Description
A buttery, flaky croissant filled with savory ham and melted cheese, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for breakfast or a quick snack, these croissants are both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Ham and Cheese Croissants:
- 8 store-bought croissants (preferably fresh and not overly sweet)
- 8 slices of deli ham (use your favorite type such as honey ham, smoked ham, or Black Forest ham)
- 8 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or Gruyère work well, or use a combination of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your croissants. If you’re using store-bought croissants, slice each one horizontally. Make sure to slice them almost all the way through, leaving the croissant hinged on one side so it can open like a pocket.
Next, gather the deli ham and cheese slices. You’ll need one slice of ham and one slice of cheese for each croissant. If you prefer smaller portions, you can cut the slices into halves or quarters to fit the size of your croissants.
Open each croissant carefully, being mindful not to tear it. Layer one slice of ham and one slice of cheese inside each croissant. If you’d like a more flavorful croissant, you can spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the croissant before adding the ham and cheese. This adds a tangy kick that complements the rich butteriness of the pastry and the savory filling.
Once all the croissants are stuffed, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top of each croissant with the melted butter. The butter will give the croissants a beautiful golden color as they bake and add richness to the flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a slightly crispier croissant, you can leave them in for an extra few minutes, but be sure not to overbake, as this may cause the pastry to become too dry.
Once the croissants are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This ensures the filling sets slightly and prevents any hot cheese from spilling out when you cut into them.
Serve the croissants warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an added burst of flavor. These croissants are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be kept for a day or two if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 14-18g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 12-15g