There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked croissants wafting through your kitchen, especially when they’re filled with savory ham and gooey cheese. Ham and cheese croissants have become a staple in our household, perfectly blending buttery pastry with the satisfying richness of cheese and the delightful saltiness of ham. Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend brunch, a snack, or a delightful appetizer for gatherings, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
What makes these ham and cheese croissants special is their flaky, tender texture combined with the savory filling that creates a comforting bite. Lightly golden on the outside and perfectly melted on the inside, these croissants are suitable for every occasion. Perfect for satisfying cravings, hosting brunch, or even as a quick weeknight dinner option, they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into the details, so you can whip up this delightful dish at home.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to prepare, taking under 30 minutes
- Flexible to adjust with your favorite cheeses and meats
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or parties
- Minimal cleanup – just one baking sheet required
- Flaky and satisfying, bringing comfort with every bite
“These croissants are a crowd-pleaser, every single time!”
How this recipe comes together
Making ham and cheese croissants is a straightforward process. Begin by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature on the croissant dough package. After that, roll out the dough, fill it, and shape the croissants. Once they’re ready, bake until golden brown and delicious. The simplicity and speed make this dish perfect for even the busiest days.
What you’ll need
- 1 package of refrigerated croissant dough
- 1 cup of ham, diced
- 1 cup of cheese (such as Swiss or Cheddar), shredded
- 1 egg, for egg wash (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Croissant dough: Using refrigerated dough saves significant time, but you could also use homemade puff pastry if preferred.
- Meat: Substitute turkey or chicken for the ham if you desire.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment! Use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Egg wash: While optional, using an egg wash gives a lovely golden shine on top of the croissants.
Step-by-step instructions
Making ham and cheese croissants is simple and rewarding. You’ll enjoy creating these flaky treats in just a few steps.
- Preheat your oven according to the croissant dough package instructions.
- Unroll the croissant dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles.
- Place a small amount of diced ham and shredded cheese on the wider end of each triangle.
- Roll the croissants starting from the wide end to the point for a classic crescent shape.
- Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- (Optional) Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. This step amplifies their visual appeal!
- Bake in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. You should notice a beautiful aroma filling your kitchen.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Ensure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Space the croissants well to allow even baking and golden color.
Helpful cooking tips
- Keep the ham dry: Pat the diced ham with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps prevent sogginess.
- Cheese variety: Mixing different types of cheese can create a flavor explosion! Consider adding some feta or blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Cooling time: Letting the croissants cool ensures the cheese thickens slightly, making them easier to handle when serving.
- Make ahead: If you want to prepare these in advance, you can roll them up and put them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
Serving suggestions
Ham and cheese croissants are fantastic on their own but pairing them with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup can make for a hearty meal. You can also serve them with a side of mustard or a dipping sauce for extra flavor. For brunch gatherings, consider a fruit platter to balance the rich taste of the croissants.
Storage & reheating tips
Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them, but note that they may lose their flaky texture. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
- If the croissants are too doughy: Ensure that they are fully baked and golden brown. You may need to extend the baking time by a few minutes if your oven runs cool.
- Dry or bland croissants: If you find your filling not flavorful enough, add more seasoning to the ham or some spices to the cheese mix for extra flavor.
- Soggy bottoms: To prevent sogginess, ensure your ham is well-patted dry and avoid overloading each croissant with too much filling.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize your ham and cheese croissants to match your taste. You can add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a more vibrant flavor. Other great options include chopped roasted peppers or even a touch of pesto for an Italian flair. If you want more sweetness, try adding a slice of apple or pear along with the ham and cheese. These additions make the dish unique while still keeping the core ham and cheese essence intact.
Common questions
Can I freeze ham and cheese croissants?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely before wrapping and storing in an airtight container.
What cheese works best for ham and cheese croissants?
Swiss and Cheddar are classic choices that pair well with ham, but feel free to explore other cheese varieties. Mozzarella adds a lovely gooey texture, while Gouda delivers a rich flavor.
How do I know when my croissants are done baking?
Your croissants should be a beautiful golden-brown color, and the smell should be irresistible. The filling should be visibly melted, and the dough should feel crisp to the touch.
Can I bake these in advance for an event?
Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the croissants ahead of time, placing them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before popping them in the oven for best results.
How can I elevate the flavors in my ham and cheese croissants?
You can easily elevate the flavors by adding ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic powder, or even spicy mustard to the ham before rolling them up in the croissant dough. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before baking can also enhance the crust’s flavor.
With minimal effort, ham and cheese croissants bring joy and flavor to any meal. The combination of flaky pastry with savory filling is truly irresistible. Enjoy making these delightful treats and impressing family and friends with your baking prowess!
Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven according to the croissant dough package instructions.
- Unroll the croissant dough on a clean surface and separate it into triangles.
- Place a small amount of diced ham and shredded cheese on the wider end of each triangle.
- Roll the croissants starting from the wide end to the point for a classic crescent shape.
- Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- (Optional) Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.