Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

Golden, flaky, and bubbling with gooey cheese, Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the ultimate comfort food for any time of day. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crispy, buttery croissant filled with savory ham and rich, melty cheese, perfectly paired with a touch of Dijon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you serve these beauties for brunch, a cozy lunch, or as a show-stopping breakfast-for-dinner, they vanish in a flash every single time. If you’re looking for an easy and crowd-pleasing way to turn humble ingredients into pure happiness, you’re absolutely going to love these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a handful of classic ingredients that come together to create pure magic. Each component brings its own charm, from the airy croissant shell to the creamy cheese and savory ham—the perfect trifecta of taste, texture, and color.

• Croissants: Choose day-old bakery croissants for the best flakiness, or use store-bought for an effortless shortcut.
• Sliced Ham: Thinly shaved deli ham or leftover holiday ham both work beautifully here—go for a good-quality ham for that signature savory depth.
• Sliced Cheese: Gruyère or Swiss provide that classic nutty melt, but feel free to try cheddar or mozzarella for your own twist.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a swipe adds an irresistible tang that balances the rich cheese and ham—don’t skip it!
• Butter: Brushing the croissants with melted butter ensures a gorgeously golden, crisp exterior.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds color and brightness at the end.

How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and helps the croissants crisp up perfectly underneath. Gather your ingredients so you’re set up for assembly and the process feels effortless.

Step 2: Slice and Fill the Croissants

Using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally but don’t cut all the way through—think of it like opening a book. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside, then layer on the sliced ham and cheese, making sure you get an even amount in each croissant for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Butter

Gently press the croissants closed, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops liberally with melted butter. This step gives the Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants that irresistible golden sheen and extra crispness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the croissants are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbly and melty inside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—every oven runs a little differently, and you want them beautifully browned but not overdone.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle your croissants with fresh herbs for a pop of color and fragrance. Let them cool for just a minute or two before serving—if you can resist! The cheese will be steamy and stretchy, so prepare for oozy perfection.

How to Serve Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Garnishes

A simple flourish of chopped chives or fresh parsley over the top brings a bright, fresh finish to these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants. For a little extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan.

Side Dishes

Pair your croissants with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the richness deliciously. For a breakfast spread, a platter of fresh fruit, lightly dressed arugula, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes balances things out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the croissants into halves or thirds for shareable brunch platters, or tuck them into a picnic basket with some pickles and grapes for a chic, French-inspired meal outdoors. Stack them high on a wooden board for a rustic look—or wrap each one in parchment for a grab-and-go lunch that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap each Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The pastry remains flaky and the filling stays deliciously moist.

Freezing

These croissants freeze like a dream! Assemble and bake as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to one month. Reheat straight from frozen for an effortless snack or meal anytime.

Reheating

For best results, place leftover croissants on a baking sheet in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 10 minutes (15 if from frozen). This restores their crisp exterior and revives the gooey cheese inside.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the croissants the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For the best texture, brush with butter just before baking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Gruyère is classic for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, but Swiss, Emmental, or even cheddar or Monterey Jack all work well. Pick a cheese that melts beautifully and packs flavor.

Can I use puff pastry instead of croissants?

Yes, you can! Just cut puff pastry into rectangles, add the filling, and roll them up. The texture will be different but equally scrumptious, with extra flakiness.

Are these croissants good for a crowd or party?

Definitely! You can easily double or triple the recipe, and since they can be eaten warm or at room temperature, Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a dream for brunches, showers, or school events.

Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?

Go for it! Thin slices of tomato, a handful of baby spinach, or a spoonful of caramelized onions add even more flavor and make each batch your own.

Final Thoughts

Trust me—once you try Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, you’ll wonder how you ever brunched or snacked without them! Give this recipe a go the next time you want something a little special that’s easy to pull off, and watch everyone come back for more. Here’s to delicious, cheesy, flaky goodness in every bite!

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