Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
Easy, flaky baked ham and cheese croissants are the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. After making these many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting them golden and crispy every time. The warm, melty cheese and tender ham make these croissants irresistible. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try these Amish Cinnamon Flop for dessert and Pair these croissants with Crispy Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Quesadillas.
Why This Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy exterior
- Melty, gooey cheese inside
- Tender, flavorful ham
- Ready in just 20 minutes
What You'll Need for Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Puff pastry
- Honey ham
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Egg wash (egg + milk)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Dijon mustard
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Puff pastry: Use frozen, store-bought puff pastry for ease.
- Honey ham: You can also use deli ham or cooked ham.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Pizza cutter — Makes cutting pastry easy and clean. → See on Amazon
- Baking sheet — Ensures even baking and easy cleanup. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
- Prepare the pastry: Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll out into a rectangle.
- Add the filling: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) on the pastry. Layer ham and cheese on one half of the pastry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the croissants: Fold the pastry over the filling. Cut into 6-8 pieces. Twist each piece to form a croissant shape. Place on a baking sheet.
- Chill and bake: Chill the croissants for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
- Common mistake and fix: Avoid over-browning by tenting the croissants with aluminum foil if they're browning too quickly.
- Pro tip: For extra crispy croissants, brush with melted butter after baking.
- Pro tip: Make-ahead tip: Assemble croissants, freeze, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storing & Reheating Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: These croissants can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Freezing Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
Freeze assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. This may make the pastry soggy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble croissants, freeze, then bake straight from frozen.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If your croissants aren't browning, increase the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and tent with aluminum foil.
Want to level up this recipe?
Parchment paper — Prevents the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- Honey ham
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Egg wash (egg + milk)
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: Thaw puff pastry according to package instructions. Roll out into a rectangle.
- Add the filling: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional) on the pastry. Layer ham and cheese on one half of the pastry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the croissants: Fold the pastry over the filling. Cut into 6-8 pieces. Twist each piece to form a croissant shape. Place on a baking sheet.
- Chill and bake: Chill the croissants for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble croissants, freeze, then bake straight from frozen.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If your croissants aren't browning, increase the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and tent with aluminum foil.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. This may make the pastry soggy.
- Make ahead: These croissants can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch FAQs
Yes, assemble the croissants, freeze, then bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Increase the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) and tent with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Yes, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Swiss for extra flavor.
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave may make the pastry soggy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants for Breakfast or Brunch and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
