Buttery Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe

Scrumptious Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe for Breakfast

Warm, flaky croissants stuffed with gooey ham and cheese create a breakfast dream that melts in your mouth.

These delectable ham and cheese croissants offer a perfect blend of rich, savory flavors.

Golden-brown pastry wraps around tender ham slices and melted cheese, promising a delightful morning treat.

Crisp edges and soft, buttery interiors make each bite irresistible.

The simple yet elegant combination transforms an ordinary breakfast into something special.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, these croissants bring restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and start your day with a delicious culinary adventure.

What You Need For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

For Sandwiches Base:
  • Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastry that creates a luxurious foundation for the sandwich, select fresh bakery croissants for best texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor, choose a medium or sharp variety for maximum taste.
  • Ham: Savory protein that brings depth to the sandwich, opt for thinly sliced deli ham for even distribution.
For Spread and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Creamy base that helps create a smooth, rich spread, use softened room temperature butter for easy mixing.
  • Yellow Mustard: Adds zesty, tangy kick to complement the ham and cheese, select a classic smooth mustard.
  • Honey: Introduces subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients, use raw or pure honey for best flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complex, umami depth to the spread, choose a traditional brand for authentic taste.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Egg White: Creates golden, glossy top when brushed on croissants, helps poppy seeds adhere to surface.
  • Water: Helps thin egg white for smooth brushing, ensures even coating.
  • Poppy Seeds: Adds subtle crunch and visual appeal to the croissant tops, select fresh, high-quality seeds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 3

Supplies For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for holding and baking the croissant sandwiches.
  • Small Mixing Bowls (2): Perfect for preparing butter spread and egg wash.
  • Whisk: Great for smoothly mixing egg wash and blending spread ingredients.
  • Pastry Brush: Needed to evenly apply egg wash on croissant tops.
  • Sharp Knife: Helpful for slicing croissants horizontally.
  • Measuring Spoons: Required for accurate ingredient measurements.

Directions For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Croissant Preparation

Split each croissant carefully down the middle, creating a canvas for delicious layers of cheese and ham.

  • Cheesy Ham Haven

Layer cheddar cheese and savory ham inside the croissant, creating a mouthwatering filling that promises comfort and flavor.

  • Flavor Boost Mixture

Blend butter with honey, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce into a silky spread that will elevate the entire sandwich experience.

  • Sandwich Assembly

Generously coat the inside of each croissant with the flavor-packed mixture, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

  • Baking Transformation

Arrange croissants in a baking dish and brush tops with a light egg wash, then sprinkle with poppy seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.

  • Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven and bake until the croissants turn a beautiful golden brown and cheese melts into gooey goodness.

  • Serving Delight

Pull these irresistible treats from the oven and serve immediately while they’re warm and inviting.

Tips And Swaps For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Perfect Prep Secrets: Slice croissants evenly to ensure uniform cooking and balanced flavors.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Let butter soften at room temperature for easier spreading and smoother blending with mustard and honey.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Use gluten-free croissants for celiac diets; substitute ham with turkey or plant-based protein for vegetarian options.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during meal prep.
  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, provolone, or gouda to add unique taste profiles and create exciting flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Brunch Bliss Platter: Arrange the warm croissants alongside fresh mixed berries, sliced melon, and a small side of arugula salad for a complete morning meal that balances rich flavors.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve with a tangy honey mustard or creamy ranch dressing on the side, allowing guests to customize their sandwich experience with extra zesty dips.
  • Complementary Companions: Pair with a light citrus mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice to cut through the richness of the ham and cheese, creating a perfect weekend breakfast combination.
  • Quick Picnic Option: Wrap individual croissants in parchment paper for an easy portable lunch or outdoor gathering treat that maintains its delicious warmth and texture.

Make-Ahead And Storage Guide For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftover baked ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These tasty sandwiches stay fresh for 2-3 days when properly sealed.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual croissants in the oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but might make the pastry slightly soggy.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap each croissant separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen sandwiches maintain quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble the croissant sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during busy mornings or when hosting brunch.
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Buttery Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe

Buttery Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

French-inspired croissant ham and cheese sandwiches deliver rich, buttery layers of golden pastry with savory ham and melted cheese. Crisp edges and warm interior make this classic recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 mini croissants
  • ¾ lb (340 g) deli-cut ham
  • 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ to 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg white
  • poppy seeds, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Sandwich Assembly: Slice croissants horizontally and layer with cheddar cheese, ham, and another cheese slice, then crown with croissant top.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Whisk butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce into a harmonious blend, then brush generously inside each sandwich.
  4. Pre-Baking Technique: Arrange sandwiches in prepared dish, create egg wash by whisking egg white with water, and delicately brush croissant tops.
  5. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle poppy seeds over egg-washed croissants for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
  6. Baking Process: Slide baking dish into preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese melts completely and croissant tops achieve a rich golden-brown color.
  7. Serving: Allow sandwiches to rest briefly before serving these warm, decadent croissant melts.

Notes

  • Slice Carefully: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice croissants horizontally for clean, even cuts without tearing the delicate pastry.
  • Layer Strategically: Place cheese directly against the croissant surface to prevent soggy bottoms and create a barrier that keeps the pastry crisp.
  • Brush Generously: Apply butter mixture thoroughly but avoid oversaturating, which could make the croissants greasy and compromise their flaky texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow croissants to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even heating and prevent uneven browning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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