Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
{"Ingredient check: Using 8 mini croissants and placing two half-slices of cheese per croissant requires 8 cheese slices total; the listed 4 slices (halved) only yields one half-slice per croissant. Plan cheese accordingly.","Cheese options: Smoked cheddar or regular cheddar both work; Swiss or provolone also melt well.","Mustard/honey: Dijon can replace yellow mustard; maple syrup can replace honey at a 1:1 ratio.","Worcestershire: Use less for milder flavor; omit if desired.","Assembly tip: Keep the butter-mustard mixture inside the croissants to prevent soggy tops.","Make-ahead: Assemble (without egg wash), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add egg wash and bake when ready.","Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.","Freezing: Wrap baked, cooled croissants individually and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes."}
Time: Prep: 20 mins, Cook: 18 mins, Total: 38 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar), halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 pound deli-cut ham (12 oz; ~340 g)
- 1 large egg white
- Poppy seeds, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Slice each croissant in half horizontally. Place a half slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each croissant, followed by a slice of ham, and then another half slice of cheese. Place the top half of the croissant over the fillings to form a sandwich.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the butter mixture evenly on the inside of each croissant sandwich.
- Place the assembled croissant sandwiches in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the croissants with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.