Chef Sophie Laurent - Pastry Specialist
👨‍🍳 Pastry Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 French Culinary Institute Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ Baking & Pastry Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up in a small French bakery, I learned that the secret to perfect cheese croissants lies in the quality of ingredients and patience with the dough. This recipe captures that authentic bakery experience while being achievable at home."

Sophie specializes in French pastries and baked goods, bringing traditional techniques to home kitchens. She's passionate about making elegant pastries accessible to everyday cooks.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown flaky cheese-filled croissants with visible layers, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs on a white plate

The Secret to Flaky Layers

The key to achieving those beautiful, flaky layers is working with cold dough and handling it minimally. If using store-bought puff pastry, keep it chilled until you're ready to work with it, and don't overwork the dough as this can make it tough.

The cheese filling needs to be thick enough to stay inside during baking but creamy enough to create that luscious interior. Refrigerating the filling before using it helps prevent leaking and makes it easier to work with.

💡 Professional Tip

Brush the pastries with egg wash twice - once before adding toppings and once more after sprinkling cheese. This creates an extra glossy, golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, assemble the croissants and refrigerate covered for up to 12 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. You can also freeze unbaked croissants for up to 1 month.

Don't overfill the pastries, seal edges well by pressing with a fork, and chill the assembled croissants for 10 minutes before baking. The cold helps seal the edges.

Absolutely! Try combinations like ricotta and spinach, feta and herbs, or sharp cheddar and bacon. Just ensure the filling isn't too wet to prevent soggy pastry.

You can use crescent roll dough or make homemade croissant dough, though it's more time-consuming. Phyllo dough also works but creates a different, crisper texture.

They should be deep golden brown, puffed up significantly, and the bottom should be crispy. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C) and cheese should be bubbly.

Yes, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the pastry soggy.

These are perfect with fresh fruit, a light salad, soup, or simply with coffee or tea. They're also excellent as appetizers at parties.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry will soften, but reheating in the oven helps restore some crispness.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Bottom

Problem: Pastries have a soggy, undercooked bottom

Solution: Bake on the lower oven rack, use a preheated baking sheet, or place on a wire rack for last few minutes of baking.

✅

Filling Leaks Out

Problem: Cheese filling oozes out during baking

Solution: Don't overfill, seal edges thoroughly, chill before baking, and ensure filling is thick enough (add more cream cheese if too thin).

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Some croissants brown faster than others

Prevention: Rotate baking sheet halfway through, ensure even spacing, and use light-colored baking sheets for more even heat distribution.

✅

Not Flaky Enough

Problem: Pastries don't have enough flaky layers

Recovery: Keep dough cold while working, don't overwork it, and ensure oven is fully preheated to create steam for lift.

✅

Too Pale

Problem: Pastries don't brown sufficiently

Prevention: Apply egg wash generously, increase oven temperature by 25°F, or add 2-3 minutes to baking time.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add a pinch more salt to the filling or use sharper cheese

Too Salty: Serve with sweet jam or fresh fruit to balance

Bland: Increase garlic, add more herbs, or include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling

Ingredients for cheese croissants including puff pastry, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, herbs, and garlic arranged on a marble counter

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The quality of your pastry dough makes or breaks this recipe. While homemade croissant dough is ideal, high-quality frozen puff pastry works beautifully and saves considerable time. Look for all-butter varieties for the best flavor and flakiness.

For the filling, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the creamiest texture. The combination of mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for flavor creates the perfect cheese blend. Fresh herbs add brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: Choose all-butter puff pastry for superior flavor and flakiness. Thaw according to package directions but keep cold while working with it.
  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese (not whipped or light) and let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for easiest blending.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor. Chives, thyme, and parsley work wonderfully. Add them to both the filling and as garnish.
Cheese-filled croissants baking in the oven, showing golden-brown color developing and cheese beginning to bubble

Mastering the Baking Process

Proper oven temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden exterior while ensuring the filling is heated through and the pastry is fully cooked. Preheating the oven is essential - don't skip this step as it affects how the pastry puffs up.

The egg wash creates that beautiful, glossy finish that makes these croissants look bakery-quality. Apply it evenly but not too heavily, as excess egg wash can pool and prevent even browning. The final brush of melted butter adds richness and shine.

The Perfect Fold

When sealing your croissants, press edges firmly with a fork or your fingers. Crimp decoratively if desired, but ensure a tight seal to prevent filling from escaping during baking.

Cheese-Filled Croissants

Prep 30 min
Cook 20 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 1 large egg for egg wash
    Creates golden, glossy finish
  • 50g grated Parmesan for topping
    Adds extra cheese flavor to crust
  • 30ml melted butter
    For brushing after baking
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
    Adds texture and visual appeal
  • Fresh herbs for garnish
    Chives or parsley work beautifully

For the Cheese Filling

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
    All-butter variety for best results
  • 250g cream cheese, softened
    Full-fat for creamiest texture
  • 150g shredded mozzarella
    Provides stretch and mildness
  • 100g grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds sharp, savory flavor
  • 1 large egg for filling
    Helps bind the cheese mixture
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic enhances flavor
  • 30ml fresh chives, chopped
    Adds fresh, mild onion flavor
  • 15ml fresh thyme leaves
    Aromatic herb complement

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Filling

    In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, half the Parmesan, 1 egg, minced garlic, chives, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

  2. Shape the Croissants

    Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 triangles or rectangles. Place 2-3 tablespoons of cheese filling in the center of each piece, leaving edges clear for sealing.

  3. Form and Seal

    Fold pastry over filling, or roll from wide end to point for croissant shape. Seal edges by pressing firmly with a fork. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

  4. Egg Wash and Top

    Beat remaining egg and brush over pastries. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds if using, and a pinch of herbs. Refrigerate for 10 minutes while preheating oven to 200°C (400°F).

  5. Bake and Serve

    Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store baked croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer. Serve with fresh fruit, a light salad, or soup. They're also excellent alongside eggs or as part of a brunch spread.

Variations

Try adding cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, feta, or sharp cheddar.