Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery croissant, only to discover a warm, gooey center filled with savory ham and melted cheese. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings back memories of cozy brunches and family gatherings. Originating from the French pastry tradition, croissants have become a beloved staple in many cultures, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
People adore Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for their perfect balance of taste and texture. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, rich filling that satisfies both hunger and cravings. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack. Join me as we explore this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 large croissants
- 8 slices of deli ham (your choice of smoked, honey, or black forest)
- 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Croissants
First things first, let’s get our croissants ready. I love using fresh, flaky croissants for this recipe, as they add a delightful texture and flavor to the dish.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking our croissants to golden perfection.
- While the oven is heating, take your croissants and slice them in half lengthwise. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want them to open like a book.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey (if using). This will be our delicious spread that adds flavor to the croissants.
Assembling the Croissants
Now that we have our croissants sliced and our spread ready, it’s time to assemble our ham and cheese croissants.
- Spread a generous amount of the Dijon-mayo mixture on the inside of each croissant half. Don’t be shy; this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
- Layer 2 slices of ham on the bottom half of each croissant. You can mix and match different types of ham for added flavor.
- Next, place 2 slices of cheese on top of the ham. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices at this stage.
- Close the croissant by folding the top half over the bottom half, pressing gently to secure the filling inside.
Preparing for Baking
Before we pop these beauties into the oven, we need to prepare them for baking.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. This will give our croissants a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the egg wash over the top of each croissant. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that lovely shine.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the top of each croissant for added flavor.
Baking the Croissants
Now it’s time to bake our croissants to perfection!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will also make for an easier cleanup.
- Place the assembled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion.
- Once your oven is preheated, carefully place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Garnishing and Serving
While the croissants are baking, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Once they’re done, let’s finish them off with a little garnish.
- Once the croissants are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the croissants to a serving platter. I like to arrange them nicely for a beautiful presentation.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve warm, and enjoy with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, provolone
Conclusion:
In summary, this Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. The combination of flaky, buttery croissants with savory ham and gooey cheese creates a delightful experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a casual brunch with friends, or simply enjoying them as a quick snack, these croissants are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these delicious croissants with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness. You can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a touch of mustard for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ham for turkey or even a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables and cheese. I encourage you to give this Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Let’s spread the joy of these scrumptious croissants together! Happy baking! PrintBaked Ham and Cheese Croissants: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Breakfast or Snack
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy these flaky ham and cheese croissants, filled with savory deli ham and melted cheese, perfect for any meal or snack. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
Scale- 4 large croissants
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 8 slices of cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the croissants in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey (if using).
- Spread a generous amount of the Dijon-mayo mixture on the inside of each croissant half.
- Layer 2 slices of ham on the bottom half of each croissant.
- Place 2 slices of cheese on top of the ham.
- Close the croissant by folding the top half over the bottom half, pressing gently to secure the filling inside.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the top of each croissant.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the top of each croissant.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the assembled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the croissants cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the croissants to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve warm, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or provolone.
- You can add herbs or spices to the filling for extra flavor.
- These croissants are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes