Ham and Cheese Croissants

My go-to dinner when guests pop over unexpectedly is this buttery, golden ham and cheese stuffed croissant. It's such a simple dish that looks way fancier than the effort involved. The flaky layers transform basic sandwich fixings into something that feels truly special—and that buttery topping? Absolutely next-level.

These stuffed croissants became our Sunday tradition completely by accident. Some friends crashed at our place overnight, and I threw these together with what I had on hand. Now my husband asks for them practically every weekend when we want something that feels fancy but doesn't need much work.

What You'll Need

• Large croissants: they're your crispy, flaky base that makes everything taste better
• Sliced ham: go for something with good flavor—I like honey ham or smoked varieties for extra taste
• Swiss or cheddar slices: pick Swiss if you want something mild and nutty, or grab cheddar when you're craving something with a bit more punch
• Dijon mustard: this cuts through all the richness and adds a nice zing—don't skip it
• Regular butter: don't even think about using margarine here, you'll need the real thing for that gorgeous golden finish
• Garlic powder: just a touch adds amazing flavor to your butter topping
• Poppy seeds: they're totally optional but add a nice crunch and make everything look fancy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat Your Oven:

Get your oven warming up to 350°F while you put everything together. This temperature works perfectly—hot enough to melt everything but not so hot that your croissants burn before the cheese melts. Put your rack right in the middle for even cooking.

Cut Your Croissants:

Grab a serrated knife and gently cut each croissant in half horizontally. Don't press down too hard or you'll squish all those lovely layers. Try to keep both halves about the same thickness so they'll cook evenly.

Spread Some Mustard:

Take about a teaspoon of Dijon and spread it on the bottom half of your croissant. Don't go overboard—you want flavor but not so much that it overpowers everything else. The mustard also helps keep the bread from getting soggy.

Stack Your Fillings:

Fold a couple slices of ham and place them on the mustard-spread half. Folding creates little pockets where the cheese can melt into. Then lay your cheese on top, tearing it if needed to fit the croissant shape.

Mix Your Topping:

Grab a small bowl and mix your melted butter with the garlic powder and poppy seeds if you're using them. Stir it all together so the flavors blend nicely. This mixture is what'll give your croissants that amazing golden top.

Put Everything Together:

Place the top halves back on your croissants. Then take a pastry brush and generously coat the tops with your butter mixture. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.

Bake Until Golden:

Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange your prepared croissants with a bit of space between them. Pop them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You'll know they're done when the cheese is all melty and the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

During summer I love adding a slice of juicy tomato and some fresh basil leaves to these sandwiches. It reminds me of sitting at my grandma's kitchen table in southern France. She'd make these upgraded croissant sandwiches whenever we visited, and that combo of warm, crunchy bread and gooey cheese always takes me right back to those sunny afternoons.

Make Them Ahead

These fancy sandwiches are perfect when you need a quick dinner option ready to go. You can put them together without the butter topping, wrap each one in foil, and store them in your fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to eat, just brush on the seasoned butter and pop them in the oven. Add about 3 minutes to the baking time since they'll be cold from the fridge. If you've got any leftover, store them in a sealed container and warm them up in a 300°F oven until they're heated through again.

Mix It Up

While ham and cheese is a classic combo, don't be afraid to try something different. My family loves them with turkey and havarti with a bit of cranberry sauce around the holidays. For a meat-free version, sautéed mushrooms with swiss is amazingly good. Breakfast versions work great too—just add scrambled egg and bacon instead of ham. The technique stays exactly the same no matter what you stuff inside. My personal favorite for fancy dinners is prosciutto with brie and a tiny bit of fig jam.

What To Serve With Them

These stuffed croissants go really well with a simple green salad dressed with just a bit of olive oil and lemon juice—the freshness balances out all that buttery goodness. When we have them for breakfast, I'll put out some berries and yogurt on the side. They're also really good with a cup of tomato soup for dunking on chilly evenings. When friends come over, I'll cut them diagonally after baking and put them on a big platter with some sliced apples, little pickles, and extra mustard so everyone can help themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I try different cheeses?

Of course! You can swap Swiss or cheddar for options like Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella to suit your taste.

→ What’s the baking time and temp?

Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese melts nicely.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the croissants and refrigerate them. Just bake when ready to serve for the best results.

→ Is Dijon mustard a must?

You can skip it if you prefer! Swap it out with mayo or honey mustard for a milder twist.

→ Ideas for side dishes?

These croissants are perfect with a crisp salad, some roasted veggies, or creamy tomato soup on the side.

→ Are poppy seeds essential?

Not at all. They add some crunch and nuttiness but can easily be left out.