Introduction
I still remember the first time I made these baked ham and cheese croissants—it was a chilly Sunday morning. I had some leftover croissants from the bakery, a few slices of chicken ham in the fridge, and just enough cheese to do something fun. I wasn’t expecting anything special, but after one bite, I knew I had stumbled on a new comfort food classic.
Since that morning, I’ve made them for brunches, after-school snacks, and even as part of a quick dinner. They’re warm, cheesy, and wrapped in the buttery flakiness of a golden croissant. Honestly, it’s like getting a warm hug from your oven. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to prepare and only take a few minutes of hands-on time.
Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven with a side of salad or packing them up for a quick lunch, they never disappoint. This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and I’m pretty sure it’ll earn one in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Versatile
These croissants are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. You can customize them with different cheeses, spreads, or fillings to suit your taste. -
Budget-Friendly
With simple, everyday ingredients like store-bought croissants, cheese, and chicken ham, this recipe is both affordable and accessible. No fancy or expensive items required.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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4 large buttery croissants (day-old works great)
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8 slices of chicken ham
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8 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or gouda all work well)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
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Freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step keeps the croissants from sticking and helps them brown evenly.
Slice each croissant horizontally in half, but don’t cut all the way through—leave a small hinge so the top stays attached. This makes them easier to fill and keeps everything nicely enclosed during baking.
Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each croissant if you’re using it. This adds a tangy kick and balances the richness of the cheese and ham. You can skip the mustard for a milder flavor.
Place two slices of chicken ham onto each croissant. Fold or layer them to fit evenly. Then lay two slices of cheese directly over the ham. You can mix cheeses if you like, such as one slice of Swiss and one slice of cheddar, to get a fuller flavor.
Gently press the croissants closed. Don’t squeeze too hard—the filling should stay inside, but you still want the croissants to remain fluffy.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of black pepper. Brush the tops of the croissants generously with this garlic butter mixture. This adds incredible flavor and helps them turn golden and crisp in the oven. Sprinkle dried parsley on top if desired for a little extra color and flair.
Place the croissants onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between them so the heat can circulate. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the croissants are a deep golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Once they’re done, remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to settle and prevents burnt fingers.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is the definition of quick and easy. With store-bought croissants and pre-sliced ham and cheese, the prep work takes less than 10 minutes. The hardest part is waiting for them to bake because your kitchen will smell amazing.
You don’t need special cooking skills to pull this off. The croissants do all the work, puffing up in the oven and turning flaky and buttery. Even if you’re half-asleep on a Sunday morning, you can make this recipe without breaking a sweat.
Clean-up is also simple. One baking sheet, one small bowl, and you’re done. That’s the kind of math I love—more eating, less scrubbing.
Customizable
These baked croissants are incredibly flexible. You can switch up the filling based on what you have in your fridge. No chicken ham? Try turkey slices or thinly sliced grilled chicken. Want it vegetarian? Swap the meat out for roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, or sliced mushrooms.
Different cheeses bring different results. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, mozzarella makes it extra gooey, and gouda adds a touch of smokiness. You can even add a spoonful of cream cheese or a spread of pesto for a more gourmet touch.
If you want a little crunch, tuck in a few thin slices of tomato or some baby spinach leaves before baking. Just make sure not to overfill the croissants. A light touch gives the best texture.
Feel free to season the butter with your favorite herbs and spices. A little smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or onion powder can completely change the flavor profile.
Perfect for Guests
These croissants are an absolute winner for brunch get-togethers or weekend guests. They look elegant, smell incredible, and taste like something from a café. But nobody has to know how easy they were to make.
Serve them with a simple fruit salad, some scrambled eggs, or even just a cup of strong coffee. They hold up well for an hour or so after baking, so you don’t have to time them down to the second.
You can also make a big batch for events or parties. Just prep them all, place them on a tray, and bake right before serving. If needed, keep them warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) until everyone’s ready to eat.
They’re great for packed lunches, too. Just let them cool completely, wrap them in foil, and store them in the fridge. A few minutes in the toaster oven the next day brings them back to life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken ham?
Yes. You can substitute chicken ham with turkey slices, grilled chicken, or even beef pastrami. Choose thin cuts that heat quickly and pair well with cheese.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda all melt beautifully. For a more intense flavor, try a sharp cheddar or mix two types of cheese.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the croissants and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake them just before serving. If baked in advance, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Do I have to use Dijon mustard?
No. The mustard adds tang, but it’s optional. You can leave it out or replace it with a light smear of mayonnaise or pesto for a twist.
Can I freeze baked croissants?
Yes. Once baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and crispy—about 10 minutes.