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Ham and cheese croissants are one of my kids very favorite easy meals – and I love kicking the flavor up a notch by baking them for a perfect crunchy, melty texture! This sandwich is great for easy party prep, great for back-to-school, and I’ve made it really easy to customize to your own preferences.
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Crowd Pleasing Baked Ham and Swiss Croissant
When I need a quick breakfast, or an easy meal for a hungry group – these baked sandwiches are my go-to! With tons of gooey, melty swiss, buttery croissants, and delicious ham – these croissants take just a few minutes to prep and bake, and you can even make a huge batch and freeze them for grab and go breakfasts!
My kids can be really picky and sometimes lunch is a huge ordeal when everyone wants something different, but these croissant sandwiches are always a crowd pleaser! You can buy croissants at most grocery stores; I like getting the fresh baked ones at Lidl for these sandwiches.
Ingredients For a Ham Cheese Croissant
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup) – Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy texture that enhances the flakiness of the croissants.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons) – Dijon mustard introduces a tangy, sharp flavor that complements the savory ham and cheese.
- Green onions (2) – Green onions offer a mild, slightly sweet crunch that adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Honey (1 tablespoon) – Honey brings a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the croissants.
- Sea salt (1/2 tsp) – Sea salt enhances the overall flavor profile, making each ingredient stand out more distinctly.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthiness, elevating the taste of the ham and cheese.
- Mini croissants (12) – Mini croissants provide the perfect buttery, flaky base that holds all the delicious fillings.
- Ham (1 pound) – Ham contributes a savory, slightly salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
- Swiss cheese (12) – Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding a smooth, nutty taste that binds the filling together.
- Egg white (1) – Egg white brushed on top gives the croissants a glossy finish and helps the poppy seeds adhere.
- Poppy seeds (2 teaspoons) – Poppy seeds sprinkle on a slight crunch and a decorative touch, making the croissants visually appealing.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- Combine Spread. In a small bowl, combine butter, Dijon, green onions and honey; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Assemble. Spread butter mixture on each side of the croissants; fill with ham and cheese to make 12 sandwiches. Place croissants in a single layer onto the prepared baking dish.
- Combine Topping. In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and 1 tablespoon water. Brush tops of croissants with egg white mixture; sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake. Place into oven and bake until golden brown and toasted, about 15-18 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Ham and Cheese Croissant Tips
Choose high-quality croissants: Opt for buttery, flaky croissants from a reputable bakery or make your own for the best base.
Select the right cheese: Swiss cheese is ideal for its melting qualities and distinctive flavor, but feel free to experiment with variations like Emmental or Gruyère for different tastes.
Use good quality ham: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality ham for the best flavor and texture. Consider using smoked or honey-glazed ham for an extra flavor boost.
Slice carefully: Gently slice the croissants in half without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for your fillings.
Layer effectively: Start with a layer of cheese on the bottom half of the croissant to prevent the bread from becoming too soggy from the ham.
Wrap in foil: For a softer, more steamed texture, wrap the filled croissants in aluminum foil before baking. For a crispier exterior, leave them unwrapped.
Preheat your oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature (usually around 350°F or 175°C) for even cooking.
Monitor baking time: Bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the croissants are just turning golden brown, typically around 10-15 minutes.
Add a finishing touch: For an extra flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle a little grated cheese on top of the croissants during the last few minutes of baking.
Serve warm: These croissants are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is gooey and the ham is tender.
Pair wisely: Complement your baked Swiss cheese and ham croissants with a light salad or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Experiment with variations: Feel free to add additional ingredients like sliced tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Fresh fruit salad: A mix of berries, melon, and citrus fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the croissants.
Caesar salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons dressed in Caesar dressing can complement the savory croissants.
Tomato soup: A creamy or classic tomato soup can serve as a comforting and harmonious pairing with the cheesy, ham-filled pastry.
Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw with a light vinaigrette can add a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor to balance the meal.
Try these croissants with fried goat cheese on the side! Be sure to check out one of my favorite recipes for dinner spicy garlic soy baked flounder!
Storing A Baked Croissant With Ham and Cheese
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
FAQS
Use high-quality, buttery croissants that are fresh or slightly stale; they should be large enough to hold the fillings comfortably.
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for its melting qualities and nutty flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella for different tastes.
To avoid sogginess, layer the cheese directly on the croissant before adding the ham, and consider baking the croissants unwrapped for a crispier exterior.
Yes, you can customize your croissants with additional ingredients such as sliced tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a spread of mustard for extra flavor.
Bake the croissants at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the croissants are golden brown.
Yes, you can assemble the croissants ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before baking for the best results.
Reheat the croissants in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to help them regain their crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy.
These croissants are versatile and can be served as a substantial breakfast, a satisfying brunch item, or a delicious snack, depending on your appetite and the occasion.
For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat croissants, low-fat cheese, and lean ham. You can also add vegetables like spinach or arugula for added nutrients.
Yes, simply omit the ham and add more vegetables, or substitute with a vegetarian alternative like sliced tempeh or smoked tofu.
Try these other favorite breakfast recipes:
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Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 mini croissants, halved horizontally
- 1 pound thinly sliced smoked deli ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, diagonally sliced
- 1 large egg white
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, Dijon, green onions and honey; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Spread butter mixture on each side of the croissants; fill with ham and cheese to make 12 sandwiches.
- Place croissants in a single layer onto the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and 1 tablespoon water. Brush tops of croissants with egg white mixture; sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Place into oven and bake until golden brown and toasted, about 15-18 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was a great and easy warm lunch. I made it on a cold Saturday afternoon my daughter loved it. I made mine on a gluten-free bread and that was great too so much flavor.
So glad you and your family loved it!
Do you bake them before you freeze them, or assemble and freeze?
I assemble, freeze, then bake them. I think they taste better that way but if you are trying to deal prep and just want to be able to pop individual croissants into the microwave then I would bake them then freeze individually in plastic wrap (remove the plastic wrap to microwave). Hope this helps!
This might be a silly question, but do you recommend getting fresh croissants from a bakery? I wasn’t sure where to find 12, high-quality, fresh croissants
Honestly I just use costco or grocery store croissants!
My kids loved them
Yummy!