The Fluffiest Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe Ever

Golden, flaky baked ham and cheese croissants that melt in your mouth with every delectable bite.

Crisp, buttery layers cradle savory ham and gooey cheese in a culinary embrace that feels like pure comfort.

Weekend brunches never looked so tempting, with these delightful pastries promising instant satisfaction.

The rich, melted cheese peeks through delicate croissant folds, creating an irresistible visual feast.

Pulling apart these warm, tender treats, watching stringy cheese stretch between each delicious piece.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when baked to perfection.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these incredible croissants.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Hit The Spot

• Flavor Explosion: Tangy mustard, sweet honey, and savory ham create a mouthwatering combo that dances across your taste buds with every bite.
• Quick Comfort Meal: These croissant sandwiches whip up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekend brunches.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Crispy golden croissant exterior gives way to gooey melted cheese and tender ham, delivering a satisfying crunch and softness in each mouthful.
• Effortless Elegance: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible.

What You’ll Need For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• Ham: Classic deli meat that adds savory protein to the croissant sandwich.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides rich flavor.

• Croissants: Buttery, flaky pastry that creates a luxurious sandwich foundation.

• Butter: Softened spread that helps create a rich, smooth mixture for coating croissants.
• Yellow Mustard: Adds tangy zip to the butter spread.
• Honey: Introduces subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides depth and complexity to the spread.

• Egg White: Creates golden, glossy top when brushed on croissants.
• Water: Helps thin egg white for smooth egg wash.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds visual appeal and subtle nutty crunch to croissant tops.

How To Make Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Split And Layer Croissants

• Cheddar cheese slice
• Savory ham slice
• Another cheese slice

Lovingly place the top croissant half over these tasty ingredients, creating a perfect sandwich.

Step 3: Whip Up A Flavor-Packed Spread

• Softened butter
• Zesty yellow mustard
• Golden honey
• Worcestershire sauce

Stir these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, irresistible mixture.

Step 4: Dress The Croissants

Generously spread the magical sauce inside each croissant sandwich, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Arrange In Baking Pan

Nestle the croissant sandwiches into the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re cozy but not overcrowded.

Step 6: Create A Golden Glaze

Whisk an egg white with a splash of water until smooth. Brush this mixture over the croissant tops, then sprinkle poppy seeds for extra pizzazz.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Let the croissants bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull the pan out of the oven and serve these mouthwatering croissants while they’re hot and irresistible. Watch them disappear in minutes!

Helpful Hints For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• Elevate Cheese Melting: Choose room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting and more even coverage inside the croissant.
• Customize Ham Selection: Opt for high-quality, thinly sliced ham like black forest or honey-glazed for enhanced flavor depth.
• Perfect Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash gently with a pastry brush to create a beautiful golden, shiny croissant surface without oversaturating.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Let croissants cool for 2-3 minutes after baking to help maintain crispy texture and prevent bottom bread from becoming soft.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble sandwiches up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient meal preparation.

How To Store And Reheat Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham and cheese croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm the croissants in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy exterior and melts the cheese perfectly, bringing back the original delicious texture.
• Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, place croissants on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 30-45 seconds. Pro tip: Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from becoming tough or rubbery.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled croissants in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method for best results.

Perfect Matches For Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, buttery croissants and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Match with Bright Citrus Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with orange segments and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory sandwich.
• Serve with Tangy Pickle Sides: Add some dill pickle spears or quick-pickled vegetables to provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the warm, melted cheese and ham.
• Finish with Fresh Fruit Smoothie: Blend a cool green apple and mint smoothie to refresh the palate and lighten the richness of the baked croissants.

Ways To Switch Up Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack and add diced jalapeños inside the croissant for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings extra excitement to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap ham with prosciutto, use mozzarella cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired interpretation that transforms the original dish.
• Breakfast Protein Boost: Include scrambled eggs and crispy bacon bits alongside the ham and cheese, creating a heartier morning sandwich that provides more substantial fuel for the day.
• Vegetarian Garden Style: Substitute ham with roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, using goat cheese instead of cheddar for a fresh, plant-based alternative that maintains the croissant's rich texture.

Common Questions About Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants

• What makes these croissant sandwiches special?

These ham and cheese croissants are elevated with a delicious homemade butter spread featuring honey, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile that sets them apart from ordinary sandwiches.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar, you can easily swap in Swiss, provolone, or your favorite melting cheese to customize the flavor and make these sandwiches uniquely yours.

• Are these good for meal prep?

Yes! You can assemble these croissant sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the refrigerator.

• How do I get a perfectly golden top?

The egg wash is key! Whisking egg white with a splash of water and brushing it over the croissants before baking helps create that beautiful golden-brown color and adds a lovely shine to the tops of the sandwiches.

Baked Ham And Cheese Croissants Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy golden ham and cheese croissants emerge as a delightful French-inspired breakfast sensation. Flaky pastry embraces savory ham and melted cheese, promising a luxurious morning treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Garnish:

• 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 assembling the sandwiches.
3. Layer the bottom half of each croissant with a delicate slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of ham, and then another piece of cheese.
4. Gently place the top half of the croissant over the fillings, creating a complete sandwich.
5. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, tangy yellow mustard, sweet honey, and savory Worcestershire sauce until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
6. Using a culinary brush, generously spread the prepared butter mixture on the interior surfaces of each croissant sandwich, ensuring even coverage.
7. Carefully arrange the filled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish, positioning them neatly.
8. Whisk the egg white with a splash of water to create a light egg wash, then delicately brush the tops of the croissants.
9. Sprinkle poppy seeds over the egg-washed croissants for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and the croissant tops turn a golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for a moment before serving these warm, indulgent sandwiches.

Notes

• Choose croissants that are fresh and slightly soft for the best texture and absorption of the butter mixture.
• Opt for high-quality ham and sharp cheddar cheese to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone for unique taste combinations.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croissants or substitute with large lettuce leaves as a lighter alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg