Randy Chandler
Ham and cheese croissants are a delicious meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be made in a variety of ways, including using sliced ham and cheese, or making them into sandwiches. The croissants can be baked in the oven and are best served warm, with the cheese melted and gooey. This simple recipe can be modified with different ingredients and toppings to create a unique and tasty dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) or 375°F |
| Baking Time | 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown |
| Baking Time for Reheating | 5-7 minutes |
| Baking Time for Pre-Made Croissants | 3-5 minutes |
| Oven Preparation | Preheat the oven |
| Baking Sheet Preparation | Line with parchment paper or lightly oil/use non-stick spray |
| Puff Pastry Preparation | Cut into 4 strips or squares/rectangles; brush with mustard and egg wash |
| Filling | Ham, cheese, mustard, poppy seeds, thyme, sesame seeds, etc. |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad, fresh fruit, soup, baked chips |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the oven to 350°F-400°F
Preheating your oven is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures your food cooks evenly. For ham and cheese croissants, preheat your oven to 350°F-400°F.
If you are making your croissants from scratch, you will want to preheat your oven to 400°F. This higher temperature is ideal for baking the puff pastry and achieving a golden-brown colour. While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your ingredients and assemble your croissants.
However, if you are reheating leftover croissants, a lower temperature of 350°F is recommended. This will ensure that your croissants are warmed through without burning. At this temperature, it should take around 5-10 minutes for your croissants to be ready.
You may also see recipes recommending a temperature of 375°F for baking ham and cheese croissants. This temperature falls within the range of 350°F-400°F, so it is a suitable option.
Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your croissants to ensure they don't burn.
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Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
To line a sheet pan with parchment paper, start by tearing off a sheet of parchment paper that is large enough to cover the entire sheet pan. You can always trim the edges later if needed. Place the sheet of parchment paper on a clean, flat surface and position the sheet pan on top. Gently press the sheet pan down onto the parchment paper to help it mould to the shape of the pan.
Next, you will need to fold the parchment paper so that it fits neatly inside the pan. Start by folding one of the longer sides of the parchment paper up and over the sheet pan, creasing the paper along the edge of the pan to create a sharp fold. Unfold this section of paper and repeat the process on the opposite side, creasing the paper along the edge of the pan. You should now have two clear creases running along the length of the parchment paper, marking out the dimensions of the sheet pan.
Now, fold the parchment paper along these creases so that it fits inside the pan. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles, then place the sheet pan on top and press down again to ensure a good fit. If the parchment paper is too large and the edges are overlapping the pan, use scissors to trim the edges so that they are flush with the sides of the pan.
Finally, place your ingredients onto the parchment paper and proceed with your recipe as instructed.
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Prepare the puff pastry
Preparing the puff pastry is a crucial step in making ham and cheese croissants. It forms the base of your croissant and ensures the other ingredients stay together. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the puff pastry:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. This is an important step to ensure even cooking throughout the baking process. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare the puff pastry.
Take your puff pastry sheet out of the fridge and lay it on a lightly floured work surface. It is important to keep the pastry cold until you are ready to work with it, as this affects the final texture. Lightly flouring the surface will prevent the pastry from sticking.
Next, use a rolling pin to gently roll out the puff pastry sheet. You want to achieve a rough square or rectangular shape, approximately 13 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches in size. If you are making multiple croissants, you can cut the sheet into 4 relatively equal squares or rectangles.
Now you have a prepared puff pastry sheet, you can add the fillings. Place each square in front of you, orienting it like a diamond with two points facing up and down, and the other two horizontally. This orientation will help you wrap the croissants effectively.
For the final preparation steps, add your fillings. Start with a layer of cheese to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, then add your desired amount of ham. You can also add extra ingredients like sliced tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, or caramelized onions at this stage.
Finally, bring the two horizontal points of the diamond together, creating a little parcel. Seal the edges with a bit of water to ensure the croissant holds together during baking.
Your puff pastry is now prepared and ready to be baked!
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Layer the ingredients
Layering the ingredients is a key step in making ham and cheese croissants. The way you layer the ingredients will determine the texture of your croissant. To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, start with a layer of cheese on the bottom half of the croissant. You can use Swiss cheese, which is traditional for its melting qualities and nutty flavour, or experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella. Then, add your sliced ham. You can use your favourite kind of ham, such as Black Forest ham, French ham, or prosciutto. Just make sure to have it sliced super thin for the best results. If you want to add some extra flavour, spread some Dijon mustard on the croissant before adding the ham.
If you're making individual croissants, you can wrap the pastry around the ham and cheese like a parcel. First, cut your puff pastry sheet into squares or rectangles, then place the ingredients in the centre. Bring two points of the pastry together in the middle, keeping some of the ham and cheese exposed so they get crispy when baked. Seal the edges with a bit of water, then chill the croissants for a short while before baking.
You can also add additional ingredients to your croissants for extra flavour and texture, such as sliced tomatoes, cooked mushrooms, or caramelized onions. However, if you prefer to keep it simple, the combination of ham, cheese, and Dijon mustard is a classic for a reason.
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Bake for 8-27 minutes
The baking time for your ham and cheese croissants will depend on the temperature of your oven and the texture you are aiming for. For a softer, more steamed croissant, wrap your assembled croissants in aluminium foil before baking. For a crispier exterior, leave them unwrapped.
If you are baking your croissants at 350°F (175°C), bake them for 8-15 minutes. You will know they are ready when the cheese is fully melted and the croissants are golden brown. If you prefer your croissants to have a deep, golden-brown colour, you can bake them for up to 27 minutes. This will also give the ham a slightly caramelised and crisp texture.
If you are reheating assembled croissants, bake them at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to around 350°F or 175°C and bake the croissants for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden brown.
Start with a layer of cheese on the bottom half of the croissant to prevent the bread from becoming soggy, then add the ham and another layer of cheese on top. Wrap the croissants in foil for a softer texture, or leave them unwrapped for a crispier exterior.
Reheat the croissants in the oven at 350°F or 175°C for 5-10 minutes. You can also use a microwave for 20 seconds, but this can make the pastry soggy.
