ham and cheese croissant

Craving a taste of French-inspired comfort food? Dive into the world of Ham and Cheese Croissants, a delightful pastry that combines buttery, flaky layers with savory ham and melted cheese.

This classic café favorite brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet (14 ounces) thawed, all-butter puff pastry, kept cold
• ½ pound thinly sliced ham (Black Forest, French style, or prosciutto)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ¼ cups grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing Ham and Cheese Croissants, having the right kitchen tools will ensure a smooth baking process:

1. Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry to the right thickness
2. Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet for even heat distribution
3. Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup
4. Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash
5. Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the pastry into even portions
6. Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient portions

Having these tools ready will set you up for a successful baking experience.

Pastry Preparation

The key to perfect Ham and Cheese Croissants lies in proper pastry handling and preparation. Follow these detailed steps to ensure the best results.

Preparing the Work Surface

Before beginning, ensure your work surface is clean and lightly dusted with flour. This prevents the puff pastry from sticking while maintaining its delicate structure. Keep the pastry refrigerated until the last possible moment, as warm pastry can become difficult to handle and won’t achieve the desired flaky texture.

Rolling and Cutting the Pastry

1. Remove the cold puff pastry from the refrigerator
2. On your floured surface, roll the pastry to approximately 13 ½ by 11 ½ inches
3. Cut the sheet into 4 equal squares/rectangles
4. Position each square as a diamond shape (points facing up/down and sideways)

Filling Assembly

Creating the perfect balance of fillings is crucial for these croissants. Here’s how to layer your ingredients:

Layering Technique

1. Ham Placement:
   • Place 2 ounces of ham in a vertical line in the center of each diamond
   • Ensure the ham is evenly distributed
2. Mustard Application:
   • Spread a scant teaspoon of Dijon mustard over the ham
   • Use a light hand to avoid overwhelming the other flavors
3. Cheese Distribution:
   • Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated cheese over the ham and mustard
   • Reserve some cheese for topping the croissants
   • Add a small pinch of herbes de Provence

Shaping and Baking

The proper shaping and baking techniques are essential for achieving perfectly flaky, golden-brown croissants.

Shaping the Croissants

1. Creating the Pocket:
   • Bring together the two horizontal points of the diamond
   • Create a secure seal using a small amount of water along the edges
   • Ensure all filling is well-contained within the pastry
2. Pre-Bake Preparation:
   • Place shaped croissants on parchment-lined baking sheet
   • Refrigerate for 20 minutes (or overnight if making ahead)
   • Cover with plastic wrap during chilling

Baking Process

1. Oven Preparation:
   • Preheat oven to 400°F
   • Ensure rack is in the middle position
2. Final Touches:
   • Remove croissants from refrigerator
   • Brush tops with egg wash
   • Sprinkle remaining cheese (about 1 tablespoon per croissant)
3. Baking Instructions:
   • Bake for 26-27 minutes
   • Look for deep golden-brown color
   • Ham should be slightly caramelized at edges
   • Pastry should be puffed and flaky
4. Temperature Guidelines:
   • Do not open oven during first 20 minutes
   • Rotate pan halfway through if needed for even browning
   • Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

1. Temperature:
   • Allow croissants to cool slightly before serving
   • Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature
   • Can be reheated briefly in a 350°F oven if made ahead
2. Presentation:
   • Garnish with fresh thyme leaves
   • Serve on a wooden board or elegant platter
   • Consider accompaniments such as:
     • Crisp green salad
     • Dijon mustard on the side
     • Fresh fruit
     • Light soup

Storage Instructions

1. Short-term Storage:
   • Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours
   • Keep in an airtight container
   • Avoid refrigeration as it can make the pastry soggy
2. Long-term Storage:
   • Freeze unbaked assembled croissants for up to 1 month
   • Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag
   • Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking

Conclusion

These Ham and Cheese Croissants offer the perfect blend of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese. The key to success lies in keeping the pastry cold, handling it gently, and following the precise baking instructions.

With proper technique and attention to detail, you can create bakery-quality croissants right in your own kitchen.

Remember that practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of ham and cheese to create your own signature version of this classic French pastry.