Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Day-old croissants work best as they're slightly firmer and hold the fillings better

For extra flavor, toast the inside of the croissants lightly before adding fillings

Create an assembly line if making multiple croissants to streamline the process

Don't overstuff the croissants or the fillings may leak out during baking

Try different cheese combinations like Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar with Monterey Jack

For a lighter version, use turkey instead of ham and reduced-fat cheese

Cover with foil halfway through baking if the croissants are browning too quickly

For make-ahead convenience, assemble the night before and bake in the morning

Leftover croissants can be wrapped and refrigerated, then reheated in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes

For a breakfast version, add a fried or scrambled egg before baking

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Name: Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French-American, Fusion
Ingredients: For the Croissants:; 4 large croissants (day-old works well); 8 slices good quality ham; 8 slices cheese (Swiss, Gruyère, or Cheddar); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Pinch of black pepper; Optional Add-ins:; Baby spinach leaves; Sliced tomatoes; Caramelized onions; Sliced mushrooms, sautéed; Fresh basil leaves; For Serving:; Mixed green salad; Pickle spears; Dijon mustard or honey mustard; Fresh fruit; Equipment:; Baking sheet; Parchment paper or aluminum foil; Serrated knife; Pastry brush; Small bowl for butter mixture

These Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants transform ordinary croissants into an extraordinary meal that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a casual dinner. Buttery, flaky croissants are filled with savory ham and melted cheese, then baked until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside. The croissants develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while the cheese melts into a gooey, delicious layer that complements the salty ham perfectly. Easy to prepare ahead of time and customizable with various fillings and cheeses, these croissants are ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. Serve them warm from the oven for a satisfying dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Croissants:

4 large croissants (day-old works well)

8 slices good quality ham

8 slices cheese (Swiss, Gruyère, or Cheddar)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

Baby spinach leaves

Sliced tomatoes

Caramelized onions

Sliced mushrooms, sautéed

Fresh basil leaves

For Serving:

Mixed green salad

Pickle spears

Dijon mustard or honey mustard

Fresh fruit

Equipment:

Baking sheet

Parchment paper or aluminum foil

Serrated knife

Pastry brush

Small bowl for butter mixture

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the croissants horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge.

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard inside each croissant.

Layer each croissant with 2 slices of ham, folded to fit inside the croissant. Add any optional vegetables if using.

Add 2 slices of cheese on top of the ham, again folding if necessary to fit inside the croissant.

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, honey, dried thyme (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper.

Brush the tops of the croissants generously with the butter mixture, allowing some to drip inside.

Place the prepared croissants on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with a side salad, pickle spears, additional mustard, or fresh fruit.

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants

Ingredients

Instructions