Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of making ham cheese croissants during a summer in Paris. The aroma from the bakery captivated me, and I knew I had to recreate them at home. After several attempts and tweaks, I've perfected this recipe to achieve the same delightful taste. Now, I enjoy sharing these croissants with friends and family, bringing a piece of that Parisian experience to our breakfasts."

As a culinary expert specializing in French cuisine, I have developed a passion for creating authentic breakfast recipes. My love for flaky pastries and savory ingredients has driven me to master the art of croissant making. Each recipe is crafted with care, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the rich flavors of French breakfast at home.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants served on a plate

Why This Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients. Flaky puff pastry creates a perfect contrast to the savory filling, making each bite a delight. The combination of ham and melted cheese delivers a satisfying flavor that pairs wonderfully with morning coffee or tea.

The technique of rolling the pastry tightly ensures that each croissant is filled to perfection. By using Dijon mustard, we elevate the flavor profile, adding a subtle tang that complements the richness of the ham and cheese. These croissants are not just a meal; they’re an experience.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your puff pastry is well-chilled before rolling. This helps achieve maximum flakiness during baking. Additionally, don't skip the egg wash; it gives a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish that makes the croissants irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the croissants ahead of time. Assemble them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply apply the egg wash and bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time if needed.

If you're looking for a substitute for ham, consider using turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Each alternative offers a unique flavor while still providing a delicious filling for the croissants.

You know the croissants are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the pastry should feel light and airy to the touch.

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked croissants. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake them straight from the freezer, adding additional time to the baking process.

These croissants pair beautifully with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. You can also serve them with a side of honey or a light dipping sauce for a gourmet touch.

When stored in an airtight container, the croissants will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. To maintain their flakiness, you may want to reheat them before serving.

Yes, preparing them in advance is a great idea! You can assemble the croissants and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked croissants with minimal effort on a busy morning.

To reheat, place the croissants in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their flaky texture and warms the filling evenly.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The croissants turn out dry and lacking moisture.

Solution: Ensure your ingredients are fresh, and don't overbake them. Adding a bit more cheese can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The croissants are soft and lack the desired crispiness.

Solution: Make sure to bake at the correct temperature and place them in the center of the oven. A preheated baking stone can also enhance crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The croissants are too dark on the outside.

Prevention: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Reduce the baking time or cover with foil if they are browning too quickly.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The croissants appear golden outside but are raw inside.

Recovery: If this happens, lower the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking time. Ensure to check the doneness with a toothpick.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Croissants are burnt on the outside but raw inside.

Prevention: Try reducing the oven temperature next time and rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the croissants are too sweet, consider reducing the amount of any added sugar in the filling.

Too Salty: To balance excessive saltiness, you can serve with a drizzle of honey or a sweet dipping sauce.

Bland: If the flavor is lacking, enhance with spices or use a stronger flavored cheese.

Fresh ingredients for Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants

The key to amazing ham cheese croissants lies in using high-quality ingredients. Fresh puff pastry will give you that flaky texture, while a good quality cheese enhances the flavor. Don't skimp on the ham; choose a flavorful variety for the best results.

Whenever possible, opt for locally sourced ingredients. Freshly grated cheese and freshly baked pastry create a significant difference in taste. Combining these quality ingredients will elevate your croissants from ordinary to extraordinary.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: Choose high-quality frozen puff pastry for the best results. Ensure it’s thawed properly before rolling; this helps to maintain the layers and leads to a flakier croissant.
  • Ham: Select a savory and slightly smoked ham for depth of flavor. Thinly sliced works best, allowing it to meld beautifully with the cheese.
  • Cheese: For a classic flavor, Gruyère or Swiss cheese are ideal choices. Grate the cheese yourself for a fresher taste that melts perfectly in the croissants.
Cooking process for Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making ham cheese croissants is a delightful process that yields delicious results. Start by preparing your ingredients and rolling out the puff pastry. The key is in the assembly; ensure you place the filling correctly and roll them tightly to maintain their shape while baking.

Achieving the perfect croissant requires attention to detail. Monitor the baking closely to ensure they don't over-brown. A well-baked croissant will be lightly golden and flaky, while the inside remains savory and moist.

Key Technique for Perfect Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants

The rolling technique is crucial for achieving flaky layers. Roll out the pastry gently without pressing too hard, and ensure the filling is strategically placed at the base of each triangle. This technique will ensure that the croissants rise beautifully in the oven.

Delicious Ham Cheese Croissants

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
    For garnish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    For zing

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb puff pastry dough
    Thawed
  • 8 oz thinly sliced ham
    Savory
  • 8 oz shredded cheese
    Gruyère or Swiss
  • 1 egg
    For egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    For sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
    Optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare Filling

    In a bowl, mix the ham, shredded cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.

  3. Roll Out Dough

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.

  4. Cut Triangles

    Cut the dough into triangles, approximately 5 inches at the base.

  5. Fill Croissants

    Place a generous amount of the filling at the base of each triangle, then roll them up tightly.

  6. Egg Wash

    Beat the egg and brush it on the tops of the croissants for a golden finish.

  7. Bake Croissants

    Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

  8. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with cream cheese spread if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store the croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, consider reheating before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious ham cheese croissants warm with a side salad or fresh fruit. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a complete breakfast experience.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. You can also add vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers to enhance the filling and add more flavor.