These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delicious blend of flaky, buttery pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheese. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a quick snack, they offer a comforting bite that is both satisfying and simple to make. The combination of textures and flavors makes this recipe truly stand out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these croissants with ease.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack at any time of the day.
- Savory Flavor: The blend of ham and cheese creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute different cheeses or add extra ingredients like spinach for variety.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress guests with these elegant yet simple croissant sandwiches.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even baking and helps keep your croissants from getting too crispy on the edges.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your butter mixture smoothly before spreading it on the croissants.
- Pastry brush: Helps you apply the egg wash evenly to achieve a beautiful golden finish on top of your croissants.
Ingredients
For the Croissants
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved
- ¾ pound deli-cut ham
For the Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Finishing Touches
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds, for sprinkling
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Croissants
- Slice each mini croissant in half horizontally.
- On the bottom half of each croissant, place a half slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add a slice of deli-cut ham on top of the cheese.
- Finish with another half slice of cheese before placing the top half of the croissant over the fillings.
Step 3: Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl:
1. Combine softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread the butter mixture evenly on the inside of each assembled croissant sandwich.
Step 5: Place in Baking Dish
Arrange all prepared croissant sandwiches in your greased baking dish.
Step 6: Prepare Egg Wash
In another small bowl:
1. Whisk together egg white with a splash of water.
2. Brush this mixture onto the tops of each croissant sandwich.
Step 7: Sprinkle Poppy Seeds
Sprinkle poppy seeds generously over the tops for added crunch and flavor.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Remove from oven and serve warm for an indulgent treat that everyone will enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the croissants.
- Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or sliced avocados for added flavor.
Serve with a Fruit Platter
- Fresh fruits like berries, melons, and citrus can provide a refreshing contrast.
- This combination adds a sweet note that complements the savory ham and cheese.
Enjoy with Soup
- Classic tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup makes a comforting pairing.
- The warmth of the soup enhances the overall meal experience.
Accompany with Dipping Sauces
- Offer mustard or honey mustard on the side for extra flavor.
- A spicy aioli or herbed mayonnaise can also elevate each bite.
Include Breakfast Potatoes
- Roasted or seasoned breakfast potatoes make for a filling side dish.
- Their crispy texture pairs well with the flaky croissants.
How to Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
To ensure your Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh croissants and high-quality deli ham will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t overfill: Keep fillings moderate to prevent spills during baking.
- Brush generously: Applying enough egg wash will create a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake until golden: Keep an eye on them; remove when they’re golden brown for best results.
- Let cool slightly: Allowing them to cool for a few minutes helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
When serving Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, consider these delightful side dishes that round out your meal beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and freshness to balance rich croissants.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs complement the dish well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide an earthy balance alongside croissants.
- Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup is perfect for dipping your croissant halves.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fruit create a refreshing side that’s satisfying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make simple mistakes when preparing Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking or soggy pastries.
Overstuffing Croissants: While it’s tempting to add extra ham and cheese, overstuffing can lead to messy, hard-to-manage croissants. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
Skipping the Egg Wash: An egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish and helps toppings adhere. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect look.
Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the texture of your croissants.
Not Letting Them Cool: Allow your Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants to cool slightly after baking. This helps the cheese set a bit, making them easier to handle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store croissants in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
Reheating Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sides pair well with Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad complements these delicious croissants perfectly.
Can I customize the filling of my Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite cheeses or even vegetables like spinach or peppers for added flavor.
How do I know when my Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are done?
Look for golden brown tops and melted cheese oozing out as signs that they’re ready!
Can I make these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize them with different fillings or spices, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting treat that everyone will love!
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the perfect blend of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese, making them an irresistible comfort food. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a quick snack, these croissants are simple to prepare and sure to please everyone. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can create these delightful treats that not only look impressive but also deliver on flavor. Customize them with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for a twist! Enjoy them warm straight from the oven for a satisfying bite any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (halved)
- ¾ pound deli-cut ham
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice each mini croissant in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with cheese, ham, and another slice of cheese before closing with the top half.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Spread the butter mixture inside each croissant sandwich.
- Arrange sandwiches in the greased baking dish.
- Whisk together egg white with a splash of water and brush onto the tops of each croissant.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant (70g)
- Calories: 249
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 453mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
