These Oven-Baked Ham and Swiss Cheese Croissants are incredibly simple to prepare and ready in minutes. Place assembled croissants in the oven and they come out warm, buttery and filled with gooey melted Swiss. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and can be on the table in under 15 minutes—perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner or an easy brunch option.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
- Fast: Prep takes about five minutes; total time is under 15 minutes.
- Easy: Five main ingredients and a simple dijon-mayo spread make assembly effortless.
- Full of flavor: Buttery croissants, savory ham and melting Swiss combine with a bright dijon mayo for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Croissants: Start with flaky, buttery croissants. Any bakery or store-bought croissants work—use your favorite.
Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal because it heats quickly in the oven. Choose a ham you enjoy with Swiss cheese.
Swiss cheese: Baby Swiss melts nicely and has a mild flavor, but standard Swiss or similarly melting cheeses are fine.
The spread: A simple mix of mayonnaise, dijon mustard, salt and pepper creates a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the ham and cheese.
- 4 large croissants
- 12 deli slices of ham (about 1/2 lb)
- 8 slices baby Swiss cheese
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Substitutions and Variations
Add a fried or scrambled egg to turn these into breakfast sandwiches. For extra crunch and freshness, add lettuce, sliced tomato or thinly sliced red onion after baking. If you prefer a different cheese, use brie, provolone, or cheddar instead of Swiss. Serve alongside a simple green or fruit salad for a light, balanced meal.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Croissants
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice each croissant in half horizontally and place open-faced on a baking sheet. On the bottom half, layer three slices of ham and top with a slice of Swiss cheese. Place another slice of Swiss on the top half. Tearing a cheese slice into two pieces helps it cover the sandwich without sliding off as it melts.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Set the sauce aside—do not add it to the croissants before baking.
Step 3: Bake the assembled croissants for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are warmed through. Watch closely so the croissants don’t over-brown.
Step 4: After baking, spread about 1 tablespoon of the dijon-mayo on the top half of each croissant, then close the sandwich. Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Wait to add the sauce until after the croissants come out of the oven—adding it before baking causes it to dry out.
- Keep an eye on the croissants while they bake; their buttery exterior can brown quickly.
- If assembling ahead, store unbaked sandwiches covered in the fridge for a few hours and bake just before serving for best texture.
Recipe FAQs
How do I store and reheat leftover croissants?
Wrap cooled croissants in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I freeze these croissants?
Yes. Assemble the sandwiches, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, still wrapped in foil.
Serving Ideas
These croissants pair well with a chilled salad or a bowl of soup on cooler days. They also make a satisfying addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, simple greens or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Details
- Author: Tara Smithson
- Total time: 13 minutes
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-inspired
If you tried this Ham and Cheese Croissant recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment to share how it turned out. Enjoy!