🥐 Cheesy Ham Croissants
Introduction
Flaky, buttery layers wrapped around oozy cheese and savory ham—these croissants deliver bakery vibes with weeknight effort. Use store-bought puff pastry for speed or homemade dough when you feel fancy. Perfect for brunch, lunch boxes, or a cozy snack straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (about 275 g) — thawed but cold
- 120 g thin-sliced cooked ham (or turkey)
- 180 g melty cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, mozzarella, or cheddar), grated
- 2 tbsp cream cheese or béchamel (optional, extra creamy)
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk, for egg wash
- Butter or oil for the tray
- Black pepper; optional pinch of paprika or mustard powder
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Equipment
- Baking tray + parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza wheel
- Pastry brush
- Oven (or air fryer; see methods)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 200°C / 400°F (190°C / 375°F fan). Line a tray and lightly grease.
- Cut pastry: Unroll pastry. If rectangular, cut into two squares, then each square into 4 triangles (8 total). If circular, cut like a pizza into 8 slices.
- Fill: At the wide end, spread a thin layer of cream cheese/béchamel (optional), add a few ham strips and 2–3 tbsp cheese. Season with a little pepper.
- Roll: Roll tightly toward the tip. Curve ends slightly for the classic shape. Place seam-side down on the tray, spacing well.
- Glaze: Beat the egg with milk. Brush all over. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cheese on top (optional).
- Bake: Bake 18–22 minutes until puffed and deep golden. Cool 5 minutes, garnish with herbs, and serve warm.
Methods & Variations
- Air Fryer: 180°C / 360°F for 10–12 min. Work in batches.
- Croque style: Brush inside with Dijon mustard; add a slice of tomato.
- Herb-garlic: Mix 1 tsp parsley + 1/2 tsp garlic powder with the cheese.
- No pork: Use turkey, chicken deli, or sautéed mushrooms + spinach.
- Extra creamy: Spoon 1 tbsp béchamel inside (classic French vibe).
- Mini bites: Cut 12–16 smaller triangles; bake 12–15 min.
History (Short & Sweet)
The modern croissant rose to fame in 19th-century Paris, though its layered technique traces to Austrian kipferl. The beloved jambon-fromage (ham-and-cheese) combo became a café staple—our quick version uses puff pastry to bring those buttery layers home with minimal effort.
Benefits
- Quick prep with supermarket puff pastry.
- Kid-friendly, portable, and freezer-friendly.
- Balanced snack: carbs for energy + protein & calcium from ham and cheese.
Formation (Why it Works)
Puff pastry’s thin butter-laminated layers trap steam as they heat, lifting the dough into flaky sheets. Keeping the pastry cold preserves lamination; the egg wash promotes shine and browning. Moist fillings (béchamel/cream cheese) protect layers from drying while melty cheeses provide the signature stretch.
Serving Ideas (For Lovers & Friends)
- Serve warm with a simple green salad and vinaigrette for brunch.
- Pair with tomato soup on chilly days.
- Date-night tray: add cornichons, olives, and honey-mustard dip.
Troubleshooting
- Leakage? Don’t overfill; keep seam underneath; chill 10 min before baking.
- Not flaky? Pastry warmed up—work faster or chill between steps.
- Pale top? Brush a second light coat of egg wash halfway through baking.
Conclusion
With five core ingredients and one tray, these Cheesy Ham Croissants bring bakery-level comfort to your kitchen. Crisp outside, creamy inside—guaranteed crowd pleasers you’ll bake on repeat.
Recipe by Sanad • Feel free to reuse this block on your site.