Can I make these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them the night before, refrigerate unbaked, and pop them in the oven in the morning. For busy weeks, freeze assembled croissants and bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

What's the best cheese to use if I don't have Gruyère?

Swiss, Emmental, or a combination of provolone and mozzarella work beautifully. Each brings a different flavor profile – Swiss offers nuttiness, while the provolone-mozzarella blend creates the perfect melt factor with mild flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to my Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants?

Definitely! Consider adding caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or sliced apples for various flavor dimensions. Just ensure additional ingredients aren't too moisture-heavy to prevent soggy results.

Are these suitable for children's lunchboxes?

These make excellent lunchbox additions! For school lunches, bake and cool completely before packing. They're delicious at room temperature, though some parents prefer reheating and storing in a thermos.

How do I know when the Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are perfectly done?

Look for three indicators: golden brown tops, visibly melted cheese starting to bubble at the edges, and an internal temperature of about 165°F if you're using a food thermometer.

Can I make a vegetarian version of these croissants?

Substitute the ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, or use plant-based ham alternatives. For added protein, include thin slices of firm tofu seasoned with smoked paprika and herbs.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants That Guarantee Happy Mornings

Description

These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delicious breakfast solution, combining flaky pastry with savory ham and melted cheese. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

8 large croissants (preferably day-old)
12 oz premium ham, thinly sliced
8 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice each croissant horizontally, leaving one edge intact.
Mix cream cheese with Dijon mustard until smooth.
Combine melted butter with thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Spread cream cheese mixture inside each croissant. Layer with ham and Gruyère cheese.
Brush tops with herb-infused butter and egg wash. Add optional toppings.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Use day-old croissants for better structure.
Avoid overstuffing to prevent filling spillage.
Let the croissants rest after baking to allow flavors to settle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 croissant
Calories: 485
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants, easy breakfast croissants, ham and cheese croissant bake