This heavenly ham and cheese croissant is a game-changer for brunch or even a fancy breakfast. Flaky, buttery croissants are stuffed with savory ham, and gooey melted Swiss cheese.
Then, these bad boys are brushed with a divine mixture of melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning.
When they came out of the oven, the aroma had my mouth watering!
The croissants are perfectly toasted to a golden brown, with the cheese bubbling and oozing out the sides. It’s a sight to behold!
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Croissant
Buttery Bliss: The flaky, buttery croissant provides an indulgent base for the savory fillings, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Melty Cheese: The gooey, melted Swiss cheese oozing out from between the layers is a cheese lover’s dream come true.
Perfect for Entertaining: These croissants make a stylish and delicious addition to any brunch, potluck, or gathering.
Quick and Easy: With a straightforward preparation process, they’re ideal for busy mornings or last-minute get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Large Croissants: Flaky, buttery, and slightly sweet, they form the perfect base for the melty ham and cheese filling.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced, high-quality deli ham adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the rich croissants.
- Swiss Cheese: Mild, nutty, and gooey when melted, it’s the ideal choice for these croissants.
- Butter: It helps create a golden, crispy top and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Honey: A sweet honey drizzle balances the savory flavors and adds a subtle floral note.
- Dijon Mustard: Tangy and sharp, it cuts through the richness and adds a delightful kick to the glaze.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt adds a crunchy, savory topping.
How to Make a Ham and Cheese Croissant
You won’t believe how easy it is to make these swoon-worthy croissants.
1. Prep the croissants. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
2. Add the ham and cheese. Layer each croissant bottom with 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Place the croissant tops on.
3. Make the honey mustard. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the croissants. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
4. Bake until golden. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the croissants are toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the tops start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
5. Cool and serve. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn yourself on the hot cheese. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Croissant
Here are some tips and tricks for even more irresistible croissants.
- Stale bread for the win! Use day-old or slightly stale croissants. They hold up better and won’t get soggy when baked with the fillings.
- Quality is key. Choose a quality deli ham like honey-baked or uncured smoked ham for the best flavor.
- Thin is in. Slice the ham and cheese thinly so they melt well and don’t make the croissants too bulky.
- Choose your favorite cheese. Swiss cheese is classic, but you can also use Gruyère, Cheddar, Muenster, Gouda, or your favorite melty cheese.
- Swap out the ham. Try prosciutto, bacon, turkey, or sliced chicken instead of ham.
- Add more flavor: For an extra pop of flavor, smear fig jam or whole-grain mustard inside the croissants.
- Serve them in style. Pair the warm ham and cheese croissants with a simple green salad and Dijon mustard for dipping.
How to Store
If you have leftover croissants, here’s how to keep them fresh.
To Store: Keep the croissants in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap individual croissants tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place in an air-tight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Or reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Ham and Cheese Croissant
6
servings5
minutes15
minutes410
kcalThis ham and cheese croissant combines buttery, flaky pastry with savory ham and melted cheese for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for breakfast or a quick snack.
Ingredients
6 large croissants, sliced in half lengthwise
12 thin slices good quality deli ham
12 slices Swiss cheese
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer each croissant bottom with 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Place the croissant tops on.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the croissants. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until the croissants are toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the tops start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn yourself on the hot cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality ingredients like bakery croissants, good deli ham, and Swiss cheese.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, cheddar, Havarti, etc.
- Make ahead: Assemble the croissants, cover and refrigerate. Brush with butter mixture and bake when ready to serve.
I am definitely going to make this recipe! Sounds like a fall evening dinner. Looks delicious!
I don’t know if you’ve ever had the ham and cheese croissants at Dunkin Donuts, but that’s what this reminds me of — only better! <3
I made this for our Christmas brunch and it was a hit. It’s the following weekend and I’m making more!