Appetizers & Snacks

Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants

Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and savory, melty goodness. Whether served as a breakfast treat, party appetizer, or part of a brunch spread, these warm little croissants are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Each bite delivers layers of tender croissant dough wrapped around salty ham and gooey cheese, making them both comforting and indulgent.

These mini bites look elegant while remaining incredibly simple to make—especially when using store-bought dough. They smell amazing as they bake and taste even better fresh from the oven.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it requires minimal ingredients yet creates a polished and delicious result. The combination of flaky pastry with savory ham and cheese is timeless, and every bite feels warm and satisfying.

They’re easy to customize, easy to serve, and unbelievably easy to enjoy. Whether you’re serving picky eaters or gourmet food lovers, these croissants never fail to impress.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and crave-worthy. Unlike complicated appetizers, this one provides maximum flavor with minimum prep.

They bake quickly, can be made ahead, freeze well, and are ideal for feeding a group. With endless filling variations, they can be customized for any event or taste preferences.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25–27 minutes
  • Servings: 12 mini croissants
  • Course: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snack
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired
  • Approx. Calories: ~140–170 per croissant (depending on cheese type)

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or mini croissant dough
  • 6 slices ham, cut in halves or thirds
  • 6–8 slices cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese (cut into strips)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
  • Pinch of black pepper

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat the oven.
  2. Roll out dough and cut into triangle portions.
  3. Add ham, cheese, and mustard (optional).
  4. Roll tightly into croissant shape.
  5. Brush with egg wash and bake until golden.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 — Preheat

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 — Prepare the Dough

  • Unroll the crescent or croissant dough carefully.
  • Separate into pre-cut triangles.

Step 3 — Add Filling

  • Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard at the wider end of each triangle (optional).
  • Place a strip of ham and a piece of cheese on top.

Step 4 — Roll

  • Starting at the wide edge, roll dough toward the pointed tip to form a mini croissant shape.

Step 5 — Bake

  • Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
  • Brush lightly with beaten egg.
  • Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
  • Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature on:

  • A brunch buffet
  • A holiday party platter
  • With soup or salad
  • As a grab-and-go breakfast

Add a side of mustard, honey mustard, or jam for dipping.

Recipe Tips

  • Use thinly sliced deli meats for the best texture.
  • Don’t overfill—too much cheese will leak out (but it’s still delicious!).
  • Brush with butter after baking for extra richness.

Variations

  • Turkey & Swiss: A lighter deli option.
  • Bacon & Cheddar: Crispy bacon bits add smoky crunch.
  • Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs with cheese.
  • Italian Version: Fill with pepperoni, mozzarella, and a dab of marinara.
  • Sweet & Savory: Add a thin layer of fig or apricot jam.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
  • Freeze (before baking): Freeze assembled croissants for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
  • Freeze (after baking): Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)
  • Sharp knife for cutting cheese/ham

FAQs

Q: Can I use shredded cheese?
Yes, but sliced cheese stays inside better.

Q: Can these be made ahead?
Yes—assemble them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Will they get soggy?
Not if stored properly and reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Conclusion

Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants are warm, flaky, irresistible bites that bring comfort and elegance together beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or a full entertaining spread, these mini croissants feel homemade, gourmet, and special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite for gatherings, meal prepping, and cozy mornings.

Mini Ham and Cheese Croissants

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: AppetizersCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or mini croissant dough

  • 6 slices ham, cut in halves or thirds

  • 6–8 slices cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese (cut into strips)

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)

  • Pinch of black pepper

Directions

  • Step 1 Preheat : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Step 2 Prepare the Dough : Unroll the crescent or croissant dough carefully. Separate into pre-cut triangles.
  • Step 3 Add Filling : Spread a small amount of Dijon mustard at the wider end of each triangle (optional). Place a strip of ham and a piece of cheese on top.
  • Step 4 Roll : Starting at the wide edge, roll dough toward the pointed tip to form a mini croissant shape.
  • Step 5 Bake : Place seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.