Dinner

Golden Ham and Cheese Croissants Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Introduction

There’s something about warm, melted cheese and savory ham tucked inside a buttery croissant that just feels right. These Golden Ham and Cheese Croissants are perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch or an impressive yet effortless potluck dish. Ready in about 30-40 minutes, they combine flaky croissants with a flavorful ham, Swiss cheese, and a honey mustard spread for a crowd-pleasing treat.

The image shows four golden brown croissant sandwiches placed on crumpled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each croissant has a crispy, flaky layered texture with sesame and black seed toppings sprinkled on top, along with small green chopped herbs. One croissant in the foreground reveals thin layers of ham and melted yellow cheese inside, with the outer crust showing multiple rich caramelized layers. Green chives lie near the bottom right corner on the white marbled surface, adding a fresh touch. The warm, crispy croissants contrast with the soft, savory fillings inside, creating a visually rich and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the spread:

1/2 cup butter (softened)
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 green onions (finely sliced into 1/8-inch rounds)
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

For the croissants:

12 croissants (sliced horizontally through the middle, keeping one side attached)
1.25 lb thinly sliced honey ham
14 slices Swiss cheese

For the topping:

1 egg white (whisked until frothy)
1 tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined. Fold in the finely sliced green onions gently. Set the spread aside at room temperature to keep it spreadable.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice each croissant horizontally through the middle, leaving one side attached like a hinge to hold the filling.
Step 3: Spread a generous layer of the butter mixture on both the top and bottom halves of each croissant. Layer 2-3 slices of ham on the bottom half and top with just over one slice of Swiss cheese, folding it as needed. Close the croissant gently.
Step 4: Arrange the assembled croissants seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or similar. Whisk the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water until frothy. Brush the egg wash over each croissant, then immediately sprinkle with poppy seeds so they stick well.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly visible. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old croissants for easier slicing and sturdier sandwiches.
Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère, provolone, or white cheddar for different flavors.
Swap honey ham for deli turkey, roasted chicken, or prosciutto for variety.
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow or whole grain mustard works as a milder alternative.
Skip or replace poppy seeds with sesame seeds for the topping, or omit them altogether.
Avoid overbaking to keep croissants flaky and tender; remove as soon as they’re golden brown.

Storage

Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also freeze assembled croissants wrapped individually for up to 1 month before baking, or freeze baked ones for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen croissants in the oven for 15-20 minutes or use an air fryer at 320°F for 5-7 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows four golden brown croissant sandwiches resting on crinkled brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each croissant has a crispy, flaky outer layer with visible thin layers. They are topped with black and white sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion. Inside the croissants, there is a slice of pink ham and melted yellow cheese peeking out slightly. Fresh green onion stalks lay beside the croissants. The light highlights the glossy texture and crisp edges of the croissants, making them look warm and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade croissants for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade croissants work wonderfully and add a special touch, but store-bought croissants save time and still yield delicious results.

What should I serve with ham and cheese croissants?

These croissants are great on their own, but pairing them with a simple side salad, tomato soup, or fresh fruit helps balance the richness. Potato chips or pasta salad make good options for a casual gathering.