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Easy ham and cheese croissants

Featured in Start Your Day with Joy.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are an easy and delicious recipe for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. Made with mini croissants, savory ham, smoky cheddar cheese, and a flavorful buttery spread, these pastries hit just the right note of comfort and indulgence. The golden brown, flaky exterior complements the warm, melted cheese inside. Perfect for serving at a gathering or enjoying at home, the recipe is simple and can even be partially prepared in advance. Effortless yet satisfying, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Rose
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:29:29 GMT
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Pin it
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants | lovelylifewithrose.com

Transforming classic croissants into a warm, melty sandwich is pure comfort food magic. These baked ham and cheese croissants combine buttery, flaky pastry with savory ham and gooey melted cheese, creating an elevated version of the traditional ham and cheese sandwich that's perfect any time of day.

I've served these at countless family brunches, and they're always the first thing to disappear. The combination of buttery croissants with melted cheese never fails to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Mini Croissants: Choose fresh, high-quality croissants that feel light and show visible layers. Day-old croissants work perfectly too
  • Smoked Cheddar Cheese: The smoky flavor adds depth, but regular sharp cheddar works beautifully as well. Look for cheese that melts smoothly
  • Deli Ham: Opt for thinly sliced, good quality ham. Black Forest or honey ham both work wonderfully
  • Honey-Mustard Butter Spread: The combination of butter, mustard, honey, and Worcestershire creates a complex flavor that elevates the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking dish with a light coating of butter
Step 2:
Split each croissant horizontally, being careful to keep them intact
Step 3:
Layer the bottom half with cheese, ham, and more cheese - this double cheese method ensures maximum meltiness
Step 4:
Mix your honey-mustard butter spread until smooth and slather generously inside each croissant
Step 5:
Arrange in your baking dish and brush with egg wash for that golden finish
Step 6:
Sprinkle with poppy seeds and bake until golden and bubbly

I particularly love using smoked cheddar in this recipe. My grandmother always said smoke-cured foods have a way of bringing people together, and these croissants prove her right every time.

Make-Ahead Tips

These croissants are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them the night before and bake fresh in the morning. They'll stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

This recipe has become my go-to for everything from holiday brunches to casual weekend gatherings. There's something magical about how the butter-honey-mustard mixture seeps into the croissant while baking, creating layers of flavor that make these sandwiches truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Swiss, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice.
→ Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the croissants and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ How do I store leftover croissants?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
→ Can I add extra ingredients?
Certainly! Try adding spinach, tomato slices, or caramelized onions inside the croissants.
→ How do I reheat the croissants?
Place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Ham and Cheese Croissants

Savory and easy ham and cheese croissants for breakfast or snacks.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
38 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Croissant Ingredients

01 8 small croissants
02 4 slices of smoked cheddar cheese, cut in half
03 3/4 pound of thinly sliced deli ham
04 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
05 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
06 1 tablespoon honey
07 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
08 1 large egg white
09 Poppy seeds, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Slice each croissant horizontally. Add a piece of cheese to the bottom half, follow with a slice of ham, and top with another half slice of cheese. Cover with the top piece of the croissant.

Step 03

Mix the softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 04

Spread the prepared butter mixture onto the inside of each croissant sandwich evenly.

Step 05

Place the croissant sandwiches side by side into the greased baking dish.

Step 06

Whisk the egg white with a small splash of water in a bowl. Brush the mixture on top of the croissants and sprinkle poppy seeds over them.

Step 07

Bake the croissant sandwiches for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 08

Take the croissants out of the oven and serve them warm.

Notes

  1. You can add sliced tomatoes or spinach leaves for extra flavor before baking.
  2. Assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to one day. Simply bake when ready to serve.
  3. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for two days in an airtight container and reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Brush for egg wash

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter)
  • Contains eggs (egg white wash)
  • Contains gluten (croissants)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~