Chef Claire Dubois - French Pastry Specialist
👨‍🍳 Pastry Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 French Culinary Institute ⏰ 11+ Years Experience 🍽️ Croissant Expert

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe transforms the classic French jambon-beurre into something even more indulgent. I discovered that baking filled croissants creates the perfect combination of crispy exterior and melted, gooey interior - it's become my go-to weekend brunch centerpiece."

Claire specializes in French pastry and breakfast items, bringing authentic techniques to home kitchens. Her expertise with laminated doughs and classic French flavor combinations has earned her recognition in culinary circles.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown baked croissants split open showing melted cheese and ham filling, garnished with fresh chives and flaky salt

Choosing the Perfect Croissant

The foundation of this dish is selecting the right croissants. Day-old croissants actually work better than fresh ones because they hold their shape better during baking and absorb the flavors without becoming soggy. Look for croissants with good lamination - visible layers that create flaky texture.

Quality matters significantly with croissants. Bakery-fresh croissants will always outperform store-bought frozen varieties. The buttery, flaky layers are essential for creating the contrast between crispy exterior and melted cheese interior that makes this dish special.

💡 Professional Tip

If using fresh croissants, let them sit uncovered for a few hours to firm up slightly. This prevents them from becoming too soft when filled and baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but thaw completely first and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before filling. Frozen croissants may not have the same flaky texture as fresh.

Gruyère and sharp cheddar provide the perfect balance of nutty flavor and meltability. Swiss or Emmental can substitute for Gruyère.

You can assemble them up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Thinly sliced deli ham works perfectly. Avoid thick-cut ham as it can make the croissants difficult to close and eat.

Use day-old croissants, don't overfill with wet ingredients, and bake on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.

Yes! Thin slices of tomato, spinach leaves, or caramelized onions work well. Pat vegetables dry to prevent excess moisture.

Regular yellow mustard works, or try whole grain mustard for texture. You could also use a thin layer of pesto or herb butter.

Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the croissants soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Croissants

Problem: Croissants become soggy during baking

Solution: Use day-old croissants, don't overfill, and ensure oven is fully preheated. Bake on middle rack for even heat distribution.

✅

Cheese Not Melting

Problem: Cheese doesn't melt completely inside

Solution: Shred cheese finely, bring to room temperature before using, and cover croissants with foil for last few minutes if needed.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Croissants brown too quickly on outside

Prevention: Lower oven temperature to 350°F and bake longer, or tent with foil if browning too fast while cheese melts.

✅

Filling Falls Out

Problem: Ham and cheese spill out during baking

Recovery: Don't overfill, press gently to compact filling, and ensure croissants are properly closed at edges.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some croissants brown more than others

Prevention: Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking and ensure croissants are evenly spaced on the pan.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more Dijon mustard or a pinch of black pepper

Too Salty: Balance with fresh herbs or a touch of honey in the mustard mixture

Bland: Increase herbs, add garlic powder, or use a more flavorful cheese like aged Gruyère

Ingredients for baked ham and cheese croissants including fresh croissants, sliced ham, shredded cheese, and Dijon mustard arranged on marble surface

The Art of French Flavor Pairing

This recipe celebrates classic French flavor combinations that have stood the test of time. The marriage of ham and Gruyère cheese is fundamental to French cuisine, while the Dijon mustard adds the characteristic sharp tang that brightens the rich, buttery elements.

Fresh thyme provides an herbal note that complements both the ham and cheese without overwhelming the delicate croissant. The key is using restraint - each ingredient should enhance rather than compete with the others.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants hold their shape better and absorb flavors without becoming soggy. Fresh croissants can work but may need longer sitting time.
  • Gruyère Cheese: This Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a nutty, complex flavor that's perfect with ham. Aged Gruyère provides even more depth.
  • Quality Ham: Choose a good-quality deli ham that's not too salty. French jambon de Paris or similar European-style ham works exceptionally well.
Golden croissants baking in oven showing melted cheese beginning to bubble and exterior turning golden brown

Achieving the Perfect Bake

The secret to perfect baked croissants lies in temperature control and timing. The oven must be hot enough to crisp the exterior while allowing the cheese to melt completely. The egg wash creates a beautiful golden color and helps seal the edges.

Proper timing ensures the croissants emerge with crispy, flaky exteriors and completely melted, gooey interiors. The brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly while maintaining the perfect serving temperature.

Perfect Egg Wash Application

Use a light hand with egg wash - too much creates a heavy coating. Brush gently to avoid deflating the croissant's delicate structure.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissant

Prep 10 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Croissants

  • 30g Dijon mustard
    Provides classic French tang
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
    Adds creaminess and helps bind
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
    Fresh herbal notes
  • 1 large egg, beaten
    For golden egg wash
  • 1 tbsp milk
    Thins egg wash for even application
  • Fresh chives for garnish
    Bright finishing touch
  • Flaky sea salt
    Enhances all flavors

For the Filling and Finish

  • 4 large croissants, day-old
    Slightly stale for better structure
  • 200g thinly sliced ham
    Quality deli ham works best
  • 150g shredded Gruyère cheese
    Nutty flavor and excellent melting
  • 100g shredded cheddar cheese
    Adds sharpness and color
  • 30g melted butter
    Brushed inside for extra richness
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    Subtle spice enhancement
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
    Adds texture and visual appeal

Instructions

  1. Prepare Croissants

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice croissants horizontally, keeping them attached at the hinge. Lightly brush insides with melted butter.

  2. Make Spread

    In small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, thyme, and black pepper. Spread mixture evenly on the bottom half of each croissant.

  3. Add Filling

    Layer ham slices on bottom half of croissants. Top with mixed Gruyère and cheddar cheese. Close croissants gently, pressing lightly to compact filling.

  4. Prepare for Baking

    Beat egg with milk to create wash. Brush tops of croissants with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. Bake and Serve

    Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Cool 2-3 minutes, sprinkle with flaky salt and chives. Serve warm while cheese is still gooey.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Croissant Selection

Day-old croissants work best as they hold their shape better during baking. If using fresh croissants, let them sit uncovered for a few hours to firm up slightly.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble croissants up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Brush with egg wash just before baking. Add 2-3 extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for weekend brunch, light lunch, or breakfast on-the-go. Serve with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or alongside scrambled eggs for a heartier meal.