Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

The Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants we Make When we Need a Crowd-Pleaser – with tons of gooey, melty Swiss, buttery croissants, and good ham! Our Ham and Cheese Baked Croissants take a few minutes to prep and bake, and you can even make a huge batch and freeze them for grab-and-go breakfasts. one bite and you will see Why These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Taste Better Than a Bakery's!

Ham and Cheese Croissants are one of our kids' favorite easy meals – and we love kicking the flavor up a notch by baking them for a solid, crunchy, melty texture . This sandwich is great for easy party prep, great for back-to-school, and we've made it easy to customize to your family's tastes!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants

Our kids can be 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; we like getting the fresh baked ones at Costco or Lidl for these sandwiches.

Ingredients For Baked Ham Cheese Croissant Sandwiches

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 solid buttery, flaky base that holds all the good 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.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe Step by Step

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.

Spread Butter Mix

Spread butter mixture on each side of the croissants.

Add Ham and Cheese

Fill with ham and cheese to make 12 sandwiches. Place croissants in a single layer onto the prepared baking dish.

Whisk 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.

Kitchen notes

Choose high-quality croissants: Opt for buttery, flaky croissants from a reputable bakery or make your own for the best base.

Crossaint shape doesn't matter: We used both the circle and straight croissant types for photos – use whatever you like the best.

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 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.

Storing Baked Croissants With Ham and Cheese

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

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Ham and Cheese Baked Croissant Recipe FAQs

What type of croissants should we use for this recipe?

Use high-quality, buttery croissants that are fresh or slightly stale; they should be large enough to hold the fillings comfortably.

Can we use a different type of cheese besides Swiss?

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.

How do we prevent the croissants from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, layer the cheese directly on the croissant before adding the ham, and consider baking the croissants unwrapped for a crispier exterior.

Can we add any other ingredients to the croissants?

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.

How long should we bake the croissants, and at what temperature?

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.

Can we prepare these croissants ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the croissants ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. let them come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What's the best way to reheat leftover croissants?

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.

Are these baked croissants suitable for a meal or a snack?

These croissants are versatile and can be served as a substantial breakfast, a satisfying brunch item, or a good snack, depending on your appetite and the occasion.

How can we make this recipe healthier?

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.

Can we make these croissants vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ham and add more vegetables, or substitute with a vegetarian alternative like sliced tempeh or smoked tofu.

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 croissants, halved horizontally
• 1 pound thinly sliced smoked deli ham
• 12 slices Swiss cheese, diagonally sliced
• 1 large egg white
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine butter, Dijon, green onions and honey; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Spread butter mixture on each side of the croissants; fill with ham and cheese to make 12 sandwiches.
4. Place croissants in a single layer onto the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together egg white and 1 tablespoon water. Brush tops of croissants with egg white mixture; sprinkle with poppy seeds.
6. Place into oven and bake until golden brown and toasted, about 15-18 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm.