Recipe Notes for the Best Ham & Cheese Croissants

Choosing the Best Croissants

• For a time-saving option, use store-bought croissants—they work wonderfully and make this croissants easy recipe accessible for busy mornings.
• For a more authentic bakery-style experience, use homemade croissants for extra flakiness and depth of flavor.
• Day-old croissants work best since they hold up well after baking and absorb the honey glaze without becoming soggy.

Selecting the Right Cheese

• Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for ham and cheese croissants, offering a mild, nutty taste.
• Gruyère adds an extra depth of flavor, with a bold and slightly sweet nuttiness.
• Cheddar provides a sharper, tangy contrast to the honey glaze.
• Brie makes the croissants ultra creamy, adding a luxurious texture and French-inspired flair.

Best Types of Ham to Use

• Honey-glazed ham enhances the sweetness of the honey glaze, creating a beautifully balanced flavor.
• Black Forest ham adds a smoky richness, complementing the buttery croissants.
• Deli-style ham (thinly sliced) melts into the layers for a softer, delicate texture.
• Leftover holiday ham works perfectly, making this a great next-day recipe for Christmas or Easter leftovers.

The Perfect Honey Glaze

• The honey butter glaze gives these croissants a golden sheen while adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the savory ham and cheese filling.
• Adding a touch of Dijon mustard to the glaze balances the flavors with a bit of tang.
• For a slightly spiced version, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the glaze for a sweet-heat finish.

Variations of Honey Glazed Ham & Cheese Croissants

1. Cooking Method Variations

✔ Air Fryer Ham & Cheese Croissants:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, just until the croissants are crispy and warm.

✔ Grilled Ham & Cheese Croissants:

• Instead of baking, cook the croissants in a skillet or panini press over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly for a crispier texture.

✔ French Toast-Style Croissants:

• Dip the croissants in a light egg batter (1 egg + ¼ cup milk) and pan-fry them for a sweet and savory croissant French toast twist.

✔ Make-Ahead Croissants:

• Assemble the croissants and store them in the fridge overnight before baking the next morning.
• Freeze unbaked croissants for up to 1 month, then bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes of baking time.

2. Flavor & Filling Variations

✔ Spicy Honey Glazed Ham & Cheese Croissants:

• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or hot honey to the glaze for a kick.

✔ Ham, Cheese & Caramelized Onion Croissants:

• Add sautéed onions or shallots for extra depth of flavor.

✔ Ham, Cheese & Apple Croissants:

• Layer in thinly sliced apples for a sweet, crisp bite.

✔ Ham, Cheese & Fig Jam Croissants:

• Spread a thin layer of fig jam on the croissant before adding the ham and cheese for a gourmet sweet-savory combination.

✔ Herb-Infused Croissants:

• Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the honey glaze for an aromatic, herbaceous touch.

✔ Nutty Croissants:

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the honey glaze before baking for a crunchy, caramelized topping.

3. Alternative Protein Options

✔ Turkey & Swiss Croissants:

• Swap ham for sliced turkey for a lighter variation.

✔ Bacon & Cheddar Croissants:

• Use crispy bacon instead of ham and replace Swiss with cheddar or Monterey Jack.

✔ Prosciutto & Brie Croissants:

• Elevate the croissants with salty prosciutto and creamy brie for a gourmet take.

✔ Smoked Salmon Croissants:

• Replace ham with smoked salmon and use cream cheese instead of Swiss for a lox-inspired version.

✔ Vegetarian Ham & Cheese Croissants:

• Use vegetarian deli slices or sautéed mushrooms in place of ham for a meat-free option.

4. Side Dish Pairings

✔ Classic Breakfast Pairings:

• Fresh Fruit Salad – Light and refreshing, balancing the richness of the croissants.
• Scrambled Eggs or Omelets – A protein-packed side for a complete breakfast.

✔ Savory Pairings:

• Roasted Potatoes or Hash Browns – A hearty addition to brunch.
• Tomato Basil Soup – A warm, comforting pairing for a café-style meal.

✔ Light & Fresh Pairings:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing – A fresh, slightly peppery salad to cut through the richness.
• Citrus Honey Yogurt Parfait – A creamy, tangy option to complement the honey glaze.

✔ Drink Pairings:

• Coffee or Espresso – A strong coffee balances the buttery richness of croissants.
• Chai Latte – A spiced tea latte complements the honey glaze beautifully.
• Mimosas or Sparkling Lemonade – A bubbly, citrusy drink pairs well with the flavors.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

✔ Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Assemble the croissants and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze unbaked croissants for up to 1 month, then bake straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes of baking time.

✔ Storage:

• Store leftover croissants in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

✔ Freezing:

• Freeze fully cooked croissants, then reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes to crisp them up.

✔ Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the croissants crisp.
• Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds on medium power, but note that this will make the croissants softer.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 3-4 minutes for a crispy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy: A simple way to upgrade a classic ham & cheese croissant with minimal prep time.
✔ Perfect Sweet-Savory Balance: The honey glaze adds a delicate sweetness to contrast the rich ham and cheese.
✔ Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prep.
✔ Highly Customizable: Works with different cheeses, meats, and even vegetarian options.

These Honey Glazed Ham & Cheese Croissants are the perfect blend of crispy, flaky, buttery croissants with savory ham and melted cheese, topped with a golden honey glaze. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, this easy croissants recipe is sure to become a new household favorite!