Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Here’s a simple recipe to make these savory pastries:
Ingredients:
- 4 large croissants (preferably slightly stale or day-old)
- 8 slices of deli ham (or more, depending on preference)
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese (or cheddar, Gruyère, or your preferred cheese)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a convection oven, use that for an even crispier croissant.
- Prepare the croissants: Slice the croissants in half lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to keep the top and bottom of the croissant attached.
- Assemble the croissants:
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on the inside of each croissant half.
- Add a slice or two of ham on the bottom half of each croissant.
- Place a slice or two of cheese on top of the ham.
- Close the croissant and press lightly to secure.
- Brush with butter: Brush the top of each croissant with melted butter. This will give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish (optional): If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley or herbs on top of the croissants for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Enjoy your warm, melty, and flaky ham and cheese croissants straight from the oven!
Tips:
- You can add extras like sautéed onions, tomatoes, or spinach inside the croissants for more flavor.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, you can assemble them, refrigerate, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
These croissants are great for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious sandwich option for lunch!