Hey there! If you’re anything like me, mornings can feel a little rushed or even boring sometimes. That’s why I love having easy and tasty recipes like these ham and cheese croissants in my back pocket. They’re soft, cheesy, and just the right amount of crispy on the outside. And oh—the smell when they’re baking? It’s amazing. Seriously, it fills the whole kitchen with that cozy, bakery-style scent.
These little croissants feel like warm hugs. I usually make them when I want to treat myself or when I’ve got friends coming over for brunch. You can even pack them up for a snack on the go. Super simple and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
Croissants: I love using buttery, fresh croissants. But if I’m short on time, frozen ones work too. Just bake them first before stuffing.
Ham: Smoked or honey ham gives a nice sweet-salty mix. If you’re vegetarian, try roasted red peppers or mushrooms. Still super tasty!
Cheese: Swiss or Gruyère melt really well, but cheddar gives a strong cheesy flavor. No dairy? Go for your favorite vegan cheese.
Dijon Mustard: Totally optional! I like it for a little kick. Honey mustard works too if you like it sweet. Or skip it if that’s not your thing.
Egg Wash: Makes the croissants shiny and golden. If you don’t eat eggs, just mix plant milk with a little oil—it works fine!
How to Get That Perfect Golden Brown Top:
Ever wondered how bakeries get that shiny golden crust? It’s all about a few easy tricks.
Preheat your oven fully to 375°F (190°C) before baking. That makes the heat even and strong.
Leave space between each croissant on the baking tray. This keeps them crispy and not soggy.
Check at 15 minutes. Don’t wait too long. Once they start turning golden, they finish fast!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients:
- 4 large croissants
- 8 slices of ham (preferably smoked or honey ham)
- 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up completely.
- Prepare the Croissants: Cut each croissant in half, but don’t slice all the way through. Leave a little “hinge” to keep both sides connected.
- Add the Mustard (Optional): If you like a little extra flavor, spread Dijon mustard on the inside.
- Fill the Croissants: Add two slices of ham and two slices of cheese to each croissant. Press down lightly so everything stays inside.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it on top of each croissant. This helps make them shiny and golden.
- Season and Garnish: Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top. Add sesame or poppy seeds if you want a little extra crunch.
- Bake: Put your croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is nice and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. Then serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Cheeses?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or go with pepper jack if you want a little spice. Just remember—some cheeses melt quicker than others, so keep an eye while baking!
How to Store Leftovers
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Want to store them longer? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
To reheat: thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
Yes, and it works great.
If you’re making them a few hours ahead, just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Add the egg wash right before they go in the oven.
If you’re planning earlier, you can freeze the assembled croissants (without the egg wash) and bake straight from frozen. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time.
Let’s Bake Together!
I really hope you try this ham and cheese croissant recipe! It’s one of my favorite ways to start the day, and I know you’ll love it too. If you bake them, let me know how they turn out! You can follow me on Pinterest where I share more warm, simple recipes just like this.
