Name: Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 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

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If you’re craving a buttery, flaky treat that’s packed with savory goodness, you’ll love this Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe. It takes the classic croissant to a whole new level by layering smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese inside perfectly crisped pastry. Whether it’s for a special weekend brunch, a cozy lunch, or a fancy snack, these croissants deliver an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet totally doable. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s genuinely one of those dishes that impresses everyone with minimal fuss.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy butter and zesty Dijon mustard that add depth, to the sharp Swiss cheese that melts beautifully. Together, these ingredients build layers of flavor and texture that create an unforgettable bite.

Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, room temperature): Ensures a creamy spread without extra salt, perfect for balancing flavors.
Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy, subtle kick that complements the ham and cheese.
Green onions (2, thinly sliced): Give a fresh, mild bite that brightens up each croissant.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the mustard and ham.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall taste without overpowering.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and complexity.
Croissants (12, halved horizontally): The buttery, flaky star of the show, ready to hold all the delicious fillings.
Smoked deli ham (1 pound, thinly sliced): Provides smoky, savory richness with every bite.
Swiss cheese (12 slices, diagonally sliced): Melts beautifully for that gooey, creamy texture inside the croissant.
Egg white (1 large): Used to brush the tops for a glossy finish and help poppy seeds stick.
Poppy seeds (2 teaspoons): Add a lovely crunch and a touch of nutty flavor on top.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot when the croissants go in. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or spritz it with nonstick spray to keep those buttery croissants from sticking while they bake to golden perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Butter Spread

In a small bowl, combine the room temperature butter, Dijon mustard, thinly sliced green onions, and honey. Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste. This spread is the secret ingredient that brings creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes to each croissant layer.

Step 3: Assemble the Croissants

Spread the butter mixture generously on both the top and bottom halves of each croissant. Then, layer in the thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese, building a deliciously satisfying sandwich. This step ensures every morsel is packed with flavor and gooey cheese.

Step 4: Arrange and Prepare for Baking

Place all the assembled croissant sandwiches in a single layer on your prepared baking dish. This gives them room to crisp up evenly, ensuring the flaky crust stays intact and the cheese melts consistently inside.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake

Whisk together the egg white and a tablespoon of water, then brush this mixture over the tops of the croissants. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for a pretty, crunchy finish. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the croissants are beautifully golden brown and toasted through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve Warm

Once baked, let the croissants rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. This makes them easier to handle and lets the flavors meld perfectly. Serve them warm for maximum gooey, buttery enjoyment.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch that’s both visually appealing and flavorful, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over these croissants. A light spread of whole-grain mustard on the side makes a perfect dipping sauce that enhances the tang and complexity even further.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette pairs wonderfully as a side to balance the richness of the croissants. Alternatively, fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes adds a refreshing burst of sweetness and color for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Ham and Cheese Croissants on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of pickles, olives, or Dijon mustard for a relaxed yet elegant brunch spread. You can also slice them into smaller portions and serve as bite-sized appetizers for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, keep the croissants wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their flaky texture while maintaining the delicious flavors inside.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each assembled but unbaked croissant individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed for fresh, warm croissants anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftover croissants in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispness and melt the cheese back to gooey perfection. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese for the Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic because of its meltability and mild flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or even mozzarella depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to butter both sides of the croissant?

Yes, spreading the butter mixture on both halves infuses the entire croissant with rich flavor and helps the toasted exterior develop a beautiful golden crust.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply replace the smoked ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even a savory spinach and cheese blend for a delicious meatless alternative.

What if I don’t have poppy seeds?

No worries! You can skip the poppy seeds or swap them with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different but equally tasty finish.

Can I prepare these croissants ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just let them come back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making this Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift of comfort and flavor, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky package. It’s simple enough to whip up on a cozy morning but special enough to impress family, friends, or even yourself. Give it a try and watch everyone swoon over that perfect combo of smoky ham, melty cheese, and tender croissant. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again.

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Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 12 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Ham and Cheese Croissant recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that combines buttery croissants with smoky ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a flavorful Dijon butter spread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, these croissants are baked to golden perfection and topped with poppy seeds for a nice crunch.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prepare for baking.
Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, thinly sliced green onions, and honey. Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste and mix well until smooth.
Assemble Croissants: Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly on each side of the halved croissants. Then layer each with smoked deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese to assemble 12 sandwiches.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each filled croissant in a single layer into the prepared baking dish, ensuring they sit snugly but not overcrowded.
Prepare Egg Wash & Add Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of the croissants generously with this egg wash, then sprinkle the poppy seeds evenly over each croissant for added texture and a decorative touch.
Bake: Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Remove the croissants from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes to settle. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious ham and cheese croissants!

Notes

You can substitute Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.
For extra crispiness, broil the croissants for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
These croissants can be prepared a few hours ahead and warmed up before serving.
Use day-old croissants if available for better texture after baking.
Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days; reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American