One busy afternoon, with the kitchen filled with laughter and the clock ticking toward dinner, I needed something quick but comforting. That’s how baked ham and cheese croissants became a staple in my home. On Eminent Recipes, I share simple, family-friendly meals that feel special without the stress. This recipe is quick, easy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for the best baked ham and cheese croissants, this recipe delivers everything you want in one simple dish. These baked ham and cheese croissants are flaky, buttery, golden, and filled with layers of savory ham and melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese. They’re quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunch, or even holiday gatherings.
You’ll love how versatile this ham and cheese croissant recipe is. Serve them as a ham and swiss croissant sandwich for lunch, make baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven for a family dinner, or prepare them ahead for effortless entertaining. They taste bakery-quality but require minimal prep time.
This easy baked ham and cheese croissants recipe also works with puff pastry, in the air fryer, or even reheated in the microwave without losing flavor. Whether you’re recreating a croissant ham and cheese Starbucks favorite or making a classic French ham and cheese croissant, this comforting recipe is guaranteed to become a household staple.
Ingredients for This Recipe
The secret to perfect baked ham and cheese croissants starts with quality, simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Flaky, buttery croissants create the crisp, golden exterior that makes baked ham and cheese croissants so irresistible. Thinly sliced deli ham adds savory depth, while Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese melts into a rich, creamy layer inside each ham and cheese croissant. A touch of Dijon mustard enhances flavor with a subtle tang that balances the buttery pastry.
The butter glaze is what truly elevates this easy baked ham and cheese croissants recipe. Melted butter keeps the tops moist and flavorful, while Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder add savory richness. Poppy seeds and dried parsley provide texture and visual appeal. Together, these ingredients transform simple croissants into bakery-style baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven that taste gourmet yet require minimal effort.
🛒 Ingredients (for 6 croissants):
For the Croissants:
6 large buttery croissants (store-bought bakery style)
12 slices deli ham (or ¾ lb sliced ham)
6 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or honey mustard (optional)
For the Butter Glaze:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
Making baked ham and cheese croissants is incredibly simple, yet the results taste like they came straight from a French bakery. The key to perfect baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven is layering quality ingredients properly and baking just long enough to achieve a golden, flaky exterior with perfectly melted cheese inside. The buttery croissants crisp beautifully, while the savory ham and Swiss create that classic ham and swiss croissant sandwich flavor everyone loves.
Brushing the tops with a seasoned butter glaze enhances richness, color, and texture. As they bake, the cheese melts into the ham, creating a warm, gooey center wrapped in crisp pastry. Whether you’re making easy baked ham and cheese croissants for brunch, meal prep, or a quick family dinner, this method guarantees bakery-style results every time.
🛒 Steps:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet for baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven.
Step 2: Slice each buttery croissant horizontally to prepare the ham and cheese croissant base.
Step 3: Spread Dijon mustard for bold flavor in your French ham and cheese croissant.
Step 4: Layer deli ham and Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly inside each croissant.
Step 5: Whisk melted butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to create a rich glaze.
Step 6: Brush glaze generously over assembled baked ham and cheese croissants.
Step 7: Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cheese is fully melted.
Step 8: Serve warm for the ultimate easy baked ham and cheese croissants experience.
Expert Cooking Tips
Perfect baked ham and cheese croissants come down to technique and ingredient balance. Choosing high-quality, buttery croissants ensures your baked ham and cheese croissants develop a crisp, flaky exterior while staying soft inside. Thinly sliced deli ham prevents excess moisture, keeping your ham and swiss croissant sandwich from becoming soggy. Cheese selection matters too — Swiss and Gruyère melt smoothly, creating that classic French ham and cheese croissant texture with rich, nutty flavor.
The butter glaze enhances browning and adds deep savory notes. Dijon mustard brightens the richness, while Worcestershire sauce intensifies umami. Baking at the right temperature ensures the cheese melts evenly without over-crisping the pastry. These small adjustments elevate easy baked ham and cheese croissants into bakery-style perfection, whether you’re preparing baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven for brunch or dinner.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use fresh, bakery-style croissants for ultra-flaky baked ham and cheese croissants.
Lightly toast croissants before filling to prevent soggy ham and cheese croissant texture.
Choose thin-sliced ham for balanced ham and swiss croissant sandwich layers.
Use Gruyère for authentic French ham and cheese croissant flavor.
Brush generous butter glaze for golden, glossy baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven.
Bake at 350°F for even melting and perfectly crisp pastry.
For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make baked ham and cheese croissants ahead of time?
Yes, baked ham and cheese croissants are perfect for meal prep. Assemble the ham and cheese croissant sandwiches, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready, bake the baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven at 350°F until golden and heated through. This makes them ideal for brunch, holidays, or busy weeknights.
How do I keep a ham and swiss croissant sandwich from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy baked ham and cheese croissants, lightly toast the croissants before adding ham and cheese. Use thin-sliced deli ham and avoid excess mustard. Baking instead of microwaving keeps the croissant ham and cheese crispy and flaky.
Can I make baked ham and cheese croissants in the air fryer?
Yes, easy baked ham and cheese croissants can be made in the air fryer at 325°F for 5–7 minutes. This method keeps the pastry crisp while fully melting the cheese.
What is the best cheese for a French ham and cheese croissant?
Gruyère is the best choice for authentic French ham and cheese croissant flavor, but Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella also work beautifully.
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Baked ham and cheese croissants are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese wrapped into one easy, comforting dish. Whether you’re making baked ham and cheese croissants in the oven for a cozy family dinner, preparing easy baked ham and cheese croissants for brunch, or recreating a classic French ham and cheese croissant at home, this recipe delivers reliable, bakery-style results every time.
With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, these ham and swiss croissant sandwiches fit effortlessly into busy weeknights, holiday spreads, or casual gatherings. From oven-baked to air fryer variations, this versatile croissant ham and cheese recipe proves that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated — just warm, golden, and made to share.
Print
Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Flaky, buttery croissants stuffed with savory ham and melted cheese, brushed with a flavorful glaze, and baked until golden brown. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside — simple yet irresistible!
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for 6 croissants):
For the Croissants:
6 large buttery croissants (store-bought bakery style)
12 slices deli ham (or ¾ lb sliced ham)
6 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese
Optional: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or honey mustard
For the Butter Glaze:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Assemble Croissants
Slice croissants in half horizontally (do not cut all the way through if you prefer hinged).
Spread a thin layer of mustard if using.
Layer 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese inside each croissant. Close gently.
Step 3: Prepare Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, and parsley.
Step 4: Brush & Bake
Place croissants on the baking sheet. Brush tops generously with butter glaze.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Let cool slightly and serve warm. The cheese should be perfectly melted and deliciously gooey.
Notes
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake before serving.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 325°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Crispier Texture: Lightly toast croissants for 3–4 minutes before filling.
• Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella for stretch, Gruyère for French flavor, or cheddar for sharpness.
• Add-Ons: Thin tomato slices, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of honey add amazing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch / Sandwich
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-Inspired / American