Few things rival the golden, flaky perfection of a warm croissant. When paired with savory ham and melty cheese, you get a mouthwatering treat that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. This recipe for Ham and Cheese Croissants is a versatile classic: easy enough for a quick family meal yet elegant enough to serve at a holiday brunch or special occasion.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know: the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and creative variations. By the end, you’ll not only have a reliable go-to recipe but also plenty of ideas to make your croissants unforgettable.
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Croissants
The quality of your ingredients will determine how delicious your Ham and Cheese Croissants turn out. Here’s what you’ll need:
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8 large croissants (fresh or day-old, preferably buttery and flaky)
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8 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced, smoked or honey ham works best)
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8 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone)
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy flavor)
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2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
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1 teaspoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Optional Add-Ons
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Fresh spinach or arugula
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Tomato slices
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A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweet-savory contrast
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make your Ham and Cheese Croissants, you’ll need:
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Pastry brush (for butter)
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Sharp knife (if slicing croissants open)
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Aluminum foil (to cover during baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Slice and Prepare Croissants
Cut croissants in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each croissant. Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on top.
Step 4: Assemble and Brush
Place the top halves back on, brush lightly with melted butter, and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.
Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts. Remove foil and bake an additional 3–5 minutes to crisp the tops.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, paired with a simple green salad, soup, or roasted vegetables.
Why This Recipe Works
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
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Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Customizable: Works with different meats, cheeses, and add-ins.
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Crowd-pleasing: Great for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or meal prep.
Variations on Ham and Cheese Croissants
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Breakfast Style – Add scrambled eggs or a fried egg.
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Gourmet Version – Use prosciutto and Gruyère with a drizzle of truffle oil.
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Vegetarian Twist – Skip ham and replace with roasted veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
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Sweet & Savory – Add a thin layer of fig jam, apricot preserves, or honey.
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Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Storage and Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Nutritional Value (per serving, 1 croissant)
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Calories: ~380
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Protein: 15 g
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Fat: 20 g
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Carbohydrates: 32 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Calcium: 20% DV
(Values vary depending on cheese and ham type.)
Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Croissants
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Use high-quality croissants – Buttery croissants make all the difference.
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Don’t overstuff – Too much filling makes them soggy.
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Cover with foil – Prevents croissants from drying out while cheese melts.
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Add herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary elevates flavor.
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Serve fresh – Best enjoyed warm out of the oven.
Pairing Ideas
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Breakfast/Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit, coffee, or orange juice.
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Lunch: Serve with a light salad or tomato soup.
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Dinner: Pair with roasted potatoes or green bean casserole (a perfect holiday side).
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Croissants are proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Whether you serve them for breakfast on the go, a weekend brunch, or as a cozy dinner with sides like green bean casserole, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
