Croissants With Ham And Cheese

Name: Croissants With Ham And Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 croissants
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 10g salt; 40g granulated sugar; 10g active dry yeast; 300ml whole milk, lukewarm; 300g unsalted butter, cold; 1 egg, for egg wash; 200g ham, sliced; 200g cheese, grated (such as Gruyère or Swiss)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I love the flaky layers and buttery goodness of croissants, and when you add ham and cheese, it becomes a delightful meal or snack! Making these croissants from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. The combination of warm, toasty croissant encasing savory ham and melty cheese is pure bliss. Whether I serve them for breakfast or enjoy them as a special treat during the day, they never fail to impress family and friends.

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:16:37.266Z

When I first tried making croissants with ham and cheese, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together. The buttery layers of the croissant perfectly complement the savory ham and rich cheese. It's essential to roll the dough thinly but not too much, as it needs to hold the fillings. I remember playing around with different types of cheese until I found the perfect balance of flavor and melt, which ultimately transformed this recipe into a family favorite.

Every time I prepare these croissants, I love to experiment with different kinds of ham, from classic deli slices to gourmet options. I find that using a high-quality cheese, such as Gruyère or Swiss, elevates the dish even more. Waiting for the croissants to bake while they fill the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas has become one of my favorite moments. Once they emerge golden-brown and crispy, I can hardly resist devouring them immediately!

Why You'll Love These Croissants
Warm, flaky texture with a deliciously savory filling
Customizable with your choice of ham and cheese
Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a comforting snack

The Importance of Butter

Using cold unsalted butter is crucial for the flakiness of your croissants. During the rolling and folding process, the butter creates layers separated by dough. If your butter is too warm, it will blend into the dough instead of forming distinctive layers, resulting in a denser croissant rather than the light, airy texture we desire. Make sure to keep your butter chilled and even consider placing it in the freezer for a few minutes before incorporating it into the dough.

When incorporating the butter, aim to achieve a smooth seal around the edges of the dough. This prevents the butter from leaking out while you roll it out. If you find that the dough is tearing, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling it again. It’s worth taking your time here, as achieving a uniform thickness will ensure consistent cooking and promise beautiful, flaky layers once baked.

Rolling and Folding Technique

The technique used in rolling and folding the dough—often referred to as laminating—requires patience. After each fold, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This not only makes the dough easier to work with but also helps to keep the butter cold, enhancing the flakiness. Be sure to roll the dough into a neat rectangle with even edges; this will help maintain an even size for your croissants and allow for even baking.

When cutting the triangles for shaping the croissants, make sure they are of an even size, usually about 10 cm at the base. This uniformity ensures that the croissants bake evenly. After filling, be gentle but firm when rolling them up to maintain the shape and prevent them from unrolling while baking. A light touch is necessary, especially with the point—make sure it’s nestled under the croissant to avoid unfurling during the baking process.

Ingredients

For the Croissants

500g all-purpose flour
10g salt
40g granulated sugar
10g active dry yeast
300ml whole milk, lukewarm
300g unsalted butter, cold
1 egg, for egg wash

For the Filling

200g ham, sliced
200g cheese, grated (such as Gruyère or Swiss)

Make sure to use cold butter and work quickly to maintain a light texture in your croissants.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Pour in the lukewarm milk and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

Incorporate Butter

Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place cold butter in the center and fold the dough over it, sealing the edges. Roll out again and perform a three-fold. Chill for 30 minutes before repeating the folding process twice.

Shape the Croissants

After the final folding, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Cut into triangles. Place ham and cheese on the base and roll tightly towards the point. Ensure the point is tucked underneath.

Bake

Place the shaped croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash. Let rise for 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the croissants cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture.

Storage Tips

Croissants are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Allow the baked croissants to cool completely before wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to a month in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen croissants, there’s no need to defrost them. Simply pop them straight into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and the outer layer is crispy. This will help restore some of that fresh-baked texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These croissants can shine at any meal, but they are particularly delightful for brunch. Pair them with a simple side salad or a bowl of fresh fruit for a light and satisfying meal. You might also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as a honey mustard or a tangy aioli, to elevate the flavor experience a bit more.

Additionally, feel free to get creative with the filling. While ham and cheese are a classic combination, you could experiment with other ingredients like spinach or roasted vegetables for added flavor. Switching up the cheese to something zesty like feta or sharp cheddar can also create a different flavor profile while still maintaining that flaky, buttery goodness that croissants are known for.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-made croissant dough?

Absolutely! Pre-made dough can save time and still yield delicious results.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella are great choices as they melt beautifully.

→ How do I store leftover croissants?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add a nice twist to the filling.