Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Herb Butter Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider spreading a very thin layer of Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard on the bottom half of the sliced croissants before adding the ham and cheese.

This adds a sharp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey over the ham before closing the sandwich works wonderfully.

To achieve the absolute crispiest texture, avoid crowding the croissants on the baking sheet. Leaving at least two inches of space between each sandwich allows the hot air of the oven to circulate freely around the sides, ensuring the entire pastry crisps up evenly.

If the tops of the croissants begin to darken too quickly before the cheese is fully melted, loosely tent the baking sheet with a sheet of aluminum foil.

Variations

• Turkey and Provolone: Substitute the deli ham with sliced turkey breast and use provolone cheese instead of Swiss for a milder flavor profile.
• Sweet Honey Mustard: Spread a thin layer of honey mustard inside the croissants before baking to add a sweet and tangy kick to the filling.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Freeze assembled, unbaked croissants wrapped tightly in foil for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the pastry is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Store any leftover baked croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best possible texture, avoid storing them in plastic wrap or bags while they are still warm, as the trapped condensation will make the delicate pastry soggy.

You can assemble these sandwiches, minus the herb butter glaze, up to 12 hours in advance. Wrap the assembled croissants tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply unwrap, place them on a baking sheet, brush with the freshly prepared herb butter, and bake as directed.

Serving ideas

Serve these warm, crispy sandwiches immediately after baking while the cheese is still beautifully melted and gooey.

They make an excellent centerpiece for a weekend brunch, especially when accompanied by a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit to balance the rich, buttery flavors of the pastry.

For a comforting lunch or light dinner, pair these baked croissants with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup or a classic potato soup.

The crispy, buttery texture of the croissant makes it perfect for dipping into the soup, creating a classic and deeply satisfying meal combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants with Herb Butter

Prep 10 minCook 15 minRest 2 minTotal 27 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 large croissants, sliced horizontally
• 8 oz sliced deli ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp dried herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sharp serrated knife to carefully slice each croissant in half horizontally, keeping the halves attached at the back hinge if preferred, or separating them completely to make assembly easier.
2. Layer the inside of each sliced croissant with two slices of Swiss cheese and a generous portion of deli ham. Arrange the ham in folded layers rather than flat sheets to create height and ensure even heat distribution, then place the top half of the croissant back over the filling.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and dried herbs until well mixed. Place the assembled croissants onto the prepared baking sheet, then use a pastry brush to liberally coat the top crust of each croissant with the herb butter mixture, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch the pastry closely to ensure the butter glaze toasts beautifully without burning, and check that the Swiss cheese inside has completely melted and begun to ooze from the sides.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

590

Protein

26 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

41 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.