Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants: A Buttery, Cheesy DelightA Warm and Comforting Breakfast Favorite
Imagine biting into a warm, buttery croissant, filled with savory ham and gooey melted cheddar cheese, topped with a lightly sweet and tangy glaze. The golden, flaky exterior and the rich, cheesy interior create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making these for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
These croissants are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy mornings or weekend family gatherings. With a simple honey-mustard butter glaze and a sprinkle of poppy seeds, this dish transforms a classic ham and cheese sandwich into a deliciously warm and indulgent treat.
Let’s explore how to make the best Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick and Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or parties.
✔️ Savory and Sweet Balance – The honey-mustard butter glaze adds a delicious twist.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults!
✔️ Customizable – Swap ingredients to match your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Mini croissants | 8 |
Smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved | 4 slices |
Deli-cut ham | ¾ pound |
For the Honey-Mustard Butter Glaze
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Unsalted butter (softened) | 3 tablespoons |
Yellow mustard | 2 tablespoons |
Honey | 1 tablespoon |
Worcestershire sauce | ½ to 1 teaspoon |
For Topping
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Egg white | 1 large |
Poppy seeds | For sprinkling |
Essential Kitchen Tools
To make these croissants, you’ll need:
- Baking sheet – For even baking.
- Small bowl – To mix the glaze.
- Pastry brush – For applying the glaze.
- Knife & cutting board – To slice cheese and croissants.
- Aluminum foil – To prevent over-browning if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice and Fill the Croissants
- Slice each mini croissant in half lengthwise.
- Place a half slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half.
- Add a few slices of deli ham, then top with another half slice of cheese.
- Cover with the top half of the croissant.
3. Prepare the Honey-Mustard Butter Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Brush the Croissants with Glaze
- Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the croissants with the glaze.
- Lightly whisk one egg white and brush it over the tops for a golden crust.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
5. Bake Until Golden
- Place the croissants on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- If they start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the croissants cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
The Secret to Perfectly Baked Croissants
✔️ Use fresh, high-quality croissants for the best texture.
✔️ Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
✔️ Layer cheese both under and over the ham for ultimate meltiness.
✔️ Brush with egg white for a glossy, golden finish.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Ingredient | Substitutes |
---|---|
Cheddar cheese | Swiss, provolone, or brie |
Ham | Turkey or roast beef |
Yellow mustard | Dijon or honey mustard |
Poppy seeds | Sesame seeds |
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, but note it may soften.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
🥗 Fresh Fruit Salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.
🥣 Tomato Soup – A warm, comforting side.
🥗 Mixed Green Salad – A light and healthy addition.
Health Benefits of This Dish
✔️ Protein-Rich – Ham and cheese provide essential protein.
✔️ Balanced Carbs & Fats – Croissants offer energy while cheese provides healthy fats.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust ingredients for a healthier version.
Nutritional Information Breakdown
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~350 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 20g |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours ahead and bake when ready.
2. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Smoked cheddar, Swiss, or brie work beautifully.
3. Can I use large croissants?
Yes! Just adjust baking time to 15-18 minutes.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you know how to make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, it’s time to try them! These flaky, cheesy, and buttery croissants are perfect for any occasion.
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a buttery, cheesy delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack. Flaky croissants filled with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese, topped with a honey-mustard butter glaze, create an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and loved by all.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved
- 3/4 pound deli-cut ham
For the Honey-Mustard Butter Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Topping:
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice and Fill the Croissants:
- Slice each mini croissant in half lengthwise.
- Place a half slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half.
- Add a few slices of deli ham, then top with another half slice of cheese.
- Cover with the top half of the croissant.
- Prepare the Honey-Mustard Butter Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Brush the Croissants with Glaze:
- Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the croissants with the glaze.
- Lightly whisk the egg white and brush it over the tops for a golden crust.
- Sprinkle with poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the croissants cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality croissants for the best texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Layer cheese both under and over the ham for ultimate meltiness.
- Brush with egg white for a glossy, golden finish.