If you have ever dreamed of a flaky, buttery croissant filled with gooey cheese and savory ham, then this Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines the crisp, golden crunch of perfectly baked croissants with layers of creamy, melty cheese and tender ham, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, brunch treat, or a satisfying snack, this recipe is incredibly approachable yet impressively delicious — a true crowd-pleaser for any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe comes down to simple, essential ingredients that each play their part beautifully. From the buttery croissants to the zesty mustard, and the savory ham paired with luscious melted cheese, every element adds depth and character to the final bite.
- 8 store-bought croissants: Day-old or fresh, their flaky layers provide the perfect base.
- 8 slices of cooked ham: Choose slices that are not too thick for a balanced, tender bite.
- 8 slices of cheese: Swiss, Gruyère, Emmental, or mild cheddar will melt perfectly.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden color.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Optional but recommended for a tangy zip.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Optional, for a creamy touch in the spread.
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Optional topping to add a crispy, savory finish.
- 1 tsp honey or sugar: Optional, balances the sharpness of mustard nicely.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste; adds subtle warmth.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Optional, boosts flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme: Optional, infuses a delicate herbal note.
- Egg wash: 1 large egg mixed with 1 tbsp milk or cream for a lustrous crust.
- To serve: Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, and extra mustard on the side.
How to Make Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with conventional heat. Line your baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Placing the oven rack in the middle ensures even baking so your croissants can crisp up beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Slice and Prep the Croissants
If your croissants are fresh and on the smaller side, you can slice them fully in half horizontally, which makes spreading and layering easier. For larger croissants, slicing almost fully through horizontally but leaving a hinge helps to keep everything snug and secure while baking.
Step 3: Mix the Mustard Spread
In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey or sugar for a balanced flavor. Add black pepper and garlic powder to elevate the spread. Adjust the ingredients by tasting as you go, aiming for a mustard mix that perfectly complements the ham and cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Croissants
Open each croissant gently and spread a thin layer of the mustard mixture on the inside of the bottom (and optionally the top) half. Next, layer a slice of cheese evenly over the bottom half, followed by one slice of ham. For an extra cheesy and stable filling, add another slice of cheese on top before closing the croissant gently.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply Egg Wash and Toppings
Whisk together the egg and milk or cream for the egg wash and brush it evenly over the tops and sides of the croissants. This step is crucial for a shiny, golden exterior. Next, lightly brush melted butter over the croissants, and if you like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese along with oregano or thyme and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the aroma and flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Place the croissants on the middle rack and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a deep golden color and the cheese inside has melted into gooey perfection. If the tops start browning too quickly, simply cover loosely with foil and continue baking until the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 7: Let Them Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the croissants rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This brief downtime allows the cheese to thicken just enough to avoid the mess while biting, and the warm aroma will have you ready to dive into the first delicious mouthful.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives or parsley sprinkled over the croissants add a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness. A side of extra mustard or mayonnaise can also provide a lovely dipping option to customize each bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for contrast. For heartier meals, consider a bowl of tomato soup or roasted vegetables to round out the flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, arrange the croissants on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of mustard, pickles, and fresh fruit. You can also cut them into halves or thirds for bite-sized finger foods at gatherings. Layering the croissants with extra colorful greens inside before baking adds a surprising freshness and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover croissants, wrap them tightly in foil or airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days, though the best texture and flavor are shortly after baking.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the croissants without baking and flash freeze on a tray. Once firm, transfer to an airtight freezer bag. Frozen croissants can keep well for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover croissants in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This refreshes their crisp crust and melts the cheese back to that delectable gooey state, ensuring every bite tastes fresh and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissants for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade croissants work wonderfully if you have them on hand. The flaky texture and buttery layers make the filling even more special, though store-bought croissants are perfect too and save some prep time.
What type of cheese melts best for these croissants?
Swiss, Gruyère, Emmental, and mild cheddar are excellent choices because they melt smoothly and have a mild, complementary flavor that enhances the ham without overpowering it.
Is it necessary to use the mustard spread?
The mustard spread is optional but adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness and adds complexity. If you prefer, you can skip it or replace it with a favorite condiment like a flavored mayo or pesto.
Can I make these croissants vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ham with grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or even a savory plant-based deli slice for a satisfying vegetarian twist on the Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe.
How do I prevent the croissants from getting soggy inside?
Using a thin layer of the mustard spread and ensuring the filling ingredients are not overly moist helps. Additionally, baking them until golden and slightly crispy seals the croissant layers nicely, maintaining a perfect flaky texture.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe is a simple but incredibly rewarding bake that feels special every time you make it. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you can create a warm, cheesy, and savory treat that brightens breakfast or any meal. Don’t wait for a special occasion—go ahead and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Oven-Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 12m
- Total Time: 0h 27m
- Yield: 8 croissants
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Oven-Baked Croissants with Ham and Cheese, perfect for a savory breakfast or a cozy snack. Using store-bought croissants filled with slices of cooked ham and melty cheese, complemented by a flavorful mustard spread and a golden egg wash topping, these croissants turn simple ingredients into a gourmet treat with a crisp, buttery crust and irresistible melted filling.
Ingredients
Croissants and Filling
- 8 store-bought croissants (day-old or fresh, standard size)
- 8 slices of cooked ham (about 250–300 g total), not too thick
- 8 slices of cheese (about 200–250 g total), such as Swiss, Gruyère, Emmental, or mild cheddar
Spread (Optional)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing, if not using parchment)
- 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
To Serve (Optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
- Extra mustard on the side
Instructions
- Prepare the baking equipment: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) using conventional heat. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.
- Prepare the croissants: Slice each croissant horizontally, either fully or almost through leaving a hinge, depending on size and your preference for easier filling.
- Make the spread: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey or sugar. Season with black pepper and garlic powder and stir until smooth. Adjust flavors by adding more mustard or honey as desired.
- Assemble the croissants: Gently open each croissant and spread a thin layer of the mustard mixture on the inside of the bottom half and optionally the top half. Layer one slice of cheese followed by ham, then optionally add another thin cheese slice to help secure the filling. Close the croissants carefully.
- Arrange on the tray: Place the filled croissants on the prepared baking tray with space between each. For tightly filled croissants, position seam-side down to keep them closed.
- Prepare and apply egg wash: Whisk together the egg and milk or cream until blended. Brush the tops and sides of each croissant with the egg wash to create a glossy, golden crust during baking.
- Add toppings: Drizzle melted butter over the croissants. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano or thyme, and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor and aroma, if using.
- Bake the croissants: Bake on the middle oven rack for 10–15 minutes until the croissants are deep golden, the cheese inside is melted and starting to ooze, and Parmesan topping is golden and slightly crisp. If the tops brown too fast, cover lightly with foil and continue baking until fully heated through.
- Rest and garnish: Remove croissants from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes to allow the cheese to thicken. Sprinkle with finely chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve warm, straight from the oven, with optional extra mustard or mayonnaise and a simple green salad. Reheat leftovers in a 160°C (320°F) oven for 5–8 minutes to regain crispness.
Notes
- Using day-old croissants helps them hold the filling better without becoming soggy.
- The spread is optional but adds a nice balance of flavor; you can omit mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Choose cheeses that melt well, like Swiss, Gruyère, or Emmental, for best texture.
- Don’t overfill croissants to prevent tearing and easier handling during baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, or grease the baking tray well.
- Allowing the croissants to rest after baking helps avoid overly runny cheese when eating.
- Customize toppings with your favorite herbs or spices.
