Ultimate Homemade Ham and Cheese Croissants

When it comes to delightful pastries, few dishes can beat the buttery, flaky goodness of ham and cheese croissants. Originating from France, these delectable treats have become a breakfast and brunch favorite worldwide, combining luscious ham with rich, gooey cheese enveloped in layers of golden croissant dough. With this easy ham and cheese croissant recipe, you’ll learn how to create this classic dish right in your own kitchen, ensuring a freshly baked experience that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

The unique qualities of homemade ham and cheese croissants lie in their extraordinary layers. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory ham and melted cheese, all encased in a wonderfully airy and crisp pastry. Plus, making homemade ham and cheese croissants from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and superior flavor, it also presents a rewarding baking experience. So whether you’re preparing for a special gathering or just a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe has got you covered!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 croissants

Ingredients

For the Croissant Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus 1 1/2 cups cold butter for layering)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling

• 8 ounces thinly sliced ham (preferably smoked or honey-baked)
• 8 ounces shredded cheese (gruyere, swiss, or cheddar work great)

Alternative Ingredients

• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• If you’re looking for a vegan ham and cheese croissant, use vegan cheese and ham alternatives, and substitute dairy with almond milk.

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Kitchen thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warmed milk, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the softened butter to the flour mixture.

2. Mix the Dough

Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they form a shaggy dough. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Butter Layer

While the dough is rising, take the cold butter and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the butter into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate the butter layer while the dough rises.

4. Laminate the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (approximately 1/2 inch thick). Place the chilled butter layer in the center and fold the dough over it, encasing the butter. Roll the dough out again into a large rectangle and perform a letter fold by folding the dough into thirds. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Repeat the Folding Process

After resting, roll out the dough again and perform two more letter folds, chilling in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes after each fold. This will create the flaky layers characteristic of croissants.

6. Shape the Croissants

After the final chill, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles (about 4-5 inches wide at the base). Place a few slices of ham and cheese at the base of each triangle, and gently roll them up from the base towards the tip. Ensure that the tip is tucked underneath the croissant.

7. Second Rise

Place the shaped croissants on a lined baking sheet with a bit of space between them. Cover lightly with a towel and let them rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy and doubled in size.

8. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare an egg wash by whisking the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.

9. Bake

Bake the croissants for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The aroma of warm, buttery pastries will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table!

10. Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the croissants to cool slightly on a wire rack before enjoying them warm. The perfect bite reveals the hot, melted cheese and savory ham, enclosed in a flaky, buttery crust.

Special Notes

For optimal flavor and texture, serve croissants fresh out of the oven. However, they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Variations and Customizations

For those following a gluten-free diet, look for a suitable gluten-free flour blend. If you want a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to your filling. You can also experiment with other fillings, such as spinach and feta, to create your personalized version of a ham and cheese croissant.

Nutritional Information (Optional)

On average, each ham and cheese croissant contains approximately:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

As you prepare these croissants, take a moment to appreciate the sensory experience. From the sound of the rolling pin working against the dough to the sight of the croissants rising in the oven, it is truly a feast for the senses. Consider including images capturing each stage—from kneading dough to brushing on the egg wash—to give readers a clear visual guide to how their croissants should progress.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate recipe for homemade ham and cheese croissants! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a breakfast treat or pack them for a delightful brunch with friends. Their flaky, buttery goodness is bound to impress and satisfy. If you try this recipe, leave a comment below to tell us how it turned out! And don’t forget to share your delicious creations on Instagram by tagging us with MyDeliciousDish for a chance to be featured!