When flaky layers of buttery croissant dough meet savory slices of ham and ooey-gooey Swiss cheese, you know you’re in for something truly special. These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are my secret weapon for impressing guests at brunch, turning a simple snack into a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave all day long. From the moment you unroll that golden dough, your kitchen starts to fill with the promise of something heartwarmingly delicious—perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon. I still remember the first time I tried this recipe: I was juggling holiday leftovers and my craving for fresh-baked pastries, and this combo hit the spot like nothing else. I couldn’t help but let out a happy little “Mmm!” with every bite.
As an avid home cook, there’s nothing I love more than recipes that feel both indulgent and effortless, and these croissants deliver just that. In under 20 minutes, you go from dough to divine, with a final result that boasts layers of flaky pastry, savory ham, and molten cheese brushing against your taste buds. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself tearing into your first one straight out of the oven—steaming-hot and irresistibly golden. And those buttery, garlicky brushstrokes on top? They’re the pièce de résistance, elevating each croissant to pastry perfection. This recipe is beginner-friendly, yet it turns out something that tastes like you spent hours mastering French techniques. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro when these beauties emerge, browned and puffed up, from your oven.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANTS
Every unforgettable recipe starts with a handful of superstar ingredients that each play a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need for these ham and cheese croissants, and why each one is key to creating that crumbly, melty magic:
- Refrigerated Croissant Dough
This ready-to-bake dough brings all the classic buttery layers without the fuss of laminating from scratch. It’s your shortcut to professional-quality flakiness and browning.
- Deli Ham
Tender and savory, thin-sliced ham provides a salty, meaty counterpoint to the rich pastry. It’s the umami-packed heart of every croissant.
- Swiss Cheese
Known for its mild nuttiness and superb melting qualities, Swiss cheese transforms into a creamy, gooey center that stretches delightfully with every bite.
- Dijon Mustard
With a little tang and depth, Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of butter and cheese, giving your croissants a subtle zing when drizzled on top.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted and brushed on top, this butter gives the croissants their golden sheen and adds an extra layer of decadent flavor.
- Garlic Powder
A sprinkle of garlic powder infuses the butter wash with a gentle savory note that makes each croissant taste like it’s been brushed with gourmet seasoning.
- Dried Parsley (optional)
Just a hint of dried parsley brings a fresh herbal accent and flecks of green that make these pastries look as good as they taste.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANTS
Time to roll up your sleeves and transform these simple components into a batch of heavenly croissants. These instructions will guide you step-by-step, making each move easy and foolproof.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your croissants bake evenly and release effortlessly once they’re golden.
2. Unroll the croissant dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Separate the dough into individual triangles following the package’s perforations or guidelines, giving you neat, ready-to-fill pieces.
3. Lay one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of ham on the widest edge of each croissant triangle. This precise layering ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
4. Roll each triangle tightly, starting from the wider edge and curling it towards the point to form that iconic crescent shape.
5. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley (if using). This buttery mixture is your croissants’ secret to that irresistible golden crust.
6. Brush the melted butter mixture generously over the top of each rolled croissant for a glossy finish and an extra hit of flavor.
7. Place the croissants on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they can puff up. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re fluffy, deeply golden brown, and tempting to the eyes.
8. After baking, remove from the oven and let the croissants cool for a couple of minutes on the sheet—this helps the cheese set slightly while keeping everything warm.
9. Optionally, drizzle a small amount of Dijon mustard over the warm croissants before serving to introduce a tangy contrast to the rich layers.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANTS
These croissants are stars on their own, but pairing them with the right companions can turn a simple snack into an unforgettable feast. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them and impress anyone who comes to the table:
- Fresh Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A crisp bed of mixed greens tossed in a bright, citrusy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
- Seasonal Fruit Platter
Fresh berries, melon slices, and stone fruits echo the buttery sweetness of the croissants and provide a juicy, refreshing counterpoint.
- Creamy Tomato Soup
Warm a bowl of velvety tomato soup and let your croissant double as a perfect dunking companion. The acidity of ripe tomatoes dances with the ham and cheese for cozy comfort.
- Build-Your-Own Brunch Board
Lay out extra deli meats, assorted cheeses, fresh veggies, and dips so guests can customize their perfect bite—fun, social, and deliciously interactive.
HOW TO STORE BAKED HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANTS
Whether you want to savor leftovers or prep ahead for a busy morning, proper storage keeps these croissants tasting just as amazing as when they first came out of the oven. Here are some tried-and-true methods to lock in that flaky texture and gooey goodness:
- Room Temperature
After they’ve completely cooled, store the croissants in an airtight container or sealed bag for up to 24 hours. This preserves the crispness of the pastry exterior without drying them out.
- Refrigeration
Place fully cooled croissants in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and flakiness.
- Freezing
Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap and then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until puffed and warm.
- Make-Ahead Assembly
Assemble the rolled croissants on a parchment-lined sheet and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 8 hours, then bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
CONCLUSION
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll win over your family and friends, too. From the dreamy buttery layers of croissant dough to the melty Swiss cheese and savory ham, every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor. The garlic-butter brush and optional Dijon drizzle add just the right finishing touches, making these pastries worthy of any brunch spread or an easy weeknight upgrade. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe, this one checks all the boxes: beginner-friendly steps, minimal ingredients, and a spectacular result in under 20 minutes.
Feel free to print this article out and save it for your recipe collection—you’ll want to come back to it again and again. Below, you’ll also find a handy FAQ section to troubleshoot any questions you might have about timing, substitutions, and more. If you give these croissants a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Drop a comment with your tweaks, ask any burning questions, or share your feedback. Happy baking, and here’s to many delicious mornings ahead!
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Description
These golden croissants combine buttery layers, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, brushed with garlic-butter for a mouthwatering aroma. Perfect for brunch, snacks, or a simple dinner upgrade in just minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Unroll the croissant dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Separate the dough into individual triangles as per the package instructions.
-
Lay one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of ham on each croissant triangle.
-
Roll each triangle tightly, starting from the wider edge, to form a croissant shape.
-
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley (if using).
-
Brush the melted butter mixture over the top of each croissant for a golden and flavorful finish.
-
Place the croissants on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
-
After baking, remove from the oven and let the croissants cool for a couple of minutes.
-
Optionally, drizzle a small amount of Dijon mustard over the croissants before serving for added flavor.
Note
- For a different cheese variation, try cheddar or provolone for a new flavor profile.
- You can add a slice of tomato or a few spinach leaves for extra freshness.
- If you prefer a sweeter touch, try a little honey mustard instead of Dijon.
- These croissants can also be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for quick assembly.
- You can make these with leftover holiday ham to create a delightful brunch or snack.
