Andy Montoya
Ham and cheese croissants are a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for a cafe-style brunch or a quick snack. They are also incredibly easy to make at home, with just a few simple ingredients. The key to a great ham and cheese croissant is in the quality of the ingredients—a good, buttery croissant, sliced ham, and a cheese of your choice are the perfect combination. With the addition of Dijon mustard and herbs, this simple sandwich is elevated to something special.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350°F-400°F (175°C) |
| Pastry type | Puff pastry |
| Filling | Ham, cheese, mustard |
| Cheese type | Swiss, Gruyère, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Gouda |
| Extras | Herbs, Honey, Green onions, Sea salt |
| Baking time | 8-15 minutes |
| Reheating | 350°F oven for 5 minutes, microwave for 20 seconds |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right ham
Ham and cheese croissants are a delicious treat, but choosing the right ham is essential to elevate the flavour. The best type of ham for this dish is a good quality, thinly sliced ham. The thinness of the slices ensures the ham cooks evenly and melts in your mouth.
There are a variety of hams to choose from, each with a distinct flavour that will complement the cheese and croissant. Black Forest ham is a popular choice, known for its smoky flavour and tender texture. This variety adds a unique, savoury taste to the croissant. Deli ham is another excellent option, widely available and perfect for a quick, convenient meal. Leftover ham from a previous meal can also be used, adding a homemade touch to your croissant.
For those seeking a more indulgent option, splurging on a higher-quality ham from a local deli or specialty store can take your croissant to the next level. Investing in premium sliced ham will make your croissant truly memorable.
When selecting your ham, consider the overall flavour profile you wish to achieve. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a ham with less salt or a hint of sweetness. On the other hand, if you crave a bolder flavour, choose a variety with a smokier, more intense flavour profile. Ultimately, the right ham for your croissant depends on your personal preference and the type of culinary experience you desire.
The Perfect Philly: Shaved Beef, Melty Cheese, Toasty Bread
You may want to see also
Selecting the best cheese
When layering your croissant, start with a layer of cheese on the bottom half to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy from the ham. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the croissants during the last few minutes of baking for some extra flavour and visual appeal.
If you're looking for a softer, more steamed texture, wrap the filled croissants in aluminium foil before baking. However, if you prefer a crispier exterior, leave them unwrapped.
Remember, the key is to use high-quality, fresh, and buttery croissants, along with the best ham and cheese available. This will ensure your ham and cheese croissant turns out delicious!
Delicious Cheesy Pretzel Poppers: Kim & Scott's Recipe
You may want to see also
Preparing the puff pastry
Once your puff pastry is ready, unfold it and lay it out on a lightly floured work surface. This will prevent it from sticking to the surface. Lightly flouring the surface is especially important if you're working with frozen or chilled puff pastry. At this stage, you can cut the puff pastry into your desired shape and size. Some recipes call for cutting the pastry into strips, while others suggest creating squares, which can be folded into triangles to form the croissants.
The next step is to brush the puff pastry with an egg wash. This will give the pastry a golden, buttery colour and texture when baked. You can also add a layer of mustard to the pastry, leaving a small border along the edges. The mustard adds flavour and can also act as a barrier to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy from the fillings.
After brushing the pastry with egg wash and/or mustard, it's time to add the fillings. Place the ham and cheese on the pastry, ensuring they are distributed evenly and don't overflow. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyère, Cheddar, or mozzarella, depending on your preference. Fold the pastry over the fillings, creating a parcel or triangle shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together or using a bit of water.
Finally, before baking, you can brush the assembled croissants with another layer of egg wash. This will enhance the golden colour and give the pastry a shiny finish. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or grated cheese on top for added flavour and texture.
Delicious Stuffed Green Peppers: No Cheese, No Problem!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Layering the ingredients
Step 1: The Base Layer
Start by laying out your puff pastry sheet. You can use store-bought puff pastry or make your own. Just make sure it's nice and cold, as this will make it easier to handle. If you're using a block of puff pastry, roll it out gently on a floured surface to create a rough square or rectangle.
Step 2: The Mustard
Brush the pastry with a thin layer of Dijon mustard, leaving a border around the edges. The mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavour that complements the savouriness of the ham and cheese. You can also experiment with other types of mustard, such as whole grain, to add a little crunch.
Step 3: The Cheese
Now it's time to add the cheese. Sprinkle grated or shredded cheese over the mustard, or place slices of cheese, tearing them as needed to cover the surface. Swiss cheese is a popular choice due to its melting qualities and nutty flavour, but feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Gruyère, cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Step 4: The Ham
Layer the ham slices on top of the cheese. You can use thinly sliced deli ham, Black Forest ham, or any good quality ham you prefer. Fold the ham slices as needed to fit inside the edges of the pastry. If you're using larger slices, you might want to cut them in half first.
Step 5: The Filling
At this point, you can add any additional ingredients you like. Sliced tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, caramelised onions, or even green onions can add flavour and texture. Just remember not to overload the pastry, as you'll need to seal it up.
Step 6: The Seal
Now it's time to seal in all those delicious flavours. Brush the edges of the pastry with an egg wash (beaten egg), which will help it turn golden and crispy when baked. If you're using two sheets of puff pastry, drape the second sheet over the filling, pressing gently around the filling to remove any air and sealing the edges. If you're using a single sheet, bring the two horizontal points together and seal them with a bit of water, creating a little parcel.
Your ham and cheese croissants are now ready to be baked! Remember to preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper before placing your croissants on it. Enjoy the delicious results of your layering efforts!
Juustoleipa Cheese: Cooking Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Baking the croissants
Brush the croissants with egg wash to give them a golden, buttery finish. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or grated cheese on top for added flavour and texture. Place the croissants on the prepared baking sheet and monitor the baking time. Bake until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown, which usually takes around 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the recipe.
For a softer, more steamed texture, wrap the filled croissants in aluminium foil before baking. If you prefer a crispier exterior, leave them unwrapped. The croissants are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the ham is tender. You can pair them with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Leftover croissants can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about five minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm them up.
The Perfect Stone-Ground Cheese Grits: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need puff pastry, ham, cheese, and mustard. You can also add herbs, honey, sea salt, and green onions.
Swiss cheese is a popular choice due to its nutty flavour and melting qualities. However, you can also use cheddar, gruyère, gouda, or mozzarella.
Black Forest ham is a good option, but any good quality, thinly sliced ham will work.
First, preheat your oven to around 350°F or 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, brush puff pastry strips with mustard and layer with ham and cheese. Fold the pastry to create a croissant shape, then brush with egg wash. Bake for 8-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pastry is golden brown.
Place the croissants in a 350-degree oven for about five minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm them up.
