Flaky Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe for Breakfast Magic

These delectable baked ham and cheese croissants have been my weekend breakfast obsession lately.

Flaky pastry wrapped around savory ingredients creates pure morning magic.

Mornings feel instantly brighter when such a delightful treat emerges from the oven.

My kitchen always smells incredible with these golden-brown crescents bubbling away.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between salty ham and melted cheese.

Warm, inviting aromas will pull everyone straight to the dining table.

You’ll want to make extra because these croissants disappear faster than expected.

What Makes Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Irresistible

• Transform simple ingredients into an irresistible sandwich that kids and adults will love, featuring cheesy goodness and a sweet-tangy spread that elevates classic ham and cheese.
• Serve these croissant sandwiches as a casual appetizer during game nights, brunch gatherings, or potluck events, impressing guests with minimal preparation effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or provolone, swap ham for turkey, or adjust the mustard-honey spread to create a personalized version that suits individual taste preferences.

What You Need for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastry that serves as the foundation for these delicious sandwiches. Fresh, store-bought croissants work best.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Classic deli ham and sharp cheddar create a hearty and flavorful filling. Choose high-quality sliced ham and cheese for best results.

• Butter, Yellow Mustard, Honey, Worcestershire Sauce: Creamy butter mixed with tangy mustard, sweet honey, and savory Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, complex spread. Use softened butter for easy mixing.

• Egg White, Water, Poppy Seeds: Egg wash gives a golden sheen and helps poppy seeds stick to the croissants. Fresh egg whites provide the best glaze.

How to Bake Buttery Ham and Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice and Layer Croissants

• Cheddar cheese half slice
• Ham slice
• Another cheddar cheese half slice

Top with the croissant’s upper half to complete the sandwich.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Spread

• Softened butter
• Yellow mustard
• Honey
• Worcestershire sauce

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Dress the Sandwiches

Generously coat the interior of each croissant sandwich with the flavor-packed spread.

Step 5: Position Sandwiches

Nestle the prepared sandwiches into the waiting baking dish.

Step 6: Add Golden Touch

Whisk an egg white with a splash of water. Brush the croissant tops and sprinkle with poppy seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately while warm and enticing.

Tips to Keep Baked Croissants Flaky and Savory

• Master Flavor Fusion: Mix the butter spread ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite bursts with tangy, sweet notes that complement the ham and cheese.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Lightly toast croissants before assembling to create a crispy base that holds up against the rich butter mixture and prevents sogginess.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use room temperature cheese for more even melting and ensure full coverage inside the croissant for maximum gooey goodness.
• Customize Your Sandwich: Swap ham for turkey, swap cheddar for Swiss, or add fresh herbs like thyme or chives to personalize the flavor profile.
• Egg Wash Pro Tip: Apply egg wash gently with a pastry brush for an even, glossy golden-brown top that looks professionally baked.

Storing and Reheating Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Store leftover baked ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm croissants at 325F for 10-12 minutes, wrapped loosely in aluminum foil. This prevents drying out and helps restore original crispy texture.
• Heat individual croissants for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture.
• Wrap each croissant separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

What to Serve with Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Pair this rich, savory croissant with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the buttery cheese and provides a zesty counterpoint to the ham's saltiness.
• Opt for a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale that balances the heavy, decadent sandwich with its crisp, effervescent qualities.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the croissant's richness, adding a fresh, peppery element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with a small ramekin of Dijon mustard or fig jam on the side, offering guests an extra layer of flavor that enhances the ham and cheese profile.

Tasty Croissant Variations with Ham and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular croissants with gluten-free croissants or use large gluten-free rolls. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives for added inclusivity.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap ham with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled zucchini slices. Use vegetarian cheese or plant-based cheese substitutes for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of croissants. Incorporate turkey or chicken as lean protein alternatives to traditional ham.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace ham with prosciutto or salami. Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and swap yellow mustard for olive tapenade for a Mediterranean flair.

Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Heavenly ham and cheese croissants bring French bakery magic straight to home kitchens. Flaky pastry, melted cheese, and savory ham create a simple yet irresistible breakfast or brunch companion you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 mini croissants
• ¾ pound (340 grams) deli-cut ham
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• ½ to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 large egg white
• Poppy seeds, for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice each croissant horizontally, creating a top and bottom half for building sandwiches.
3. Layer the bottom croissant half with a delicate slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of ham, and then another slice of cheese to create a rich, savory filling.
4. Gently place the top croissant half over the layered ingredients, forming a complete sandwich.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Generously spread the flavored butter mixture across the interior surfaces of each croissant sandwich, ensuring even coverage.
7. Arrange the prepared sandwiches neatly in the greased baking dish, positioning them to allow even heating.
8. Whisk an egg white with a small amount of water to create a light egg wash.
9. Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash, then sprinkle poppy seeds over the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for golden-brown tops and fully melted cheese.
11. Remove from the oven and let the sandwiches rest for a moment before serving warm, allowing the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

• Use high-quality, fresh croissants for the best texture and flavor in this baked sandwich.
• Swap ham for turkey or roast beef to create variety and accommodate different protein preferences.
• Consider using different cheese types like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone for unique flavor combinations.
• Prepare the butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate to intensify the seasoning blend before assembling sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg