Ham and Cheese Croissants

Ham and cheese croissants are a quick and easy meal made with buttery croissants, black forest ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all baked to a golden brown finish. Perfect for brunch or a light lunch, this recipe comes together fast with simple ingredients and big flavor.

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Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Servings sandwiches

Table of Contents

Ham and Cheese Croissant Ingredients
The Trick To Making This Easy Recipe Extra Delicious
What To Serve With Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants
Make Ahead of Time
Ham and Swiss Croissants Frequently Asked Questions
More Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich Recipes
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These baked ham and cheese croissants are a delicious spin on a classic favorite. These aren’t your average store-bought croissants. A crisp, buttery pastry gives way to a warm gooey center that’s packed with tender ham and melted cheese. Each bite bursts with flavor from the homemade honey mustard glaze brushed inside. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, warm lunch or quick and easy dinner.

Close-up of baked ham and cheese croissants on a white plate, filled with melted cheese and slices of ham

Our Recipe Reviewers Say 👩‍🍳👉 Whether you get croissants at the grocery store or fresh from a bakery, pick ones that are soft and flaky for the best texture. Stale croissants won’t crisp up as nicely.

Ham and Cheese Croissant Ingredients

raw ingredients for Ham and Cheese Croissants

Best Ham For A Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

The right ham brings out the best in these baked ham and cheese croissants—savory, slightly smoky, and never too salty. Here are the best options:

👍WE RECOMMEND: Black Forest Ham – Smoky and slightly sweet, it pairs perfectly with Swiss cheese.

OTHER GOOD OPTIONS:

🥪 Deli-Style Ham – Convenient choice, ask for thin cut at the deli counter.

🍖 Leftover Ham – Great use for holiday ham dinner leftovers. Just slice it thin.

Ham and Cheese Croissants being assembled

Best Cheese For Baked Croissants

No matter which you choose, go for good quality cheese that melts well – so your baked ham and cheese croissants have that amazing melty texture.

👍WE RECOMMEND: Swiss Cheese – Classic choice, with its mild, nutty taste.

OTHER GOOD OPTIONS:

🧀 Gruyère Cheese – nutty flavor that’s a natural stand-in for Swiss.

🧀 Mild Cheddar: – Has more tang but melts nicely.

The Trick To Making This Easy Recipe Extra Delicious

1. Use a pastry brush to coat both the inside top and bottom of each croissant evenly. This ensures every bite is delicious.

2. Layer cheese on the croissant’s top and bottom halves. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also helps the sandwich stay together, like in a traditional croissant with ham and cheese.

3. Brush the tops of the croissants with a beaten egg wash before baking. This gives them that signature shine and slight crunch.

What To Serve With Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants

A good side makes ham and cheese croissants even better. Whether you want something fresh, creamy, or hearty, these side dishes pair perfectly with these croissants.

Pea Salad – A creamy blend of crisp peas, bacon, and cheese contrasts the rich flavors of the croissants.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – A twist on traditional pasta salad, combining the zesty flavor of dill pickles with tender pasta and a creamy dressing.

Tomato Soup – This creamy tomato soup is smooth, flavorful, and the perfect match for buttery croissants.

Make Ahead of Time

If you want to prepare these baked ham and cheese croissants in advance, a great approach is to do all the assembly but wait on the final egg wash and baking until just before serving. Here’s how:

Complete Steps 1–8: Split the croissants, brush on the mustard-butter mixture, layer the ham and cheese, and close them up.
Refrigerate: Cover the assembled croissants tightly in your baking dish. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours with optimal results.
Freeze: This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to two months — just make sure they’re airtight. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Finish and Bake: When you’re ready to serve, pick up at Step 9: whisk the egg and water, brush it on top, sprinkle with poppy seeds, and bake as directed.

By adding the egg wash at the last minute, you’ll prevent the croissants from getting soggy and still achieve the golden finish reminiscent of the perfect ham and swiss croissant.

Ham and Swiss Croissants Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the croissants from getting soggy?

Make sure to evenly brush the honey mustard glaze on both halves without soaking the croissants. Using room-temperature ingredients also helps prevent excess moisture buildup.

Can I make these croissants without poppy seeds?

Yes, the poppy seeds are optional. If you want a little extra crunch, use sesame seeds instead, or leave seeds off entirely.

What’s the best way to get an even egg wash?

Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the croissants with egg wash. Make sure to whisk the egg white and water until frothy for a smooth finish.

Can I make these croissants without mustard?

Yes, you can leave out the Dijon mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.

Ham and cheese croissants are a quick and satisfying way to enjoy buttery croissants, tender ham, and melted cheese in every bite. Whether for brunch, a snack, or an easy meal, this recipe delivers simple prep with immense flavor.

More Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich Recipes

If you love the savory, melty flavor of our baked ham and cheese croissants, you’ll definitely want to explore these recipes. They each offer a unique twist on the classic ham and cheese combination, perfect for adding variety to your meal rotation.

These hearty baked ham and cheese sandwiches are ideal for lunch or a quick dinner. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them a must-try for anyone looking for easy ham and cheese recipes.
Perfect for gatherings or game day, these ham and cheese sliders offer another playful twist on traditional ham and cheese. If you’re searching for a delicious ham and cheese party appetizer, these sliders are both easy and crowd-pleasing.