Have You Ever Had a Croissant That Melts in Your Mouth?
Have you ever bitten into a buttery croissant and thought, “This could be even better”? What if you added gooey cheese and tasty ham inside? Baked ham and cheese croissants are not only delicious—they’re warm, flaky, and packed with flavor. But here’s the best part: they’re easy to make at home! You don’t need to be a fancy chef to pull off this bakery-style treat.
Let’s discover how you can make ham and cheese croissants in your own kitchen—with simple ingredients and very little time.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe
Print
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 croissants 1x
Description
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are warm, flaky, and full of melted cheese and savory ham. Made with store-bought croissant dough, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick lunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comfort food classic that’s great for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated croissant or crescent dough (8 pieces)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese (cut in half)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the dough: Separate the croissant dough into 8 triangles on a clean surface.
- Add mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each triangle if using.
- Add the fillings: Place 1 slice of ham and ½ slice of cheese on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the croissants: Roll from the wide end to the point, forming a crescent shape. Curve the ends slightly inward.
- Brush with egg wash: Lightly brush each croissant with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking. Use different cheeses or add extras like cooked bacon or spinach for fun variations. These croissants can be made ahead and frozen unbaked for quick prep later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
This recipe is special because it takes something many people buy from a bakery—and shows you how to make it fresh at home. You only need a few ingredients. The total prep and baking time is less than 30 minutes. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that even kids can help with!
What makes this recipe great:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Only 5 main ingredients
- Great for breakfast, lunch, or a snack
- Kid-approved and lunchbox-friendly
- Tastes even better fresh out of the oven
Whether you’re getting ready for a busy school morning or planning a cozy weekend brunch, these croissants will hit the spot.
What You’ll Need: Essential Ingredients
To make these baked ham and cheese croissants, you only need a few basic items. Each one plays a key part in making these croissants tasty and satisfying.
Main Ingredients:
- Croissant Dough (store-bought or homemade): This is your flaky, buttery base. Crescent roll dough also works if croissants aren’t available.
- Sliced Ham: Choose deli ham or leftover baked ham. Smoked or honey ham adds extra flavor.
- Sliced Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella melt beautifully. Use your favorite!
- Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds a little tang that pairs well with the ham.
- Egg (for egg wash): Helps the croissants turn golden and shiny.
Substitutions and Variations:
- No ham? Use turkey or cooked bacon.
- Don’t like mustard? Skip it or try mayo.
- Want it spicy? Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
How to Make Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to make golden, gooey ham and cheese croissants in your own oven.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dough
If you’re using store-bought croissant dough or crescent rolls, unroll them on a clean surface. Separate them into individual triangles.
Tip: Keep the dough cold until ready to use so it’s easier to handle.
Step 3: Add Mustard (Optional)
Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on each triangle of dough. This adds tang and depth to the flavor.
Step 4: Add Ham and Cheese
- Place 1 slice of ham on the wide end of each dough triangle.
- Top with half a slice of cheese (or a small handful if using shredded cheese).
Step 5: Roll and Shape
- Start at the wide end and roll the dough toward the tip, just like making a crescent roll.
- Curve the ends slightly to form a crescent shape.
Step 6: Add an Egg Wash
- Beat 1 egg in a small bowl.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each croissant. This gives them a shiny, golden top when baked.
Step 7: Bake
- Place the croissants on a lined baking sheet with space between each one.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
How to Assemble Like a Pro
The best croissants not only taste great—they look amazing, too. Here are a few tricks for a picture-perfect finish:
- Use even-sized ham and cheese slices to avoid overflow.
- Don’t overstuff. Too much filling will cause the croissant to burst open.
- Tuck the corners in for a neater look.
- Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for extra crunch and appeal.
Place on a serving platter or wooden board and serve warm!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Want to enjoy these on busy mornings? No problem! You can easily store or prepare them ahead of time.
Storage:
- Let croissants cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or until warm.
Freezing:
- Assemble croissants but do not bake them.
- Freeze on a tray until solid, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to make your ham and cheese croissant recipe even more fun? Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs and cooked bacon.
- Italian Style: Use prosciutto, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Veggie Option: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers with the cheese.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a spoon of fig jam or honey before rolling.
This recipe is super flexible—so get creative!
Final Thoughts: Try It, Love It, Share It
Making baked ham and cheese croissants is simple, quick, and super satisfying. You get a warm, flaky bite with every mouthful—and your kitchen smells amazing while they bake. Whether you make them for a lazy Sunday brunch or a fast school-day breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
So grab that dough, slice up some ham and cheese, and give it a try. You might just skip the bakery next time!
FAQs About Ham and Cheese Croissants
Q: Are ham and cheese croissants healthy?
A: They can be part of a balanced meal! Use lean ham, low-fat cheese, and pair with fruit or a salad for a healthy plate.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble them and freeze before baking, or store leftovers in the fridge to reheat later.
Q: What cheese melts best in this recipe?
A: Swiss and cheddar are top picks. Mozzarella works too for extra stretch.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?
A: Yes! Just cut into triangles and follow the same steps. The texture will be crispier.
Q: Are these good for school lunches?
A: Absolutely! They hold up well in lunchboxes and can be eaten cold or warm.
