Buttery Ham and Cheese Croissants
Bake flaky, golden Buttery Ham and Cheese Croissants filled with savory ham and melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Perfectly layered buttery dough combined with a rich filling makes these croissants a delicious treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime indulgence.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours to 2 hours 50 minutes (excluding resting/chilling time)
- Yield: 12 croissants 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Not Gluten Free
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, divided (for dough and lamination)
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (one for dough, one for egg wash)
Filling Ingredients
- 8–10 slices ham (smoky, thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss preferred)
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm milk with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar to activate it. Let sit until bubbly. Add flour, sugar, salt, and one beaten egg. Knead the mixture until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rest and rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Incorporate the Butter: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Place cold, flattened butter on half of the dough, fold the dough over the butter, and roll it out again. Perform a series of folds (turns) to laminate the dough, creating flaky layers. Chill the dough between folds as needed.
- Shape the Croissants: After the final chill, roll the dough into a large rectangle and cut into triangles. Place a slice of ham and shredded cheese on the wide end of each triangle. Carefully roll from the wide end toward the tip, tucking in the ends to seal the filling securely.
- Proof the Croissants: Arrange the shaped croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise at room temperature until puffed and almost doubled in size, about 1-2 hours, for a light, airy texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush each croissant with beaten egg wash for a shiny, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until beautifully browned and cooked through.
Notes
- Keep butter cold during lamination to ensure flaky layers.
- Allow sufficient proofing time for the best texture and flavor.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Seal edges securely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Brush with egg wash for an appealing golden finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ham croissants, cheese croissants, savory croissants, flaky croissants, homemade croissants, breakfast pastries, brunch recipe