Description
Savor the buttery, flaky layers of ham and cheese croissants filled with savory ham, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack, these croissants are easy to make with store-bought puff pastry and deliver bakery-level results right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (14 oz.) puff pastry (cold)
- ½ pound thinly sliced ham
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ¼ cups grated Baby Swiss or Gruyere cheese
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Gather all ingredients and keep the puff pastry cold in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- Lightly flour your work surface.
- Roll the puff pastry slightly to about 13 ½ x 11 ½ inches.
- Cut into four equal rectangles.
- Assemble the Croissants:
- Lay a rectangle with one point facing you (like a diamond).
- Layer 2 ounces of ham vertically in the center.
- Spread 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard over the ham.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup grated cheese over the mustard and ham.
- Add a pinch of herbes de Provence for flavor.
- Fold and Seal:
- Fold the left and right points of the pastry toward the center, overlapping them to form a “pocket.”
- Seal edges by pinching them together, using a bit of water if necessary.
- Chill the Croissants:
- Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes (or overnight for make-ahead).
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of the croissants for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle with a little grated cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 26–27 minutes, or until golden brown and the edges of the ham are slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Cold puff pastry ensures maximum flakiness. If it softens, return it to the fridge.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes sealing the pastry difficult.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp up.
- Freezing: Assemble croissants and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French