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Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

crispy baked ham and cheese croissants - featured image

These crispy baked ham and cheese croissants are a quick and easy brunch recipe featuring flaky croissant dough stuffed with smoky ham and melty cheese, finished with a buttery glaze for irresistible crunch. Perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or a comforting breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or ready-made croissant dough)
  • 8 slices smoked ham (thinly sliced, deli-style or leftover ham)
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, cheddar, or other melty cheese)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried parsley or thyme (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried parsley or thyme, and black pepper to make the butter glaze.
  3. Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. If using croissant dough, cut into triangles about 4 inches wide at the base.
  4. Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese at the wide end of each triangle.
  5. Roll up each triangle from the wide end toward the point, tucking ends under slightly. Place on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
  6. Brush tops and sides of each croissant generously with the butter glaze.
  7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until croissants are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Start checking at 12 minutes.
  9. Let cool for 3-5 minutes on the tray before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use gluten-free crescent roll dough and plant-based cheese/butter. Don’t overstuff croissants to avoid cheese leakage. Chill dough if sticky for easier handling. Croissants can be assembled ahead and baked fresh in the morning. For extra crispiness, cool on a rack. Variations include swapping ham for turkey, adding tomato or spinach, or using different cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese croissants, baked croissants, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, crescent roll croissants, family brunch, comfort food