Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants: The Ultimate French-Inspired Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of flaky, buttery croissant pastry embracing savory ham and melted cheese. Baked ham and cheese croissants represent the perfect marriage of French pastry technique and hearty comfort food, creating a dish that’s equally at home on an elegant brunch table or a casual weekend breakfast spread.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, proving that sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the most fundamental combinations.

What sets this recipe apart from ordinary ham and cheese sandwiches is the transformation that occurs during baking. The croissant dough, with its carefully laminated butter layers, puffs and browns to create a pastry shell that’s both crispy and tender. The heat of the oven works its magic on the cheese, creating those irresistible stretchy pulls that make every bite Instagram-worthy, while the ham releases its smoky essence throughout the pastry.

From a practical standpoint, baked ham and cheese croissants offer incredible versatility. They can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning, making them perfect for entertaining or busy weekdays when you want something special without the stress. The recipe scales beautifully for feeding a crowd, and individual croissants can be wrapped and frozen for future quick meals.

Ingredients

• 8 large croissants, day-old preferred
• 8 slices quality ham, thinly sliced
• 8 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, creating a pocket while keeping the croissant intact.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, black pepper, and paprika to create an egg wash.
4. Gently open each croissant and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom half.
5. Layer one slice of ham and one slice of cheese inside each croissant, folding the ham slightly to fit properly.
6. Brush the tops and sides of each croissant generously with the egg wash mixture.
7. Sprinkle the chopped chives and thyme leaves over the tops of the croissants, then season lightly with sea salt.
8. Place the prepared croissants on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for 3-4 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese.
11. Serve immediately while warm and the cheese is still stretchy.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants: The Ultimate French-Inspired Comfort Food

Flaky, buttery croissants filled with smoky ham and melty Gruyère cheese, brushed with a savory egg wash and baked until golden. These baked ham and cheese croissants bring together French pastry elegance and hearty comfort food, making them perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a light dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 croissants

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: European, French

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 large croissants day-old preferred
• 8 slices ham thinly sliced, quality ham
• 8 slices Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 4 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• sea salt to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice croissants horizontally about three-quarters of the way through, creating a pocket.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, black pepper, and paprika to make an egg wash.
4. Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each croissant.
5. Layer one slice of ham and one slice of cheese inside each croissant.
6. Brush tops and sides with egg wash.
7. Sprinkle with chopped chives, thyme leaves, and a light touch of sea salt.
8. Arrange croissants on the baking sheet without touching.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
10. Let cool for 3–4 minutes before serving to avoid burning on hot cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

Day-old croissants work best because they hold their structure during baking. Use high-quality ham and cheese for authentic French flavor. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes for best results.

Mastering the Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant

The secret to exceptional baked ham and cheese croissants lies in several key techniques that separate good from extraordinary results. First, using day-old croissants is actually preferable to fresh ones. Slightly stale croissants hold their shape better during baking and absorb the egg wash more effectively, resulting in a more cohesive final product that won’t fall apart when eaten.

The quality of your starting ingredients cannot be overstated. While it might be tempting to use whatever croissants are available, seeking out bakery-fresh pastries from a quality source will dramatically improve your results. Similarly, artisanal hams and imported cheeses will elevate the dish from good to restaurant-quality.

Timing is crucial when it comes to assembly and baking. The croissants should be assembled no more than 30 minutes before baking to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. However, they can be prepared completely and refrigerated overnight, then brought to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. This make-ahead capability makes them perfect for entertaining or special occasion brunches.

For those who want to add their own creative touches, consider experimenting with different cheese combinations. A mixture of Gruyère and sharp cheddar provides complexity, while adding a small amount of cream cheese to the filling creates an extra creamy texture. Caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers can add additional flavor dimensions without overwhelming the classic combination.

Storage and reheating instructions are important for maintaining quality. While these croissants are best served immediately after baking, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the pastry soggy and unappetizing.

These baked ham and cheese croissants represent the best of both worlds – the elegance of French pastry technique combined with the satisfying comfort of familiar flavors. They prove that with quality ingredients and proper technique, simple combinations can be transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion brunch or simply want to make an ordinary morning feel extraordinary, these croissants deliver satisfaction in every flaky, cheesy, savory bite.