Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Name: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 mini croissants, halved horizontally; 1 pound thinly sliced smoked deli ham; 12 slices Swiss cheese, diagonally sliced; 1 large egg white; 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of buttery croissants warming in the oven. I first made baked ham and cheese croissants on a chilly Saturday morning when my kids were feeling picky and breakfast felt like a battlefield. To my surprise, the warm, melty sandwiches disappeared within minutes—no complaints, no negotiations, just happy faces and full bellies. That’s when I realized this Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants recipe was a keeper.

Perfect for busy mornings, cozy brunches, or even weeknight dinners, this Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants easy sheet pan dinner brings together the comforting richness of ham, the melty goodness of cheese, and the flakiness of golden croissants. It’s a recipe that’s as beginner-friendly as it is delicious—requiring minimal effort, delivering maximum flavor, and offering simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. If you’re looking for quick and healthy meals with a touch of indulgence, this is your go-to.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants is their incredible balance of taste and ease. You don’t need any culinary background or special equipment—just an oven and a baking dish. The sweet-and-savory flavor pairing is elevated with a Dijon-honey butter spread and finished with a crisp poppy seed topping. Whether you’re serving a crowd or batch-prepping meals for the week, this lemon herb chicken recipe alternative (yes, try using chicken too!) is adaptable, freezer-friendly, and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredients and Preparation

Croissants
These serve as the buttery, flaky vessel that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Opt for fresh bakery croissants or supermarket mini versions.

Ham
Provides a savory, slightly salty protein that pairs beautifully with melted cheese. Use smoked, honey-glazed, or deli-style ham for different flavor profiles. Turkey or rotisserie chicken work well, too.

Swiss Cheese
This cheese melts smoothly and adds a nutty depth. Emmental or Gruyère are great substitutes. For extra boldness, try sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda.

Unsalted Butter
Acts as the base for the flavor spread, contributing richness and helping the croissants toast perfectly.

Dijon Mustard
Brings a tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese.

Honey
Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the ham and sharpness of the mustard.

Green Onions
Provide a gentle bite and freshness. Substitute with chives or shallots if needed.

Sea Salt & Black Pepper
Enhance and round out the flavors.

Egg White & Water
Brushed on top, this mix gives the croissants a beautiful, shiny golden finish.

Poppy Seeds
Add a bit of crunch and a gourmet look. Sesame seeds or even Everything Bagel seasoning are fun alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2 In a small bowl, mix softened butter with Dijon mustard, sliced green onions, and honey. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Step 3 Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through—just enough to open them like a sandwich. Spread the butter mixture evenly on both the top and bottom halves.

Step 4 Layer slices of ham and cheese inside each croissant. For best results, place the cheese on the bottom to keep the croissant from getting soggy.

Step 5 Arrange the filled croissants snugly in a single layer in your baking dish.

Step 6 Whisk together one egg white with a tablespoon of water. Brush this over the tops of the croissants and sprinkle poppy seeds evenly across.

Step 7 Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Watch the Oven: Croissants brown quickly, especially with butter. Check them around the 12-minute mark to avoid burning.
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the croissants ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.

Too Soggy? Place cheese under the ham to act as a barrier and avoid soaking the croissant base.
Overcooked Tops? Cover loosely with foil halfway through baking if the tops are browning too fast.
No Pastry Brush? Use the back of a spoon or your clean fingertips to apply the egg wash.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or tomato soup for a complete meal.
Sauces: Dijon aioli, garlic mayo, or a spicy mustard dip make excellent accompaniments.
Storage Tips: Cool leftovers completely, wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the kind of comforting, foolproof recipe every beginner should have in their back pocket. They’re fast, customizable, and satisfyingly rich without being overly indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, an easy sheet pan dinner, or a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this recipe checks all the boxes.

I’d love to hear how your croissants turn out—did you try a different cheese? Add some veggies? Drop your experience in the comments below. Your feedback helps build a community of confident, creative home cooks!

FAQ About Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Q1: Can I make baked ham and cheese croissants ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the croissants, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, add 3–5 minutes to the baking time.

Q2: What type of cheese works best besides Swiss?

Swiss is ideal for melting and flavor, but you can use cheddar, provolone, smoked Gouda, or even mozzarella depending on your taste preferences.

Q3: How do I keep the croissants from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, place the cheese on the bottom half of the croissant. It acts as a barrier between the bread and the ham’s moisture.

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