Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal option that combines flaky, buttery croissants with savory ham and melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a quick lunch, these croissants are sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

• 6 large croissants (preferably day-old for better texture)
• 6 slices of ham (deli-style, or your choice)
• 6 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your preference)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Timing

Making Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Croissants

1. Slice Croissants: Carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
2. Spread Mustard: If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of each croissant.

Step 3: Assemble the Croissants

1. Layer Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese inside each croissant. You can add more than one slice if desired.
2. Close Croissants: Gently press down to close the croissants.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush with Butter: Place the assembled croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and a golden finish.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped parsley over the croissants before serving.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these delicious ham and cheese croissants!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants (per croissant, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	13g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Add Veggies: Incorporate sliced tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Make it Sweet: For a sweet twist, add a slice of fruit like apple or pear along with the ham and cheese.

Conclusion

Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are a quick and satisfying dish that combines the buttery goodness of croissants with savory ham and melted cheese. Perfect for any meal of the day, these croissants are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!