkey Club: Replace the ham with sliced turkey, add crispy bacon, sliced avocado, and a thin spread of creamy bruschetta dip for added flavor.
- Pizza Croissants: Use pepperoni instead of ham, add a thin layer of pizza sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings like olives or bell peppers.
- Sweet and Savory: Add thinly sliced apples or pears with the ham and cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors, similar to a breakfast grilled cheese with fruit.
Serving Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
These croissants are best served warm right from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and stretchy. For a complete meal, pair them with a light side salad like easy Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of soup.
If you’re hosting a brunch, create a beautiful spread with these ham and cheese croissants as the centerpiece, alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and mimosas. For lunch or dinner, serve with a side of low-carb cauliflower potato salad for a satisfying meal.
These croissants also make excellent grab-and-go options. Wrap them individually in foil and reheat when needed for a quick breakfast or lunch on busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these croissants ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then brush with the butter mixture just before baking. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the croissants soggy.
Can I freeze these ham and cheese croissants?
Absolutely! Wrap each assembled (but unbaked) croissant tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen by adding 7-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of croissants?
Yes, crescent rolls work as a substitute, though they won’t be as buttery or flaky. Unroll the crescent dough, place fillings on top, roll up, and bake according to the crescent roll package instructions.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Swiss, Gruyère, and provolone are excellent options because they melt beautifully. Other great choices include cheddar, Havarti, or fontina. For extra flavor, try mixing two different types of cheese in each croissant.
Final Thoughts
These baked ham and cheese croissants elevate a simple sandwich into a gourmet meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe
- Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Churro Bites Recipe
- California Turkey Club Wraps
- Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito
- The Ultimate Easy Carrot Cake Bars
- Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
- Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
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