The Art of Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant Perfection

Perfect Croissant Preparation Technique

Master the method of slicing and preparing croissants without damaging delicate pastry.

Filling Assembly Excellence

Learn the technique of layering ingredients for optimal flavor distribution and structural integrity.

Egg Wash Application Mastery

Perfect the skill of applying egg wash for golden, professional bakery appearance.

Baking Temperature Control

Master the art of achieving golden pastry while ensuring melted cheese and heated filling.

Presentation and Serving

Learn optimal cooling and serving techniques for best texture and visual appeal.

Bakery-Quality Ham and Cheese Croissant Mastery Secrets for Perfect Results

Croissant Quality: Use high-quality bakery croissants or premium refrigerated dough for best results.

Filling Balance: Don't overfill croissants as this can cause them to burst during baking.

Egg Wash Coverage: Brush thoroughly for golden, bakery-style appearance and shine.

Cheese Selection: Use combination of melting cheeses for best flavor and texture.

Temperature Control: Bake at moderate temperature to ensure filling heats through without burning.

Serving Timing: Serve warm but not piping hot to prevent cheese from being too runny.

Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Golden Buttery Perfection

Name: Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Golden Buttery Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 8 croissants
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Croissant Base:; 8 large croissants, preferably day-old; Or 2 tubes refrigerated croissant dough; For the Ham and Cheese Filling:; 12 oz thinly sliced deli ham; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese; 2 slices Gruyère cheese (optional); For the Flavor Enhancement:; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; For the Egg Wash:; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon water; Pinch of salt; For the Butter Enhancement:; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; For the Vegetable Addition:; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 4 oz baby spinach leaves; 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Crispy Topping:; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

The ultimate baked ham and cheese croissants featuring flaky, buttery pastry filled with premium ham and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection with crispy exteriors and warm, gooey centers. This irresistible breakfast or lunch treat combines the luxurious texture of authentic croissant dough with the classic comfort of savory ham and cheese, enhanced with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable meal experience that transforms simple ingredients into bakery-quality indulgence perfect for brunch gatherings, quick lunches, or any time you crave the perfect balance of buttery pastry and savory filling.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

18 Minutes

Total Time

38 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Croissant Base:

8 large croissants, preferably day-old

Or 2 tubes refrigerated croissant dough

For the Ham and Cheese Filling:

12 oz thinly sliced deli ham

8 slices Swiss cheese

4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

2 slices Gruyère cheese (optional)

For the Flavor Enhancement:

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

For the Egg Wash:

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon water

Pinch of salt

For the Butter Enhancement:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Vegetable Addition:

1 small onion, thinly sliced

4 oz baby spinach leaves

2 tablespoons butter for sautéing

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Topping:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

For Special Equipment:

Large baking sheet

Parchment paper

Pastry brush

Sharp serrated knife

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper.

If using day-old croissants, carefully slice horizontally without cutting completely through.

If using croissant dough, unroll and separate into individual triangles.

Sauté sliced onions in butter until golden and caramelized, about 8 minutes.

Add baby spinach to onions and cook until just wilted, season with salt and pepper.

Mix Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey in small bowl for spread.

Spread mustard mixture on inside of each croissant or on dough triangles.

Layer ham slices evenly, folding to fit inside croissant cavities.

Add sautéed onion and spinach mixture over ham for extra flavor.

Place cheese slices over vegetables, using combination of Swiss and cheddar.

For dough triangles, place filling on wide end and roll toward point.

Close filled croissants gently, ensuring filling doesn't spill out sides.

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

Brush tops and sides of croissants generously with egg wash mixture.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.

Arrange on prepared baking sheet with space between each croissant.

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

Meanwhile, brush with garlic herb butter while still warm from oven.

Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly.

Serve warm with additional mustard or cheese sauce on the side.

Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Golden Buttery Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant Perfection

Ultimate Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Golden Buttery Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions