Name: Ham and Cheese Croissants
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 10 mini croissants; ⅓ cup salted butter, melted and cooled; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 5 thin slices of Black Forest ham, sliced in half; 10 slices of Swiss cheese, sliced in half; 1 large egg white, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon water; Poppy seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Have you ever wondered why some breakfast items have a cult following? The answer lies in the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Ham and cheese croissants, for instance, boast not just a flaky exterior but also a savory filling that tantalizes the taste buds. Today, we’ll dive into a delicious recipe for ham and cheese croissants that are sure to become your new go-to treat!

Ingredients Needed

To create your delightful ham and cheese croissants, you’ll need the following ingredients:

10 mini croissants: These are the stars of the show. Their buttery, flaky texture makes every bite a delight. If you can’t find mini croissants, feel free to use regular-sized ones and adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
⅓ cup salted butter, melted and cooled: The richness of the butter enhances the overall flavor. Go for high-quality butter if you can!
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the savory ham and cheese.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness goes a long way in balancing the flavors.
½ teaspoon onion powder: This adds depth to the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: A must for elevating all the other flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Just enough spice to make it interesting.
5 thin slices of Black Forest ham, sliced in half: Known for its rich flavor, Black Forest ham is a perfect fit for this recipe.
10 slices of Swiss cheese, sliced in half: The melting quality and nutty flavor of Swiss cheese complement the ham wonderfully.
1 large egg white, at room temperature: This will help give the croissants a beautiful golden finish.
1 tablespoon water: Mixed with the egg white for glazing.
Poppy seeds: These are optional but add a lovely visual appeal and crunch.

Timing

Preparing these ham and cheese croissants is a breeze! You’ll need approximately 20 minutes for prep and 12 to 15 minutes for baking, totaling about 35 to 40 minutes. That’s significantly quicker than many traditional pastry recipes!

How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your croissants bake evenly and fluff up perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the baking dish

Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Slice the croissants

Carefully slice each mini croissant horizontally to create a pocket for the filling.

Step 4: Mix the butter mixture

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well incorporated. This mixture will become your flavorful glaze.

Step 5: Assemble the croissants

Spoon or brush the butter mixture generously over the top and bottom insides of the sliced croissants. Layer 1 slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom of each croissant, followed by 2 halved slices of ham. Top it off with another slice of Swiss cheese before placing the top half of the croissant back on.

Step 6: Prepare the egg wash

In a small bowl, combine the egg white and water. Use a fork to beat the mixture until large bubbles form—this step is crucial for achieving a glossy finish.

Step 7: Brush and sprinkle

Brush the tops of each croissant with the egg wash and lightly sprinkle poppy seeds on top, if desired.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the croissants in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last few minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the croissants to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing messy bites!

Nutritional Information

Each mini ham and cheese croissant approximately contains:

Calories: 200
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g

Understanding the nutritional breakdown helps readers make informed choices about indulging in this delicious treat.

Healthier Alternatives for Ham and Cheese Croissants

Looking to lighten the recipe? Consider these alternatives:

Use whole grain mini croissants for an added fiber boost.
Substitute turkey or a leaner ham for a lighter meat option.
Replace Swiss cheese with a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
Opt for a sugar-free Dijon mustard or honey alternative to lower sugar content.

These swaps maintain the delightful flavor while enhancing nutritional benefits.

Serving Suggestions

These ham and cheese croissants can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair them with a fresh mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a comforting, indulgent lunch.
Add some sliced fresh fruit on the side, such as strawberries or apple slices, to create a delightful contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making ham and cheese croissants, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Overbaking: This can lead to dry croissants. Always check a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Not cooling before serving: Allowing the croissants to rest lets the cheese firm up a little, making them easier to handle.
Neglecting the inside glaze: Skipping the butter mixture on the insides can result in a less flavorful croissant.

Storing Tips for Ham and Cheese Croissants

To maintain freshness:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To freeze, wrap individual croissants tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months!
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered this easy and delicious recipe for ham and cheese croissants, why not give it a try? The perfect combination of savory ham, gooey cheese, and flaky croissant is sure to impress! Share your creations with us and explore more delightful recipes to make your mornings even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular-sized croissants instead?

Absolutely! Just adjust the filling amounts accordingly.

Can I make these croissants ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

You can use yellow mustard or even honey mustard for a twist in flavor.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese that melts well could work wonderfully.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and melted cheese bubbling out.