Ham and Cheese Croissants: A Savory, Flaky Delight

Ham and Cheese Croissants: A Savory, Flaky Delight

Ham and Cheese Croissants are a classic, savory pastry that combines the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant with the rich flavors of ham and cheese. This delicious treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light lunch. Whether you make your croissants from scratch or use store-bought dough, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these delectable croissants, along with tips and variations to customize them to your taste.

Ingredients:

• For the Croissant Dough:
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into slices
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the Filling:
  • 12 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced)
  • 12 slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese
  • Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Croissant Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and warm milk, stirring until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
   • Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the slices of chilled butter evenly over one half of the dough, then fold the other half over the butter, sealing the edges.
   • Roll out the dough again into a rectangle, then fold it into thirds, like a letter. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
   • Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between each fold.
2. Shape the Croissants:
   • Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles with a base of about 4-5 inches and a height of about 8-9 inches.
   • Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese at the base of each triangle. If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the cheese.
   • Starting from the base, roll the dough up towards the tip, gently stretching the dough as you roll. Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with the tip underneath.
   • Brush the croissants with the beaten egg, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
3. Bake the Croissants:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Brush the croissants with an additional layer of beaten egg for a glossy finish.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and flaky.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Allow the croissants to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
   • Serve warm, and enjoy the buttery, flaky layers with the savory ham and melted cheese.

Tips and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the croissants up to the final rise, then freeze them on the baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Different Fillings: Substitute the ham with turkey, chicken, or roast beef, and try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or brie.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
• Glaze and Seeds: For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the croissants before baking.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Croissants are a savory delight that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of croissants with the rich flavors of ham and cheese. Perfect for any time of day, these croissants are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a twist, they are a versatile and delicious treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making and savoring these delightful croissants!

Feel free to try this recipe and enjoy the savory flavors of Ham and Cheese Croissants. Happy baking!