Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

ham and cheese croissant

Make the best ham and cheese croissant at home with this easy, better-than-takeout recipe. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to a perfectly crispy exterior and a melty, gooey center. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this Tortellini Carbonara for a quick pasta dinner and Craving something sweet? Try this Creamy Swirl Ice Cream Bread Treat.

A golden, flaky ham and cheese croissant on a wooden board
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Why This Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe Is Pure Comfort

  • Crispy, golden exterior
  • Melty, gooey cheese center
  • Better than takeout taste
  • Easy to make at home

What You'll Need for Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • ham
  • cheese
  • croissant dough
  • butter
  • poppy seeds
  • Optional: mixed greens
  • Optional: dijon vinaigrette
An overhead shot of ham, cheese, butter, and croissant dough on a marble surface

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • ham: Use your favorite type, such as Black Forest or honey ham.
  • cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere all work well.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

  • Food processor — Makes quick work of slicing ham and shredding cheese. → See on Amazon
  • Pizza cutter — Easily slice croissants into perfect portions. → See on Amazon
A plated serving of ham and cheese croissant with a side of mixed greens

How to Make Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

  1. Prepare the ham and cheese: Thinly slice the ham and shred the cheese. Set aside.
  2. Thaw and slice the dough: Thaw the croissant dough according to package instructions. Once thawed, slice each croissant in half lengthwise.
  3. Assemble the croissants: Place a generous amount of ham and cheese on the bottom half of each croissant. Brush the top half with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Place the top half over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve: Let the croissants cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with mixed greens tossed in your favorite vinaigrette.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

  • Common mistake and fix: Avoid overfilling the croissants. Too much filling can cause them to leak and become soggy.
  • Tip: For extra crispiness, brush the croissants with an egg wash before baking.
  • Tip: To make ahead, assemble the croissants and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.

Storing & Reheating Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours ahead of time.

Freezing Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Freeze uncooked, assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat leftover croissants in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Microwave: Reheat leftover croissants in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to make them soggy.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a more indulgent treat, add a thin slice of prosciutto or a drizzle of truffle oil to the croissant before baking.
  • Best substitution: If you can't find croissant dough, you can use puff pastry as a substitute.
  • Make-ahead: You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If your croissants are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Want to level up this recipe?

Baking sheet — A high-quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents hot spots. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe

A plated serving of ham and cheese croissant with a side of mixed greens
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
15 mins
Total
30 mins
🍽
Serves
4 croissants
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free (if using gluten-free croissant dough)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ham
  • cheese
  • croissant dough

Seasonings

  • butter
  • poppy seeds

Optional Toppings

  • mixed greens
  • dijon vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ham and cheese: Thinly slice the ham and shred the cheese. Set aside.
  2. Thaw and slice the dough: Thaw the croissant dough according to package instructions. Once thawed, slice each croissant in half lengthwise.
  3. Assemble the croissants: Place a generous amount of ham and cheese on the bottom half of each croissant. Brush the top half with melted butter and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Place the top half over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve: Let the croissants cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with mixed greens tossed in your favorite vinaigrette.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a more indulgent treat, add a thin slice of prosciutto or a drizzle of truffle oil to the croissant before baking.
  • Best substitution: If you can't find croissant dough, you can use puff pastry as a substitute.
  • Make-ahead: You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
  • Troubleshooting: If your croissants are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat leftover croissants in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat leftover croissants in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to make them soggy.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours ahead of time.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sat. Fat: 10g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe FAQs

Can I make ham and cheese croissants ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the croissants up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Why did my ham and cheese croissants turn out soggy?

Overfilling the croissants can cause them to leak and become soggy. Be sure not to overstuff them.

Can I freeze ham and cheese croissants?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked, assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Can I make ham and cheese croissants in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make ham and cheese croissants in the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

What is the best substitute for croissant dough?

If you can't find croissant dough, you can use puff pastry as a substitute.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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