Ham and Cheese Croissant

If you’re in a sandwich slump, look no further than this ham and cheese croissant recipe to get you back into the game. This tasty sandwich has the ease of your kid’s favorite PB&J sandwich plus all the comfort of your favorite grilled cheese recipes—with the addition of a buttery croissant and savory ham!

It’s always baffling why the croissant gets overlooked as a great day-to-day sandwich bread. We know croissants taste great with our morning coffee. Yet we might forget how delicious they are in chicken salad croissants, old-fashioned egg salad croissants, or in the classic ham and cheese croissant. That forgetfulness ends today!

Like other recipes made with croissants, the croissant is the star of the show in this ham and cheese sandwich. Pick the croissant of your liking—fresh, frozen, homemade, your call. Spread it with your favorite mustard, top it with ham and cheese, and pop it in the oven until warm and toasty.

Enjoy your ham and cheese croissant as is, or fix it up with your favorite sandwich toppings. You’ll soon be adding this recipe to your list of sandwich ideas for a better lunch hour or an easy brunch spread.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Croissants

• Croissants: Use freshly baked croissants from your favorite bakery or local grocery store, or buy them in bulk at Costco! Or better yet, proof a box of frozen croissants overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also learn how to make croissants from scratch, too. What a way to show off your baking skills!
• Dijon mustard: These sandwiches begin with a healthy smear of classic Dijon mustard. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or try our homemade Dijon mustard recipe. If you’re not a Dijon fan, any yellow, brown or spicy mustard will do.
• Ham: Looking for leftover ham recipes? This sandwich lets you make use of that glazed ham from the holidays! You can also use sliced ham from your local deli. We enjoy thinly sliced ham for sandwiches. You can use thickly sliced ham if that’s your preference.
• Swiss cheese: We love the subtle, nutty flavor and pleasant-yet-pungent aroma of Swiss cheese in these easy ham sandwiches. For a milder flavor, opt for baby Swiss instead.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble

Taste of Home

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the mustard over the cut sides of the croissants. Place half the cheese on the croissant bottoms.

Taste of Home

Top evenly with ham and the remaining cheese. Replace the tops.

Editor’s Tip: Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the croissants in half. You want to cut the bread without smashing it, so use a gentle sawing motion.

Taste of Home

Step 2: Bake

Arrange the sandwiches on an ungreased baking sheet and bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the croissants are lightly toasted, 8 to 10 minutes.

Taste of Home

Editor’s Tip: Keep a close eye on the sandwiches since the total cooking time will vary from oven to oven. Nobody likes a burnt croissant. If they are browning too fast on top, loosely cover with a piece of aluminum foil.

Recipe Variations

Taste of Home

• Make meaty modifiers: You can doctor up these hot sandwiches with any of your favorite deli meats. Salami, roasted turkey breast, roast beef or pastrami are all fair game. P.S. These sandwiches make a great leftover turkey recipe, too.
• Crack an egg: For a bountiful breakfast edition, add a fried egg to each sandwich before toasting them in the oven.
• Change the cheese: You can use any type of cheese on these sandwiches. Sharp cheddar, provolone, smoked Gouda, pepper jack and Brie all make fantastic choices.
• Add more toppings: Why stop at ham and cheese? Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, baby spinach, sauteed mushrooms, or any vegetables you enjoy.
• Sauce it up: If you don’t enjoy mustard, opt for mayonnaise, homemade creamy pesto, a spicy aioli or ranch dressing. There are countless ways to dress these simple, easy ham and cheese croissants.

How to Store Ham and Cheese Croissants

These toasted ham and cheese croissants are best enjoyed still warm. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for two or three days. Reheat the sandwiches in a 350° oven until heated through.

Can you make ham and cheese croissants ahead of time?

To prepare these sandwiches ahead, assemble them as directed in Step 1, then wrap the individual sandwiches tightly for up to one day. When ready to cook, unwrap and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake as directed in Step 2. For other make-ahead ideas, try one of these cold sandwich recipes.

Ham and Cheese Croissants Tips

What can you serve with ham and cheese croissants?

Serve ham and cheese croissants with a fresh green garden salad, your favorite soup recipes or a side of homemade baked chips. A scoop of old-fashioned potato salad or any one of these fresh pasta salads would also pair well.

Why are my croissant sandwiches soggy?

A soggy croissant sandwich is usually a victim of excess moisture. In learning how to make the best sandwich, assembly is key. To protect the croissant, we like to use the cheese as a moisture barrier, keeping any wet ingredients between a top and bottom layer. You can also avoid a soggy croissant by not going too heavy-handed with the sauce. If you want an extra-saucy sandwich, add additional sauce after toasting.