Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Simple Introduction

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the kind of recipe that instantly makes a kitchen feel warm, cozy, and welcoming. Buttery, flaky croissants are stuffed with savory deli ham and gooey melted cheese, then brushed with a lightly sweet, tangy butter spread that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is a golden, irresistible dish that tastes like something from a bakery or brunch café—but comes together easily at home with simple ingredients.

These croissants are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, potlucks, baby showers, holiday mornings, or even an easy lunch or dinner paired with a salad. They strike that magical balance between elegant and effortless. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something comforting and indulgent without a lot of prep, Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants deliver every time.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants: ingredient choices, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, make-ahead options, storage, reheating, serving ideas, and more. This is your one-stop, SEO-optimized, bakery-style recipe guide designed to help you master Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants at home.

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Why You’ll Love These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

There are countless reasons why this recipe becomes a favorite after just one bite:

• Flaky, buttery texture thanks to store-bought croissants

• Savory and cheesy filling that’s satisfying without being heavy

• Sweet and tangy butter glaze that takes the flavor to the next level

• Quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes

• Perfect for make-ahead meals and entertaining

• Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dinner

• Crowd-pleasing for kids and adults alike

If you love recipes that feel fancy but are secretly easy, these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants belong in your regular rotation.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 18 minutes

• Total Time: 38 minutes

• Yield: 8 servings

• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

• Method: Baking

• Cuisine: American

• Keyword: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

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Ingredients for Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Main Ingredients

• 8 mini croissants
  Buttery, flaky croissants are the star of this recipe. Mini croissants work perfectly for portion control and serving, but you can also use regular-sized croissants if desired.

• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese, halved
  Smoked cheddar adds depth and richness, but regular cheddar works just as well.

• ¾ lb deli-cut ham
  Use good-quality ham for the best flavor. Thinly sliced ham layers beautifully inside the croissants.

Butter Spread & Topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  This forms the base of the flavorful spread.

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  Adds tang and balances the richness of the cheese and croissants.

• 1 tablespoon honey
  Brings a subtle sweetness that caramelizes during baking.

• ½–1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  Adds umami depth—use more if you like bold flavor.

• 1 large egg white
  Creates a glossy, golden finish when brushed on top.

• Poppy seeds, for sprinkling
  Optional but highly recommended for texture and bakery-style appeal.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.

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2. Prepare the Croissants

Slice each mini croissant horizontally, keeping the top and bottom intact like a sandwich. On the bottom half:

1. Place half a slice of cheese

2. Add a layer of deli ham

3. Top with another half slice of cheese

Close with the croissant top. The double layer of cheese helps everything melt together perfectly.

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3. Make the Butter Spread

In a small bowl, combine:

• Softened butter

• Yellow mustard

• Honey

• Worcestershire sauce

Mix until smooth and fully combined. This butter mixture is what makes these Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants so special—it seeps into the layers and adds incredible flavor.

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4. Assemble the Croissants

Spread a small amount of the butter mixture inside each croissant sandwich, focusing on the cut sides. Don’t overfill—just enough to coat the bread lightly.

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5. Arrange in the Baking Dish

Place the filled croissants snugly in the prepared baking dish. Packing them close together helps them stay soft and encourages even baking.

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6. Egg Wash & Topping

Whisk the egg white with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the croissants lightly, then sprinkle with poppy seeds for a classic bakery-style finish.

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7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until:

• The croissants are golden brown

• The cheese is fully melted

• The tops are glossy and lightly crisp

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8. Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is still melty.

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Tips for the Best Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Choose the Right Croissants

Fresh bakery-style croissants work best, but packaged croissants are perfectly fine. Avoid croissants that are overly dry or stale.

Don’t Overfill

Too much filling can cause the cheese to leak out excessively. A balanced layer keeps everything neat and delicious.

Cover if Browning Too Fast

If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Customize the Flavor

Adjust the honey and mustard ratio to your taste—more honey for sweetness, more mustard for tang.

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Cheese Variations

One of the best things about Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants is how customizable they are. Try these cheese swaps:

• Swiss cheese – Classic and mild

• Gruyère – Rich and nutty

• Mozzarella – Extra gooey and mild

• Provolone – Smooth and slightly smoky

• Pepper Jack – Adds a spicy kick

Mixing two cheeses can also create incredible depth.

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Delicious Add-Ins & Flavor Boosters

Want to elevate your Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants even more? Try adding:

• Thin tomato slices

• Fresh spinach or arugula

• Caramelized onions

• Sautéed mushrooms

• A pinch of black pepper or chili flakes

These additions make the croissants feel even more gourmet.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance:

1. Assemble the croissants completely

2. Place them in the baking dish

3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap

4. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours

When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with poppy seeds, and bake as directed.

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Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the croissants too much.

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Serving Suggestions

These croissants are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

• Fresh fruit or fruit salad

• A simple green salad

• Tomato soup

• Roasted potatoes or hash browns

• Coffee, tea, or fresh juice

They’re ideal for brunch spreads, holiday breakfasts, or casual gatherings.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 360–390 kcal

• Protein: 16–18 g

• Fat: 22–24 g

• Carbohydrates: 24–28 g

• Sugar: 5–7 g

• Sodium: 700–850 mg

Values vary based on cheese and ham used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular-sized croissants?

Yes! Simply increase the filling amounts slightly and adjust baking time by 2–3 minutes if needed.

Can I freeze Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants?

They freeze best before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I make these without mustard?

Absolutely. You can replace mustard with mayonnaise or omit it entirely, though it adds great flavor balance.

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Final Thoughts

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can turn into something truly special. With their flaky layers, savory ham, melty cheese, and sweet-tangy butter glaze, they’re comforting, indulgent, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe never disappoints.

What makes these croissants so lovable is their adaptability—you can dress them up for holidays, keep them simple for busy mornings, or customize them with your favorite cheeses and add-ins. They feel fancy enough for guests but easy enough for everyday life, which is exactly what the best recipes should be.