Croissants With Ham And Cheese

Name: Croissants With Ham And Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 store-bought croissants; 200g sliced ham; 200g cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar), sliced; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Favorites

I absolutely adore making Croissants with Ham and Cheese for breakfast or brunch. There's something magical about flaky, buttery croissants enveloping savory ham and melted cheese. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that brings a smile to my face. These croissants are surprisingly easy to make, and using high-quality ingredients really elevates the dish. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner that will impress anyone who tries it.

Created by

Pippa Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:21:34.637Z

During a weekend brunch, I decided to experiment with making my own croissants, filled them with ham and cheese, and the result blew me away. I found that using freshly baked croissants makes all the difference, providing the best texture. The creamy cheese melted beautifully into the warm, flaky pastry, while the savory ham added a perfect punch of flavor.

One tip I discovered is to brush the croissants with an egg wash before baking. This not only gives them a gorgeous golden color but also enhances the overall flavor. Sharing these delicious croissants with family turned an ordinary breakfast into a memorable meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Flaky and buttery croissants that melt in your mouth
Savory ham paired with gooey cheese for a delightful combo
Easy to prepare and perfect for weekends or special occasions

Perfecting the Croissant Base

The secret to a truly irresistible Croissant with Ham and Cheese starts with selecting high-quality croissants. If you can, opt for freshly baked or artisanal varieties, as they offer superior flakiness and flavor. Store-bought options can vary, so choose those that boast a rich buttery aroma and a crunchy exterior. You’ll want to inspect the croissants for visible layers; they should be airy and light. If you only have day-old croissants, don't fret—simply warming them in the oven for a few minutes before filling can help revive their texture.

Once you’ve chosen your croissants, slice them carefully to maintain their form. A serrated bread knife works best for this task, ensuring clean cuts without squishing the croissant's delicate layers. Aim for a generous but not excessive cut—about three-quarters of the way through allows for plenty of room to fill without compromising the structure. This step is crucial, as it ensures the fillings stay nestled inside during baking.

Filling Flavor and Texture Tips

When it comes to the filling, the type of cheese you choose can dramatically affect the final flavor. While Gruyère and Cheddar are classic options for melding well with ham, consider experimenting with cheeses like Fontina or a sharp aged Gouda for added complexity. Also, make sure the cheese is sliced thinly; this helps it melt evenly and integrate beautifully with the ham, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. If you prefer a little heat, adding a slice of pepper jack can bring a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Don't skimp on the ham; quality deli meats will enhance the overall taste. I recommend using a good-quality, flavorful ham, such as Black Forest or smoked ham, as these varieties offer a richer taste profile. For a healthier alternative, consider using turkey ham or smoked turkey slices. Additionally, feel free to add herbs or spices, like a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh thyme, to the ham layer for an extra burst of flavor.

Baking and Serving Suggestions

When baking the croissants, keep an eye on their color and the cheese melting. You want a golden-brown top, which usually indicates the croissants are perfectly baked and the cheese is gooey and delightful. If your croissants are browning too quickly, consider lowering the oven temperature by 10-15°C (about 20-30°F) and extending the baking time slightly to ensure even baking without burning the tops. The key is to have that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, melty interior.

For serving, these croissants are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a fresh side salad or a light soup. Consider incorporating a vinaigrette dressing in your salad to cut through the richness of the croissants, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven briefly to revive their flakiness before serving again; microwaving may result in a soggy texture, which you want to avoid.

Ingredients

For the Croissants

8 store-bought croissants
200g sliced ham
200g cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar), sliced
1 egg (for egg wash)

Feel free to add herbs or a touch of mustard for extra flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Croissants

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take the croissants and slice them in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Fill with Ham and Cheese

Layer slices of ham and cheese inside each croissant. You can be generous with the fillings to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the filled croissants to give them a beautiful golden finish.

Bake

Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious croissants with a side of salad or on their own!

These croissants are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some Dijon mustard or fresh herbs like thyme or chives inside the croissants along with the ham and cheese.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to make these croissants ahead of time, the best approach is to prepare the fillings but keep them separate from the croissants until just before baking. Store the sliced ham and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, follow the filling and baking steps as usual. This prep method ensures your croissants maintain their fresh, flaky texture when baked.

For longer storage, you can freeze assembled but unbaked croissants. Assemble them with ham and cheese, brush with egg wash, and wrap each croissant tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake from frozen, simply preheat your oven and bake them directly from the freezer, increasing the bake time by about 5-10 minutes. The result will still be delightful and fresh.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Adding sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers can provide a refreshing burst of flavor. For an Italian twist, substitute the ham with salami and use mozzarella cheese, adding a sprinkle of oregano for added authenticity. The beauty of these croissants lies in their versatility; don’t hesitate to explore flavors that excite your palate.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap out the ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach, and replace the cheese with a creamy artisan cheese blend. This not only maintains the essence of the dish but also offers a delicious alternative for those avoiding meat. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to new favorites that you might want to include in your regular brunch rotation.

Troubleshooting Croissant Baking

If your croissants come out doughy or undercooked in the middle, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each croissant for proper air circulation. If you notice the bottoms browning while the tops remain pale, try rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to achieve even results. This small tweak can make a significant difference in achieving perfectly baked croissants.

Another common issue is the cheese leaking out during baking. To prevent this, ensure that your fillings are snugly packed but not overflowing the croissant edges. If you find that your croissants are too soft or soggy after baking, allow them to cool on a wire rack instead of leaving them on the baking sheet, which could trap moisture and affect the texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, such as Mozzarella or Emmental.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the croissants and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if they're cold from the fridge.

→ What can I serve with these croissants?

They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, fruit, or a warm soup.

→ Are homemade croissants better than store-bought?

While making croissants from scratch can be time-consuming, using high-quality store-bought croissants saves time and can taste just as delicious when filled!