Golden, flaky croissants fresh from the oven have a way of stopping people mid-conversation. Add layers of savory ham and rivers of gooey, melty Swiss, and suddenly everyone’s hovering near the kitchen asking, “Are they ready yet?” That’s exactly why these Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants are my go-to when I need something guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re cozy, indulgent, and honestly feel a little fancy—without any fancy effort.
This recipe is pure magic for Breakfast Entertaining Ideas and casual brunch gatherings. Soft, buttery croissants soak up all that melty cheese, while the ham brings just enough saltiness to balance every bite. The best part? Prep takes minutes, not hours. Toss them in the oven, let the cheese bubble, and boom—instant Brunch Main Dish energy. IMO, they taste even better than bakery versions (and cost way less too).
Hosting friends? Feeding family? Volunteered to bring food last minute? These croissants save the day for Breakfast For Groups Ideas, Breakfast For Party, and even Breakfast For Big Groups. They scale beautifully, whether you’re serving Breakfast For 10 People or a full house. FYI, you can assemble a big batch ahead of time and freeze them—future you will be very thankful.
Need something simple that still wows? This is peak Simple Brunch Ideas Food. They’re also a hit for Brunch Pot Luck Ideas and classic Pot Luck Brunch Ideas because they travel well and reheat like a dream. No dry eggs. No sad pastries. Just warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing goodness.
Pro tip: Make extra. Seriously. One bite and people will go back for seconds… and thirds. Who can blame them?
Easy Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Flavor Spread
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, Dijon mustard, green onions, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prep the Croissants
Slice each croissant horizontally, keeping one edge intact so it opens like a book. Spread the butter mixture generously on both sides.
Step 4: Fill Them Up
Layer Swiss cheese on the bottom half first, then add ham, followed by another slice of cheese if desired. Close gently and place each croissant snugly into the baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush over the tops of the croissants and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the croissants are golden and the cheese is fully melted. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Go for quality croissants – Flakier croissants hold fillings better and taste richer
- Any croissant shape works – Straight or curved, both bake beautifully
- Switch up the cheese – Gruyère or Emmental are great alternatives
- Choose thin-sliced ham – It heats evenly and layers neatly
- Cheese-first layering matters – It helps protect the bread from moisture
- Foil = softer texture; uncovered = crispier tops
- Keep an eye on baking time – Overbaking dries them out
- Serve warm – That’s when they shine
FAQs
What kind of croissants work best?Fresh, buttery croissants that are sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing. Can I use another cheese?
Yes! Gruyère, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella all melt well and taste great. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Layer cheese first, bake uncovered, and avoid overly thick fillings. Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely—try caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced tomatoes. What temperature and time are best?
Bake at 350–375°F (175–190°C) for 10–18 minutes, depending on size and oven. Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Assemble, refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before baking.