Delicious Pairings For Cheese Croissants: A Foodie's Guide

Cheese croissants are a delicious snack, but what goes well with them? A popular option is to add ham, with many recipes suggesting this classic combination. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyère, Gouda, or Provolone, to add a sharper or more flavourful taste. Some recipes even include a honey mustard glaze to take the taste to the next level. So, if you're looking for a perfect pairing with your cheese croissant, consider adding some ham and getting creative with your choice of cheese and condiments.

Ham and cheese croissants

Ingredients

• Croissants
• Ham
• Cheese
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Poppy seeds
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard

Method

Slice the croissants in half and spread butter, dijon mustard, or honey mustard on the inside. Layer slices of ham and cheese inside the croissants. For an Italian-inspired version, try prosciutto, fontina cheese, and fig jam instead of ham and mustard. Place the top half of the croissant back on and brush with a glaze made from butter, brown sugar, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Bake in the oven at 350-400°F for 8-17 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are golden and toasted.

Tips

• Use mini croissants for more edges, which means more opportunities for perfectly caramelized bites.
• Use mild-flavoured cheese such as Swiss, Muenster, or Gruyere for a gooey cheese pull that doesn't compete with the other flavours.
• If you don't have time to make your own croissants, pick up some fresh ones from a bakery.
• Assemble the sandwiches and then bake them in the oven to make the croissants flaky and melt the cheese.

Honey mustard sauce

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: This adds a creamy texture to the sauce.
• Mustard: A combination of Dijon and yellow mustards creates a complex and slightly spicy flavour.
• Honey: This ingredient adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient gives the sauce a tangy flavour and helps thin it out to a dipping consistency.
• Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the savoury flavour of the sauce.

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth.
• You can use the sauce immediately or refrigerate it until ready to use.

This sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your cheese croquettes. It will add a sweet and tangy flavour to your snack. You can also use this sauce on other dishes such as chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables.

If you want to enhance the honey mustard flavour even further, you can pair it with a glass of Frolic Viognier, a single-varietal white grape wine that will complement the sauce perfectly. So, the next time you're serving cheese croquettes, don't forget to whip up a batch of this delicious honey mustard sauce!

Swiss cheese

Ham & Swiss Croissants

A classic combination, the salty ham and Swiss cheese croissants are a crowd-pleasing family favourite. This simple yet delicious combination can be made in a big batch and frozen for busy nights or lunches. The key to this recipe is to use a slice of cheese on each side of the croissant for optimal meltiness!

Dijon Mustard

The addition of Dijon mustard to a Swiss cheese croissant adds a great pop of flavour. Honey mustard is also a popular choice, adding a touch of sweetness to the sandwich.

Herbs

Herbes de Provence or fresh thyme leaves can add an earthy, savoury flavour to Swiss cheese croissants.

Gruyere or Gouda

While Swiss cheese is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with other cheeses. Gruyere, with its nutty flavour, is a great option. Gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, or havarti would also work well with Swiss cheese.

Salads

Bakery-Made Croissants

Using fresh, bakery-made croissants over the bagged variety will elevate your Swiss cheese croissants. Fresh croissants are wonderfully buttery and flaky, making the sandwich shine.

So, there you have it! Swiss cheese croissants are a versatile and tasty option, and with these ideas, you can elevate this classic combination.

Dijon mustard

When using Dijon mustard with a cheese croissant, it is important to use it sparingly so as not to overpower the other ingredients. A thin layer spread on the inside of the croissant is usually enough to enhance the flavours of the sandwich. For an even milder taste, the mustard can be mixed with honey or mayonnaise to soften its sharpness while still adding a tangy element to the sandwich.

When assembling a ham, cheese, and Dijon mustard croissant, it is recommended to start by spreading a thin layer of mustard on the cut sides of the croissant. This is then followed by slices of ham and cheese, with the option of adding the greens. The sandwich is then baked in the oven to melt the cheese and toast the croissant, creating a warm and indulgent treat.

The versatility of Dijon mustard also allows for variations on this classic combination. For a unique twist, the ham can be substituted with other proteins such as turkey or chicken, or prosciutto, and the type of cheese can be changed to suit individual tastes, with options like Camembert, Gouda, Swiss, or Gruyère.

Gruyère cheese

Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that is considered a good cheese for baking. It is often described as creamy and nutty when young, becoming more assertive, earthy, and complex as it matures. Gruyère is a good melting cheese, making it a great choice for croissants. It is also a popular choice for fondues, French onion soup, and the classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich, croque-monsieur.

When used in baking, Gruyère adds savouriness without overwhelming the other ingredients. For example, in a quiche, Gruyère enhances the flavour without overshadowing the other ingredients. Its distinctive but not overpowering taste makes it a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes.

Gruyère is also a good table cheese and can be enjoyed on its own or with salads and pastas when grated. It pairs well with white wines such as Riesling, as well as sparkling cider and Bock beer.

If you are looking for a sharp and punchy flavour to add to your cheese croissant, Gruyère is an excellent choice. Its assertive and complex flavour will elevate your croissant, making it a delightful treat.

Frequently asked questions