Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants – Page 2

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring your croissants get golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the ham and cheese melt to perfection inside.

2. Prepare the Croissants:

Slice the croissants: If the croissants are whole, slice them in half lengthwise, creating a top and bottom for each croissant. If you prefer to keep them whole for an even more indulgent bite, you can leave them as is — but be sure to use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Optional – Spread Dijon mustard: For an added layer of flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of each croissant. This adds a touch of tang that complements the savory ham and cheese beautifully. You can skip this step if you prefer a more traditional ham-and-cheese flavor.

3. Layer the Ham and Cheese:

Place the ham: Take 2 slices of deli ham and fold them slightly to fit inside the croissant. Lay them on the bottom half of the croissant, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
Add the cheese: Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or your choice of cheese) over the ham. If you’re using larger croissants, you might want to add an extra slice of cheese for a gooier, more indulgent filling.

4. Assemble the Croissants:

Close the croissants: Once the ham and cheese are in place, gently close the croissants to sandwich the filling. If you’re using smaller croissants, they should hold their shape nicely. For larger croissants, you may need to gently press the edges to secure the filling inside.

5. Brush with Butter and Honey:

Melt the butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Once melted, you can stir in a little honey for a touch of sweetness, which will complement the savory ham and cheese beautifully.
Brush the croissants: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the melted butter and honey mixture over the tops of the croissants. This will help them achieve a rich golden color and add flavor to the crispy exterior.

6. Bake the Croissants:

Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the assembled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Bake in the oven: Place the croissants in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese is melted and gooey inside. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper or garnish with some finely chopped parsley for a fresh, herby contrast.
Serve warm: Serve your Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants warm for the best experience. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a side salad, crispy fries, or a warm cup of soup.

Tips for the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Use day-old croissants: If possible, use slightly stale croissants as they hold their shape better and absorb the flavors of the filling without becoming too soggy. Fresh croissants can work, too, but be mindful of their flakiness during baking.
Cheese choices: While Swiss cheese is traditional for ham and cheese croissants, you can get creative with your cheese selection. Gruyère, cheddar, provolone, or even brie would all work beautifully. For extra flavor, try a combination of cheeses.
Add some greens: For a burst of color and freshness, layer some spinach, arugula, or even basil leaves inside the croissants along with the ham and cheese. These greens will add flavor, color, and a healthy touch to your croissants.
Make it a sandwich: If you want to make your croissants a bit heartier, feel free to double the amount of ham and cheese. You can also add a fried egg to make it a full breakfast or brunch option.
Make ahead: These croissants are perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the croissants the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply brush them with the melted butter and honey and bake as directed.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Simple yet indulgent: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are so easy to prepare, yet they taste incredibly indulgent. The combination of flaky, buttery croissant dough with savory ham and melted cheese makes for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re making them for a casual breakfast, a brunch gathering, or as a quick lunch or dinner, these croissants are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Crowd-pleasing: These croissants are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic ham and cheese combo. They’re great for serving to guests or as a comforting meal for your family.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the fillings to suit your tastes. Add veggies like tomatoes or mushrooms, switch up the cheese, or even swap in turkey or chicken for the ham.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the croissants.
Soup: Serve with a comforting bowl of tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup for a warm, satisfying meal.
Fruit: A side of fresh fruit — like apple slices, grapes, or a citrus salad — offers a sweet and fresh balance to the savory croissants.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of savory and buttery flavors. Easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, these croissants are sure to become a go-to recipe for any time you’re craving something deliciously indulgent. So grab your croissants, ham, and cheese, and treat yourself to this irresistible baked delight!

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