Best Cheeses To Pair With Croissants

The classic French croissant is a breakfast staple, but stuff it with cheese, and it becomes a decadent brunch food. There are many types of cheese that can be used in a croissant, either on its own or with other fillings such as ham. Swiss cheese, for example, is a popular choice, especially when paired with ham. However, some people find it too bland and prefer something sharper, such as Gruyère or Emmentaler.

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How to make a cheese croissant

Ingredients

To make cheese croissants, you will need the following ingredients:

• Puff pastry
• Cheese ( Swiss, Gruyere, gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, havarti, or string cheese)
• Egg
• Milk
• Flour
• Butter
• Yeast
• Bread flour
• Sugar
• Salt

You can also add ham to make ham and cheese croissants. If you do, you will need:

• Ham ( Black Forest, French, prosciutto, or another variety)
• Dijon mustard
• Herbes de Provence

Method

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Unwrap the puff pastry and cut each sheet into squares. If you are making the dough from scratch, dissolve the yeast in warm water for 5 minutes, then add bread flour, milk, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix the dough on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into a rectangle, brush it with softened butter, and fold it into thirds. Repeat this process of rolling and folding one more time, then cut the dough into triangles.

Pull the tip of each triangle of dough taut. Place your cheese slices in a single layer over the dough, then roll the croissants up from the base, curving the ends slightly to make a crescent shape. If you are adding ham, spread a small amount of Dijon mustard over the ham and sprinkle with herbes de Provence before placing the cheese on top.

Place the croissants on the lined baking sheets, leaving at least 1.5 inches between each pastry. Cover them loosely and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are nearly doubled in size.

Whisk an egg with 2 tablespoons of milk to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash across the surface of each pastry. Bake the croissants for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.

Your cheese croissants are now ready to serve! These croissants also go well with a variety of dips, such as salsa, guacamole, barbecue sauce, or marinara.

Baked vs. unbaked cheese croissants

Baked cheese croissants are a delicious treat, perfect for any time of the day. They can be made with a variety of cheeses, such as Swiss, baby Swiss, or string cheese, and are often paired with ham to make a savoury snack. Preparing these croissants is relatively simple and can be done in the comfort of your own kitchen. The process involves stuffing or layering cheese onto a croissant, which is then baked until puffed and golden brown.

To make baked cheese croissants, you will need to prepare the dough by mixing yeast, bread flour, milk, sugar, melted butter, and salt. After shaping the dough into a ball and letting it rest, roll it out into a rectangle and cut it into triangles. Place cheese slices on each triangle, roll them up, and let them rise. Before baking, brush the croissants with an egg wash to achieve a golden colour. Bake for around 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F until they are puffed and golden.

Unbaked cheese croissants, on the other hand, offer a different experience. They are a convenient option that can be purchased from bakeries or made at home with store-bought puff pastry. These croissants are filled with cheese and sometimes additional ingredients like ham, mustard, and herbs. Instead of baking them, they are typically chilled or served at room temperature. Unbaked cheese croissants are perfect for those who prefer a quicker option or want to avoid turning on the oven.

Both baked and unbaked cheese croissants have their unique advantages. Baked croissants offer a warm, flaky, and freshly baked experience, perfect for a cafe-style meal or a cosy brunch. They can be paired with various dips, such as salsa, guacamole, or barbecue sauce. On the other hand, unbaked croissants are ideal for a quick snack or lunch on the go. They are often served with a crisp green salad, adding a refreshing touch to the meal.

Ultimately, the choice between baked and unbaked cheese croissants depends on personal preference and the desired level of convenience. Baked croissants require more preparation and baking time but offer a warm and freshly baked treat. Unbaked croissants, made with store-bought puff pastry, are quicker to assemble and can be enjoyed without baking, making them a convenient option for busy days.

The best cheese for croissants

When making cheese croissants, it is important to seal the edges of the pastry well to prevent leakage during baking. The cheese can be placed inside the croissant or on top, and baking times vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes call for baking the croissants at 400°F for 12 to 14 minutes, while others suggest baking at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or even up to 26 to 27 minutes.

For a simple cheese croissant, you can use store-bought puff pastry, place a bit of string cheese or sliced cheese in the centre of each square, and fold it over into a triangle, sealing the edges with water. These can be baked for around 10 minutes or until golden brown.

For a heartier option, ham and cheese croissants are a popular choice. This can be made with sliced ham, Dijon mustard, and grated cheese, all wrapped up in the puff pastry. These croissants can be baked for around 26 to 27 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Cheese croissants can be served as a snack, lunch, or appetiser, and they pair well with dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, barbecue sauce, or marinara. They can also be served alongside a mixed green salad for a cafe-style meal.

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How long to bake cheese croissants

To make cheese croissants, you can stuff a French croissant with cheese, or make the cheese a part of the pastry. The former is a quicker method, while the latter requires more preparation time.

Baking Times for Cheese Croissants

If you are making cheese croissants with an egg wash, the croissants should bake for around 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F. You will know they are done when they are puffed and golden brown.

If you are making ham and cheese croissants, you should bake them for 26 to 27 minutes at 400°F. Again, you are looking for a deep, golden-brown colour.

If you are making a more basic croissant, you can bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven's temperature to 350°F and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Preparation Time

Making croissants is a time-consuming process, and the dough needs to rest in the refrigerator for several periods throughout. It is important not to rush this process, as an underproofed croissant will not be as light and ethereal.

For a basic croissant, you should allow at least four and a half hours before serving. This includes preparation and baking time.

For a cheese croissant, you should allow at least 3 hours for the dough to rest and rise.

For a ham and cheese croissant, you should allow at least 2 hours for the dough to rest and rise.

Freezing and Refrigeration

Baked cheese croissants can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in a sealed bag or airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What to serve with cheese croissants

There are many ways to serve cheese croissants, and they can be served as a snack, lunch, or appetiser. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cheese croissants:

Ham and Cheese Croissants

A popular choice is to pair cheese croissants with ham. To make these, you can use sliced ham and grated or sliced cheese, such as Swiss cheese, Emmentaler, Gruyère, Comté, or sharp cheddar. You can also add Dijon mustard and herbs such as herbes de Provence for extra flavour.

Sweet Brunch Foods

Cheese croissants can be served with sweet brunch foods. This could include items such as chocolate croissants or other sweet pastries.

Savory Dips

Cheese croissants can be served with dips such as salsa, guacamole, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce. These dips can add extra flavour and make the croissants more enjoyable.

Soup and Salad

For a cafe-style meal, serve your cheese croissants with a bowl of soup or a crisp green salad. This can be a great way to round out the meal and make it more filling.

Frequently asked questions