Chef Mitchell preparing Ham Cheese Croissant Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the Ham Cheese Croissant Delight during my culinary travels in France. The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to recreate this wonderful dish at home. After many trials, I perfected the recipe to balance the rich flavors of ham and cheese with the buttery croissant. It's now a staple in my breakfast repertoire."

With over a decade of experience in French cuisine, I've dedicated my career to mastering breakfast recipes. I believe that the first meal of the day should be both delicious and satisfying, setting the tone for the day ahead.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Ham Cheese Croissant Delight served on a plate

Why This Ham Cheese Croissant Delight Recipe Works

This recipe combines the flaky, buttery texture of croissants with the savory depth of ham and cheese, creating a delightful breakfast option. The creamy egg mixture ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful, making it irresistible. Additionally, the use of fresh herbs elevates the overall taste, adding brightness to the dish.

The technique of soaking the croissants in the egg mixture is key to achieving a perfectly custardy texture. Baking until golden brown ensures a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh croissants from a local bakery. The quality of your ingredients greatly affects the final dish, and fresh croissants will enhance the flavor and texture significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before. Assemble the croissants, ham, cheese, and egg mixture, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This makes for a convenient breakfast option!

You can substitute turkey or chicken deli slices for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor without the meat.

The dish is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The croissants should also feel firm to the touch.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual for a delicious breakfast any day!

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of fruit for a balanced meal. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Stored properly in an airtight container, Ham Cheese Croissant Delight can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish in the morning.

The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to ensure it stays crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as flaky.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the croissant delight comes out dry, it may not have soaked long enough in the egg mixture.

Solution: Ensure that the croissants are fully saturated in the egg mixture before baking. You can let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes before putting it in the oven.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the exterior is not crispy, the oven temperature might be too low or it wasn't baked long enough.

Solution: Make sure to preheat the oven fully and bake until golden brown. You can also broil for a couple of minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can result in a rubbery texture and burnt edges.

Prevention: Keep a close eye on the croissant delight during the last 10 minutes of baking. If it's browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center is still wet or runny, it hasn't baked long enough.

Recovery: Bake longer, checking every 5 minutes until the center is set. Ensure that the ambient temperature of the oven is correct.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior is burnt while the inside is undercooked, the temperature might be too high.

Prevention: Lower the oven temperature and extend the baking time, checking for doneness periodically.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or serve with a tangy sauce.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, a touch of honey can help balance the flavors.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, consider adding more herbs or spices to the egg mixture before baking.

Fresh ingredients for Ham Cheese Croissant Delight

Essential Ingredients for Ham Cheese Croissant Delight

The main ingredients for this dish include flaky croissants, savory ham, and a blend of rich cheeses. Using high-quality ingredients is essential to elevate the overall taste and texture.

Opt for freshly baked croissants from a local bakery whenever possible. The freshness and quality of the ham and cheese also play a significant role in achieving the best flavor profile.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Croissants: Choose fresh, buttery croissants for the best flavor. If possible, use day-old croissants as they absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
  • Ham: Using a good quality deli ham will enhance the flavor of the dish. Consider smoked ham for an added layer of taste.
  • Cheese: Swiss or Gruyère cheese works best due to their melting properties. Ensure it's freshly shredded for an even melt and flavor throughout the dish.
Cooking process for Ham Cheese Croissant Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Ham Cheese Croissant Delight is straightforward and involves layering ingredients and baking. The key is to ensure that the croissants are well-saturated with the egg mixture to achieve a moist and flavorful result.

By following each step carefully and baking until golden brown, you will achieve a delicious balance of textures—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making each bite a delight.

Key Technique for Perfect Ham Cheese Croissant Delight

The key technique for this recipe is the soaking of the croissants in the egg mixture. This ensures they absorb the flavors and moisture, resulting in a soft and custardy texture, which is essential for a perfect Ham Cheese Croissant Delight.

Ham Cheese Croissant Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    For thickening
  • 1 cup milk
    Whole milk preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 6 large croissants
    For the base
  • 1 lb sliced ham
    Your choice of ham
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
    Swiss or Gruyère
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For richness
  • 3 large eggs
    For binding
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
    For flavor
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    For garnish
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.

  2. Prepare Croissants

    Slice each croissant in half lengthwise and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.

  3. Layer Ham and Cheese

    Layer the sliced ham evenly on top of the croissant bottoms, followed by a generous amount of shredded cheese.

  4. Mix the Egg Mixture

    In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

  5. Pour Mixture Over Croissants

    Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese layer ensuring it saturates the croissants.

  6. Add Top Halves

    Place the top halves of the croissants back on and press down gently.

  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan

    Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, place the Ham Cheese Croissant Delight in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish is best consumed within 3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ham Cheese Croissant Delight warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a side of mixed greens or fresh fruit for a refreshing breakfast.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to try different meats such as turkey or roast beef. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.