Ham and Cheese Croissants
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If you’re looking for a low-effort win, these ham and cheese croissants are exactly that. I’ve played around with a few different versions, and there’s just something about the way the savory filling levels up a simple croissant that makes it feel special. Here’s the simple way I pull them together so they come out perfectly flaky every single time.
The beauty of this simple dish is that it can be served for breakfast or as a light dinner. Serve with a side of fresh fruit, a simple side salad, or even pickles.
What Makes These Ham and Cheese Croissants A Win
- Easy weeknight dinner. When you’re exhausted and the “what’s for dinner” question feels like a lot, these come together with almost zero effort.
- Budget-friendly meal. You can pull together a really impressive-tasting spread using just a few simple pantry and fridge staples.
- Great for meal prep. You can easily assemble a batch ahead of time, which makes those busy mornings or late nights feel a lot more manageable.
Some recipes just earn a permanent spot in your back pocket, and these baked ham and cheese croissants are one of them. They feel bakery level, but they come together with simple ingredients and almost no prep. The flaky layers crisp up perfectly around melty cheese and savory ham, making them just as welcome on a brunch table as they are on a busy weeknight when everyone is asking what’s for dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful with just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, cheesy croissants that taste like they came from your favorite café:
- Butter – Melted and brushed on top for that golden, bakery-style finish.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a little tang and depth without overpowering.
- Worcestershire sauce – A sneaky flavor booster that brings umami magic.
- Everything bagel seasoning – For crunch, salt, and flavor in every bite.
- Croissants – Use bakery-style or store-bought, just make sure they’re fresh and flaky.
- Sliced ham – Deli ham works great. Go for a smoked or honey variety for extra flavor.
- Cheese – Swiss, cheddar, or provolone all melt beautifully. Pick your favorite!
That’s it! Simple ingredients that come together for a sandwich that feels anything but basic.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
These Ham and Cheese Croissants are my lazy brunch love language. They feel fancy but take almost zero effort. Layer, brush, and bake. The everything bagel seasoning on top is a total game changer and makes them look (and taste) like you snagged them from a bakery.
Tip from Jesseca:
Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the croissants crisp and melty, microwaving makes them soggy fast.
Substitutions and Variations
These croissants are super customizable, so don’t stress if you’re missing something:
- Ham: Swap for turkey, roast beef, or even crispy bacon.
- Cheese: Use whatever melts well. Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a kick.
- Dijon: Not a fan? Try honey mustard or skip it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Everything seasoning: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or just flaky salt works too.
- Croissants: No croissants? Try Hawaiian rolls or crescent dough for a fun twist.
Make it your own and use what you’ve got, this recipe is super forgiving.
How to Freeze Them for Later
One of the best things about these croissant sandwiches is how well they work for planning ahead. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for brunch, or just making life easier on a busy night, these hold up beautifully.
- Make Ahead (Refrigerator): Assemble the sandwiches exactly as directed but stop before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the sandwiches in a freezer-safe baking dish but do not add the butter topping yet. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, pour the butter mixture over the top, add the seasoning, and bake as directed.
- Freeze After Baking: Bake the sandwiches fully and allow them to cool completely. Wrap individual sandwiches in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm frozen or refrigerated sandwiches in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. The croissants crisp right back up, making them taste freshly baked.
Ham and Cheese Croissants Questions, Answered
Yes! Assemble the sandwiches (without the butter topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add the butter mixture and bake the next day.
Deli ham, honey ham, or even leftover spiral ham all work great—just slice it thin so it layers well.
You can! Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack all melt well and taste great. Use your favorite or mix it up!
Yes, but the texture will be softer. They’ll still be delicious, just more like a slider than a crisp croissant sandwich.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These croissants are just as good the next day—if you have any left!
- Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer at 300°F until heated through. Skip the microwave to keep the croissants from getting soggy.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the sandwiches up to 1 day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the butter mixture and seasoning just before baking for the freshest texture.
Perfect for meal prep, party planning, or those mornings when you need a win.
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Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 6 large croissants (12 small)
- 1 pound thinly sliced cooked deli ham
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Carefully slice the croissants in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom halves in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Add half of the ham slices evenly over the croissant bottoms. Spoon about one-third of the butter mixture over the ham. Add a slice of cheese to each sandwich, then layer the remaining ham on top.
- Place the croissant tops back on. Pour the rest of the butter mixture evenly over the tops and brush to coat. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice between the sandwiches. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
