Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery croissants with flavorful ham and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy mornings or casual gatherings.
Why you’ll love it
You’re going to love Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Second, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a breakfast option, an appetizer, or even as part of a lunch spread. Finally, the combination of soft croissants, savory ham, and gooey cheese creates a comforting and satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
To make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), 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
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to tweak this recipe, here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Cheese: Feel free to use Swiss cheese, gouda, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Ham: Turkey, chicken, or even veggie deli slices can be used to make this dish lighter.
- Croissants: If you do not have mini croissants, regular croissants work just as well.
- Mustard: Try using Dijon mustard for a spicier kick!
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the croissants will turn out golden and flaky.
Step 2: Prepare the croissants
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Take the bottom half of each croissant and place a half slice of cheddar cheese on it. Add a slice of ham on top of the cheese, and then put another half slice of cheese over the ham. Finally, place the top half of the croissant over the fillings to form a sandwich.
Step 3: Mix the butter mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Spread the butter mixture
Spread the butter mixture evenly on the inside of each croissant sandwich. This will add great flavor and help with browning during baking.
Step 5: Assemble and prepare for baking
Place the assembled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish. In another small bowl, whisk together the egg white with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy the delicious, melted cheese and warm ham encased in flaky croissant goodness!
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve the best texture.
- Timing: Watch the croissants closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overfilling the croissants, or they may not close properly and could spill out during baking.
How to serve
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven. They make an excellent breakfast option and can also be served as a hearty snack or an appetizer during gatherings. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual croissants for about 30-40 seconds, but they may not maintain their crispness as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the night before. Cover them and store them in the fridge. Bake them in the morning for a quick breakfast!
Can I freeze Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other fillings can I use?
You can use a variety of fillings, such as spinach and feta, turkey and Swiss, or even a simple cheese and herb blend.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
While specific nutritional information for this recipe can vary based on brands and types of ingredients used, a serving size of one baked croissant generally contains around 250-300 calories, making it a satisfying but not overly heavy snack.
Conclusion
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or as a delightful snack for guests, this recipe is sure to please. Try it today, and you won’t be disappointed!
Links to related recipes
- Cheese and Spinach Mini Quiches
- Stuffed Croissant Breakfast Casserole
- Savory Puff Pastry Pinwheels
- Ham and Cheese Puffs
- Classic Cheese Danish
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
Croissant Sandwich Components
- 8 pieces mini croissants Regular croissants can be used if mini are not available
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese, halved Regular cheddar can be used
- ¾ pound deli-cut ham Turkey, chicken, or veggie deli slices can be substituted
Butter Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard Can substitute with Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg white
- to taste Poppy seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice each croissant in half horizontally.
- Place a half slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each croissant, followed by a slice of ham, another half slice of cheese, and then the top half to form a sandwich.
Mixing and Assembling
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly inside each croissant sandwich.
- Place the assembled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish.
- Whisk together the egg white with a splash of water, then brush the tops of the croissants and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.