Ham and Cheese Croissant: A Buttery, Savory Delight for Any Time of Day

Few things compare to the flaky, buttery magic of a fresh croissant—unless, of course, that croissant is filled with savory ham and melty cheese. The Ham and Cheese Croissant is a timeless favorite that delivers on every level: crisp, golden pastry on the outside, gooey, rich, and flavorful on the inside. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack, this classic French-inspired bake always hits the spot.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect ham and cheese croissant from scratch or with store-bought dough, the best cheeses and hams to use, recipe variations, expert baking tips, serving suggestions, and more. With over 5000 words of valuable content, this guide is your ultimate resource for mastering the ham and cheese croissant.

Why Ham and Cheese Croissants Are So Popular

The ham and cheese croissant offers a balance of comfort, richness, and elegance. It’s the kind of dish that feels special yet is simple enough to whip up on a weekend morning or prep ahead for a busy workweek. It works equally well as:

• A grab-and-go breakfast
• A café-style lunch
• A brunch centerpiece
• A hearty snack
• A meal prep item for the week

Its versatility, combined with that irresistible contrast between flaky pastry and creamy filling, is why the ham and cheese croissant remains a global favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Homemade Croissant Dough (Optional):

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, for laminating)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 6 slices deli-style ham (or prosciutto, Black Forest, or honey ham)
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Optional: Dijon mustard or béchamel sauce for added flavor

How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants From Scratch

Step 1: Make the Dough

Mix warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Combine with flour and salt, knead into a dough, and chill.

Step 2: Laminate with Butter

Roll out dough, layer with cold butter, fold and roll multiple times (about 3-4 turns) to create layers. Chill between each turn.

Step 3: Shape the Croissants

Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into triangles. Place ham and cheese at the base, roll tightly, and tuck the ends under.

Step 4: Final Proof

Let the croissants rise until puffy and doubled in size, about 1–2 hours depending on room temp.

Step 5: Bake

Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Shortcut Version Using Store-Bought Dough

Don’t have time for laminating from scratch? No problem:

• Use store-bought croissant dough or puff pastry
• Roll out and cut as needed
• Fill with ham and cheese, roll, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes

Still delicious, still flaky, and done in half the time.

Best Cheeses for Ham and Cheese Croissants

The cheese you choose matters—a lot. Here are top picks:

• Gruyère: Nutty, melts beautifully, classic French option
• Swiss: Milder, great texture
• Cheddar: Sharp and bold
• Fontina: Buttery and smooth
• Mozzarella: Creamy and gooey

Mixing cheeses adds depth of flavor, especially if combining creamy and sharp varieties.

Best Ham Options for Filling

The ham can be as simple or gourmet as you like:

• Deli Ham: Easy, accessible, and tasty
• Prosciutto: Thin, salty, elegant
• Black Forest Ham: Smoky and robust
• Honey Ham: Slight sweetness adds contrast
• Leftover Baked Ham: Excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers

Slice thinly to keep the croissant from tearing during rolling.

Optional Additions & Upgrades

Give your ham and cheese croissant a little extra flair:

• Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard: Adds tang and depth
• Béchamel sauce: A layer of creamy French sauce elevates the whole dish
• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle in thyme or chives
• Caramelized onions: Sweet-savory complexity
• Tomato slices: Adds juiciness and color

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

These croissants are fantastic for planning ahead:

• Make-Ahead (Unbaked): Shape and freeze unbaked croissants. Thaw overnight and bake fresh.
• Make-Ahead (Baked): Bake, cool, and store in fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze baked or unbaked. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

Perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping lunch.

How to Reheat Without Losing Flakiness

Keep that croissant magic alive with these tips:

• Use a conventional oven, not microwave
• Wrap loosely in foil and bake at 325°F for 8–10 minutes
• Or reheat uncovered on a baking sheet to crisp up the exterior

Avoid soggy bottoms by placing on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your ham and cheese croissant with:

• A light green salad or arugula with vinaigrette
• Tomato soup or potato leek soup
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Coffee, tea, or even a mimosa for brunch

Serve warm for best results, with a touch of Dijon on the side.

Dietary Swaps & Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use meatless deli slices or skip ham entirely and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Gluten-Free: Use a GF puff pastry (available at many health stores)
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour fathead dough to wrap the filling
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and vegan cheese alternatives

Nutritional Info (Approx. per croissant)

• Calories: ~280–350 depending on size
• Protein: ~12–15g
• Fat: ~15–20g
• Carbs: ~25–30g

Can be lightened by using reduced-fat cheese or smaller portions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Leads to leaking or tearing dough
• Skipping egg wash: Misses out on golden, glossy finish
• Rolling too tight: Prevents proper rising and creates dense rolls
• Using cold butter in dough incorrectly: Laminating only works with proper chilling and folding

Ham and Cheese Croissants for Entertaining

Hosting brunch or a breakfast meeting? These croissants are ideal:

• Make mini versions for finger food trays
• Create a croissant sandwich bar with different fillings
• Offer alongside fresh juice, coffee, and fruit

They’re elegant, filling, and easy to scale.

Final Thoughts: The Irresistible Charm of a Ham and Cheese Croissant

There’s a reason the Ham and Cheese Croissant never goes out of style. It combines the flaky elegance of French baking with the everyday comfort of warm, cheesy, savory goodness. Whether you make them from scratch or take the shortcut with pre-made dough, these croissants are guaranteed to satisfy.

Master the basic recipe, and you can endlessly customize it to your taste, your occasion, and your guests. Once you’ve made them once, don’t be surprised if they become a requested favorite in your kitchen.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a ham and cheese croissant that’s truly worth savoring.

Print