The Art of Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Creation

Perfect Croissant Preparation

Master the technique of properly slicing and preparing croissants for optimal filling capacity and structure.

Ham & Onion Caramelization

Learn the art of caramelizing onions and warming ham for enhanced flavor and perfect texture balance.

Cheese Blend Mastery

Perfect the skill of combining multiple cheeses for optimal melting and complex flavor development.

Egg Wash Application

Master the technique of applying egg wash for beautiful golden color and professional bakery appearance.

Baking & Timing

Learn proper baking temperature and timing for flaky exterior and perfectly melted cheese interior.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Mastery

Croissant Selection: Use day-old croissants for best structure and to prevent sogginess during baking process.

Ham Quality: Choose premium deli ham sliced thin for best flavor and texture in finished croissants.

Cheese Melting: Combine multiple cheese varieties for complex flavor and optimal melting characteristics.

Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash evenly for beautiful golden color and professional bakery appearance.

Baking Temperature: Maintain proper oven temperature to ensure flaky exterior and melted cheese interior.

Serving Timing: Serve immediately while warm for best texture and optimal cheese consistency.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants - Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants - Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 8 croissants
Cuisine: French-American Comfort Food
Ingredients: For Croissant Base:; 8 large croissants, day-old preferred; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For Ham Filling:; 1 lb premium deli ham, thinly sliced; 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; For Cheese Blend:; 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; For Egg Wash:; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; For Herb Butter:; 4 tablespoons butter, softened

The most incredibly delicious Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants you'll ever make with buttery, flaky croissant pastry, savory deli ham, melted cheese blend, and golden baked perfection throughout. Features perfectly buttery croissant dough with tender, flaky layers, premium sliced ham with authentic savory flavor, melted cheese blend with rich, gooey consistency, crispy golden exterior for satisfying texture, fresh herbs for aromatic enhancement, and that irresistible bakery appeal that makes them absolutely perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, elegant breakfast service, or any special breakfast celebration.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

18 Minutes

Total Time

38 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For Croissant Base:

8 large croissants, day-old preferred

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Ham Filling:

1 lb premium deli ham, thinly sliced

1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Cheese Blend:

2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For Egg Wash:

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

For Herb Butter:

4 tablespoons butter, softened

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

For Vegetable Garnish:

2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1/4 cup fresh arugula

For Sauce Enhancement:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For Assembly:

Cooking spray

Parchment paper

For Optional Additions:

Crispy bacon strips

Sliced avocado

Spinach leaves

Pickled cornichons

For Equipment Needed:

Large baking sheet

Sharp serrated knife

Pastry brush

Mixing bowls

Wire cooling rack

For Serving:

Serving plates

Cloth napkins

Small bowls for sauces

For Storage:

Aluminum foil

Airtight containers

Refrigerator storage

Freezer bags

For Variations:

Turkey and Swiss version

Prosciutto and mozzarella style

Vegetarian mushroom variation

Smoked salmon inspired

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly foaming.

Add sliced onions to skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until caramelized and golden.

Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne until well combined.

Add sliced ham to skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy.

Remove ham mixture from heat and stir in fresh parsley, then set aside to cool.

Using sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each croissant horizontally in half.

Mix Dijon mustard with honey, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper until smooth.

Brush inside of each croissant half with honey mustard mixture for flavor base.

Combine softened butter with chives, dill, garlic, and lemon zest for herb butter.

Spread thin layer of herb butter on bottom half of each croissant generously.

Layer ham mixture evenly among croissant bottoms, distributing filling well.

Sprinkle cheese blend generously over ham, ensuring even coverage throughout.

Add tomato slices, red onion, capers, and arugula for fresh flavor contrast.

Whisk together eggs, cream, water, salt, and paprika for golden egg wash.

Place croissant tops over filling and press gently to secure layers together.

Brush tops of croissants with egg wash for beautiful golden color when baked.

Arrange croissants on prepared baking sheet with space between each one.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Mix mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, honey, and vinegar for serving sauce.

Brush tops with remaining melted butter while still warm for extra richness.

Serve immediately while warm with sauce on side for dipping if desired.

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve on warmed plates for elegant presentation.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants - Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food Recipe

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Creation

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants - Ultimate Breakfast Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions