Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Imagine biting into a warm, buttery, flaky croissant stuffed with savory ham and melting cheese. These homemade Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants bring the flavors of a classic French bakery right to your kitchen. Though they might seem fancy, these croissants are surprisingly approachable, thanks to clear steps and a little bit of patience.

With layers of soft, airy dough interspersed with sheets of butter, each bite melts in your mouth, while the rich ham and cheese filling adds an irresistible savory touch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack, these croissants are a treat worth making from scratch.

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Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Croissants

1. Authentic Croissant Texture: Flaky, layered, and light these croissants are like those from a bakery.
2. Customizable: The filling is versatile, so while ham and cheese is classic, you can switch it up with other ingredients.
3. Homemade Goodness: Making the dough from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and infuse a little extra love into each croissant.
4. Perfect for Any Time of Day: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner these croissants work for any occasion.

Ingredients for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Before diving in, let’s gather the ingredients. Most of these items are pantry staples, with the addition of ham, cheese, and butter for that signature croissant flavor and texture.

For the Croissant Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, which gives structure to the croissants.
• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, cold – Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers, as it melts during baking, forming pockets of steam.
• 1 cup milk, cold – Helps to activate the yeast while keeping the dough cold, crucial for flaky layers.
• ¼ cup sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough, which pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast – Gives the dough its lift and light texture.
• 1 egg – Used for an egg wash to give the croissants a glossy, golden finish.

For the Filling:

• 8-10 slices of deli ham – Adds a savory, rich flavor that complements the buttery dough.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Gruyere or cheddar) – Gruyere melts beautifully, creating a creamy, slightly nutty filling, but cheddar also works well for a sharper taste.
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a hint of tanginess, enhancing the flavors of the ham and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process. Making croissant dough involves several steps, but don’t let that intimidate you. With a little bit of focus and patience, you’ll be enjoying these flaky delights in no time.

Step 1: Making the Dough

Activate the Yeast

1. Combine the milk and sugar: In a small bowl, pour in the warm milk and add the sugar. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and sugar mixture. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until it turns foamy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.

Prepare the Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt, stirring to combine.
2. Add the milk-yeast mixture: Pour the foamy milk and yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together, but be careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
3. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the dough cold, essential for forming the flaky layers.

Roll Out the Dough and Layer with Butter

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has chilled, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Add the butter layers: Take the cold butter and slice it into thin sheets. Layer the butter pieces evenly across one half of the rolled-out dough.
3. Fold and roll: Fold the other half of the dough over the butter to cover it. Press gently to seal the edges. Roll the dough out again, fold it, and roll it out once more. Repeat this process 2-3 times to create the distinct layers that give croissants their flakiness.

Tip: If the dough becomes too soft at any point, place it back in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before continuing.

Step 2: Adding the Filling

Roll Out and Cut the Dough

1. Roll out the dough again: After the last fold, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Cut triangles: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into triangles. Aim for pieces about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide at the base, so you have enough room to add the filling and roll them up.

Add the Ham and Cheese

1. Layer on the ham and cheese: Place a slice of ham and a generous pinch of shredded cheese at the base of each triangle. If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a small dab over the ham before adding the cheese.
2. Roll the croissants: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll it up towards the tip, gently shaping it into a crescent as you go. This rolling technique gives croissants their iconic shape.

Step 3: Baking the Croissants

Prepare for Baking

1. Place the croissants on a baking sheet: Arrange the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them apart, as they will expand during baking.
2. Egg wash: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Brush a thin layer of egg wash over the tops of each croissant. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.

Bake the Croissants

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and flaky.

Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Croissants

1. Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and chilled dough are key to achieving flaky layers. If the butter starts to melt while working with the dough, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing.
2. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives croissants their beautiful golden sheen. Without it, they may look pale.
3. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add or switch up the fillings. Try adding a slice of Swiss cheese, a sprinkle of herbs, or a bit of black pepper for added flavor.
4. Allow Room to Expand: Croissants puff up as they bake, so be sure to leave space between them on the baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Croissants

These ham and cheese croissants are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with a side of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete meal.
• Lunch: Pair with a light salad or a bowl of soup, like tomato basil or butternut squash, for a satisfying lunch.
• Afternoon Snack: These croissants are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Make Ahead: These croissants can be made in advance. Prepare them through the rolling and shaping step, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?

Yes! For a quicker version, you can use pre-made croissant dough or even puff pastry dough. However, making the dough from scratch gives you that classic, homemade flavor and texture.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Absolutely! These croissants can be prepared through the rolling and filling stage, then frozen until you’re ready to bake them. They go straight from freezer to oven for fresh, warm croissants anytime.

Conclusion: Indulge in Homemade Ham and Cheese Croissants

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating these Ham and Cheese Croissants from scratch. The flaky, buttery layers combined with the savory ham and melty cheese make every bite a delight. While the process might take a little time, the reward of pulling these golden, delicious pastries out of the oven is well worth it.

Whether you’re treating your family to a weekend breakfast, impressing friends at brunch, or just wanting to indulge in a cozy meal, these croissants are sure to please. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy baking these croissants that’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and leave you with happy, satisfied smiles all around.