Save Pin Transform day-old croissants into a indulgent breakfast by slicing them open and filling with a savory mixture of chopped ham, shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and creamy mayonnaise. Fresh chives add a subtle onion note while black pepper provides gentle heat.
After stuffing, brush the tops with melted butter and optional Parmesan before baking until golden and the cheese bubbles. The result combines flaky, buttery pastry with warm, melty cheese and savory ham throughout.
This French-inspired dish comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four. The filling adapts easily—swap turkey or chicken for ham, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables, or adjust the mustard to your taste preference.
My tiny apartment kitchen smelled incredible when I first tried making stuffed croissants on a rainy Sunday morning. The butter was already melting into the paper, and I remember thinking how something so fancy could come together in minutes.
My roommate walked in midbake and asked what bakery Id visited, looking genuinely confused when I pointed to the sheet pan. We ate them standing up, burning our fingers slightly, not even bothering with plates.
Ingredients
- Croissants: Dayold ones hold up better without getting soggy, and they toast beautifully in the oven
- Ham: Chop it into small pieces so every bite gets some meaty goodness
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese: These melt beautifully and add that nutty depth we all crave
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to cut through the rich cheese and butter
- Mayonnaise: Helps bind everything together and keeps the filling moist
- Fresh chives: Add a mild onion flavor and make everything look prettier
- Melted butter: Brushing the tops gives them that gorgeous golden finish
- Grated Parmesan: Totally optional, but adds a salty, crispy crust
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is effortless
- Prep the croissants:
- Slice each one horizontally but leave that small hinge intact like a book, so they stay connected
- Mix the filling:
- Combine ham, Gruyère, Dijon, mayo, chives, and black pepper in a bowl until everything is evenly distributed
- Stuff them generously:
- Gently open each croissant and pack the filling inside, pressing lightly to help it stay put
- Finish with butter:
- Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with Parmesan if youre feeling fancy
- Bake until golden:
- Pop them in for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the tops are perfectly bronzed
- Serve immediately:
- These are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is still molten
Save Pin These have become my goto when friends sleep over, because they make me look like I put in way more effort than I actually did. Theres something so satisfying about turning humble ingredients into something that feels like a Parisian café breakfast.
Make It Your Way
Swap in turkey or cooked chicken if ham isnt your thing. Ive added sautéed mushrooms and spinach when I wanted something lighter, and the combination was surprisingly elegant.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Fresh berries on the side add brightness without competing with the savory flavors.
Storage And Reheating
They reheat beautifully at 160°C (325°F) for about 5 minutes. The texture comes back remarkably close to fresh, though honestly, they rarely last long enough to need storing.
- Avoid the microwave or theyll get chewy and sad
- Wrap leftovers tightly to prevent drying out
- These freeze well before baking, just add 2 extra minutes to cook time
Save Pin There you have it, breakfast that feels indulgent but comes together faster than you can finish your morning coffee.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh croissants instead of day-old?
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Fresh croissants work perfectly fine. Day-old croissants are simply easier to slice without tearing and hold their shape slightly better during baking. If using fresh ones, handle gently when cutting horizontally.
- → What cheese works best for stuffed croissants?
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Gruyère offers excellent meltability and nutty flavor, while Swiss provides a milder taste. Fontina, Emmental, or even sharp cheddar make delicious alternatives. Choose a cheese that melts smoothly to ensure the filling stays creamy.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
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Assemble the croissants up to a day in advance, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking with the butter brushing. You can also freeze assembled croissants for up to 2 weeks—bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- → How do I prevent the croissants from getting soggy?
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Avoid overfilling with the ham and cheese mixture. The ingredients release some moisture as they heat, so pack the filling loosely. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated so the pastry crisps quickly before the filling makes it wet.
- → What can I serve with stuffed croissants?
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A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Fresh berries or sliced melon add brightness. For a heartier meal, pair with scrambled eggs or a small cup of tomato soup. Coffee or hot chocolate complements the chocolate-dipped version.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
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Simply omit the ham and increase the cheese quantity, or add vegetarian alternatives like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions. The Dijon-mayonnaise base works wonderfully with just vegetables and cheese for a meatless version.
