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Who can resist a batch of homemade ham and cheese croissants The flaky pastry gives way to melty cheese and savory ham in every bite making them a favorite for brunch weekend treats or quick lunches These croissants disappear within minutes every time I serve them and they are one of my easiest reliable crowd pleasers
Reasons You’ll Crave This Dish
- Ready in under thirty minutes with minimal prep
- Relies on store-bought puff pastry for stress-free baking
- Customizable with your choice of cheese or protein
- Perfect for breakfast brunch or snacking any time
I still remember making these with my kids on a lazy Saturday morning and watching their eyes light up when the croissants came out of the oven golden and bubbling with cheese
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen
- Puff pastry sheet: This creates those buttery flaky layers Look for all-butter puff pastry in the freezer aisle for the best flavor
- Cooked ham: Sliced deli ham works beautifully or swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter taste Opt for a good quality ham with lots of flavor
- Cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp punch mozzarella gives a meltier pull and Emmental adds nutty depth Always choose cheese that melts well
- Egg: For brushing this ensures a shiny golden finish
- Milk: Thins out the egg wash for even brushing
- Chia or poppy seeds: These add crunch and visual appeal if using top with seeds just before baking
- Fresh parsley: Optional but it gives a fresh finish and a pop of color Pick vibrant leaves for garnish
How to Make It Like a Pro
- Prep the Oven:
- Set your oven to 190C or 375F Lay parchment paper on your tray to guarantee easy cleanup
- Shape the Pastry:
- Take your thawed puff pastry and roll it onto a lightly floured surface Cut into six equal triangles Picture each triangle as the base for a mini croissant
- Assemble the Croissants:
- Layer a slice of ham and cheese onto each triangle’s wide end Gently roll toward the tip tucking the end underneath so they bake up with that iconic shape
- Egg Wash and Top:
- Whisk the egg with milk Brush each croissant with the mixture making sure to coat evenly Sprinkle with chia or poppy seeds at this stage if you like a little crunch
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes You are looking for puffed golden tops and oozy cheese Let them cool just enough to handle then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley
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Cheese is always the star for me watching it bubble away in the oven is its own reward My family has a tradition of sneaking tastes right off the tray so I always bake a few extra just for sampling
Keep It Fresh and Delicious
For ultimate freshness serve hot out of the oven but if making ahead cool completely before storing in an airtight container To revive leftover croissants warm them in a moderate oven for a few minutes which brings back that crisp exterior without overcooking the filling
Genius Ingredient Swaps
Turkey or smoked chicken can step in for ham seamlessly For cheese try Swiss gouda or even a spicy pepper jack for something unexpected I once swapped in roasted veggies with feta for a delicious vegetarian twist
Plating Like a Chef
Stack the croissants on a simple white platter and finish with a dusting of fresh parsley Add a small bowl of dipping sauce like honey mustard or a tangy spicy mayo Arrange a side salad with crisp greens to balance the richness
The Story Behind the Bite
This recipe started as a solution to last minute brunch requests and soon became a family weekend ritual Crisp outside gooey inside they take me right back to our kitchen on chilly mornings when everyone wanted that comforting smell of baking pastry wafting through the house
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different types of ham or cheese?
Yes! You can substitute turkey or chicken for ham, and try cheddar, mozzarella, or Emmental for the cheese.
- → How do I keep the croissants from unrolling during baking?
Tuck the tip of the rolled croissant under on the baking tray to help them hold their shape as they bake.
- → What toppings work well on these croissants?
Chia or poppy seeds add crunch and flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking gives color and freshness.
- → Can I make them ahead of time?
Assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked croissants overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.
- → How should I serve these croissants?
Serve warm for the best taste, paired with salad or dipped in honey mustard or spicy mayo for a delicious brunch.