Buttery croissants filled with chicken ham and cheese, baked to golden perfection—perfect for brunch or quick meals! Baked chicken ham and cheese croissants are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic snack, a delightful addition to breakfast, or a satisfying lunch option. With their flaky texture and savory filling, these croissants are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken ham and cheddar cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy these croissants as a snack, breakfast treat, or even a light lunch.
- Brunch Favorite: Impress your guests with this elegant but simple dish at your next brunch gathering.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your baked chicken ham and cheese croissants, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking the croissants to ensure they cook perfectly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after enjoying your delicious croissants.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash for that golden finish on top of the croissants.
Ingredients
To make these delectable baked chicken ham and cheese croissants, gather the following ingredients:
For the Croissants
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar, halved)
- ¾ pound deli-cut chicken ham
For the Spread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg white
For Garnish
- Poppy seeds (for sprinkling)
How to Make Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the temperature is just right for baking your croissants to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the croissants from sticking during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Spread Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Softened butter
2. Yellow mustard
3. Honey
4. Worcestershire sauce
Whisk until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Croissants
- Slice each mini croissant in half horizontally.
- Spread a generous amount of the mixture on each cut side.
- Layer with chicken ham followed by a piece of cheddar cheese.
- Close the croissant halves gently.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
Using a pastry brush, apply egg white on top of each assembled croissant. This will give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
Step 6: Sprinkle Poppy Seeds
Sprinkle poppy seeds over the top of each croissant for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place your prepared croissants on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy your freshly baked chicken ham and cheese croissants warm!
How to Serve Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
Baked chicken ham and cheese croissants are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether it’s for brunch or a quick snack, these delightful pastries will impress your guests and family.
As a Brunch Delight
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast.
- Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the croissants.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair these croissants with a warm beverage to enhance the morning experience.
For Quick Snacks
- Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrots and celery sticks offer a healthy crunch alongside.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with mustard or ranch dressing for a fun twist.
- Cheese Platter: Add more cheese varieties to elevate your snack table.
At Parties
- Mini Sliders: Offer mini sandwiches for variety alongside the croissants.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats are perfect for finger food fans.
How to Perfect Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
To ensure your baked chicken ham and cheese croissants turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully heated before baking for even cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken ham and quality cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Brush with Butter: A butter coating before baking gives a golden color and rich taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to try different cheeses like Swiss or Gouda for unique flavors.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkling herbs like thyme or rosemary adds an aromatic touch to your croissants.
Best Side Dishes for Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
Pairing side dishes with baked chicken ham and cheese croissants can elevate the meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Tomato Soup: This classic pairing creates a comforting combination that’s hard to resist.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges add texture that complements soft croissants beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite alongside the savory filling.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks offer an extra dose of indulgence.
- Pickles: The tanginess of pickles balances the richness of the croissant filling well.
- Fruit Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie makes for a delicious, healthy drink option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using stale croissants: Always use fresh mini croissants for the best texture and flavor. Stale croissants won’t puff up properly and can ruin the dish.
- Overfilling the croissants: Be careful not to overstuff your croissants with chicken ham and cheese. Too much filling can cause them to burst during baking.
- Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives your croissants a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both appearance and taste.
- Not preheating the oven: Preheating ensures even cooking. If you skip this step, your Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants may cook unevenly or take longer to bake.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your butter is softened and ingredients are at room temperature. This helps everything combine smoothly for a better final product.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
- Wrap each baked croissant tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, but be careful as this can make them soggy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covered, for approximately 5 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, depending on your taste preferences.
How do I make Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free mini croissants available at many grocery stores. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What sides go well with Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants?
These croissants pair nicely with a light salad or fresh fruit for brunch or a snack.
How long do Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants take to prepare?
From start to finish, you’ll need about 38 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Baked chicken ham and Cheese Croissants are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Give this recipe a try for brunch, snacks, or quick meals—you won’t be disappointed!
Baked Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the flaky goodness of baked chicken ham and cheese croissants, a delightful treat perfect for brunch or a quick meal. These buttery pastries are filled with savory chicken ham and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that will impress family and friends alike. In just under 40 minutes, you can whip up this versatile dish that serves as an elegant brunch centerpiece or a satisfying snack. With endless customization options—from different cheeses to added herbs—these croissants are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 mini croissants
- 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese (or regular cheddar, halved)
- ¾ pound deli-cut chicken ham
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg white (for egg wash)
- Poppy seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, yellow mustard, honey, and Worcestershire sauce; whisk until blended.
- Slice each croissant in half horizontally and spread the mixture on each cut side.
- Layer with chicken ham and cheddar cheese, then close the halves.
- Brush the tops with egg white and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
- Bake for about 18 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variety. Don’t skip the egg wash for that beautiful golden finish.