Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Yes, turkey, chicken breast slices, or even cooked bacon make great substitutes. Just be sure to use pre-cooked meats that pair well with the buttery croissants and cheese.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or smoked gouda melt well and complement the ham. You can also use a combination of cheeses for added flavor and creaminess.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the croissants the night before and refrigerate them. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, or bake straight from the fridge by adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the croissants soggy.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Name: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
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

Description

These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a fast and satisfying option for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. With flaky pastry, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, this quick-bake dish brings café-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Croissants: Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Lay a half-slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half, then add a slice of ham and another half-slice of cheese. Close each croissant to form a sandwich.
Make the Spread: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy.
Add Flavor: Gently open the croissants and spread the butter mixture on the inside of each one for an extra boost of flavor before re-closing them.
Assemble for Baking: Arrange the croissants in the prepared baking dish, keeping them close but not overcrowded.
Top with Egg Wash: Whisk the egg white with a splash of water and brush over the tops of the croissants. Sprinkle with poppy seeds for a bakery-style finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving warm.

Notes

You can swap in Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor or add a slice of tomato or spinach inside each croissant before baking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croissants and verify that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. These are best served warm, but leftovers are still delicious when reheated properly in the oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini croissant
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 48mg