Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Description: These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants elevate the humble sandwich to a delightful culinary experience. Flaky, buttery croissants are generously filled with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese, then brushed with a flavorful honey-mustard spread and baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready to brighten any morning or satisfy a midday craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: These croissants are the epitome of easy indulgence. The combination of textures – the crisp, flaky exterior giving way to the soft, warm interior – is irresistible. The savory ham and melted cheese provide a comforting richness, while the honey-mustard spread adds a touch of sweetness and tang that perfectly balances the flavors. They’re quick to assemble, making them ideal for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches. Plus, they’re easily customizable; you can swap out the cheese, add vegetables, or adjust the spread to your liking. These croissants are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying both kids and adults.
Introduction
The aroma of freshly baked croissants is a siren song, irresistible and universally appealing. This recipe takes that classic pastry and transforms it into a savory masterpiece. The beauty of these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants lies in their simplicity and versatility. They’re more than just a sandwich; they’re a complete meal in a convenient, handheld package. They are an upgrade for any brunch event or a cozy night. Forget spending a fortune at a fancy bakery, you can create these gourmet delights in the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal effort. The honey-mustard spread adds a gourmet touch, elevating the humble ham and cheese to something truly special. Prepare to be amazed by the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved
- 3/4 pound deli-cut ham
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds, for sprinkling
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the croissants bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the croissants from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. You can use cooking spray, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pat of butter to grease the dish.
Step 2: Prepare Croissants
Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom piece. Be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate layers. Lay the bottom halves of the croissants on a clean work surface, ready to receive their delicious fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Ham
On the bottom half of each croissant, place a half slice of cheddar cheese. This creates a delicious base layer. Follow with a generous slice of deli-cut ham, ensuring it covers the cheese. Top the ham with another half slice of cheddar cheese, effectively sandwiching the ham between layers of melted cheesy goodness. Using smoked cheddar adds an extra layer of flavor, but regular cheddar works just as well.
Step 4: Create the Honey-Mustard Spread
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The softened butter will incorporate easily, creating a luscious spread. Taste and adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your liking. This spread is the secret ingredient that elevates these croissants to gourmet status.
Step 5: Assemble and Spread
Spread the honey-mustard mixture evenly on the inside of the top half of each croissant. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Then, carefully place the top halves of the croissants over the ham and cheese fillings, creating a sandwich.
Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish
Carefully arrange the assembled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are not too crowded to allow for even baking and browning.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Poppy Seeds
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with a splash of water (about a teaspoon). This creates a simple egg wash that will give the croissants a beautiful sheen and golden color. Brush the tops of the croissants evenly with the egg wash. Finally, sprinkle the tops generously with poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the croissants are heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Once the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The melted cheese will be very hot! Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
- Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a slice of tomato or a few spinach leaves inside each croissant before baking.
- These croissants can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare them up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
- If using frozen croissants, allow them to thaw completely before slicing and filling.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or provolone.
- Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the honey-mustard spread for a bolder flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham with roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delightful and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry, savory ham and cheese filling, and flavorful honey-mustard spread, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The rich flavors with the flaky crust are unmatched by other pastries. They are great for a busy morning, or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for smoked cheddar, you can easily substitute it with other types of cheese to suit your preferences. Gruyere, Swiss, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would work beautifully. Each cheese will impart its unique flavor profile to the croissants, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
Q2: Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare these croissants in advance. Assemble them up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake as directed. This is a great time-saving tip for busy mornings or when you’re preparing for a brunch gathering.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to these croissants?
A: Of course! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add some extra flavor and texture. Some great additions include sliced tomatoes, spinach leaves, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just add them along with the ham and cheese before baking.
Q4: What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
A: Poppy seeds add a nice visual appeal and a slight nutty flavor, but they are not essential to the recipe. If you don’t have them on hand, you can simply omit them or substitute them with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs like parsley or thyme.
Q5: Can I freeze these baked croissants?
A: Yes, you can freeze these croissants, but keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the pastry. To freeze, allow the baked croissants to cool completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature, then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese or regular cheddar, halved
- 3/4 pound deli-cut ham
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the croissants bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the croissants from sticking and makes for easy cleanup later. You can use cooking spray, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pat of butter to grease the dish.
- Step 2: Prepare Croissants
- Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom piece. Be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate layers. Lay the bottom halves of the croissants on a clean work surface, ready to receive their delicious fillings.
- Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Ham
- On the bottom half of each croissant, place a half slice of cheddar cheese. This creates a delicious base layer. Follow with a generous slice of deli-cut ham, ensuring it covers the cheese. Top the ham with another half slice of cheddar cheese, effectively sandwiching the ham between layers of melted cheesy goodness. Using smoked cheddar adds an extra layer of flavor, but regular cheddar works just as well.
- Step 4: Create the Honey-Mustard Spread
- In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The softened butter will incorporate easily, creating a luscious spread. Taste and adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce to your liking. This spread is the secret ingredient that elevates these croissants to gourmet status.
- Step 5: Assemble and Spread
- Spread the honey-mustard mixture evenly on the inside of the top half of each croissant. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Then, carefully place the top halves of the croissants over the ham and cheese fillings, creating a sandwich.
- Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish
- Carefully arrange the assembled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they are not too crowded to allow for even baking and browning.
- Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Poppy Seeds
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with a splash of water (about a teaspoon). This creates a simple egg wash that will give the croissants a beautiful sheen and golden color. Brush the tops of the croissants evenly with the egg wash. Finally, sprinkle the tops generously with poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Step 8: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the croissants are heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Step 9: Serve Warm
- Once the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The melted cheese will be very hot! Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
