Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

### Instructions for Making Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Croissant Dough
Open the can of croissant dough and unroll it onto a flat surface. Separate the dough into the individual triangles along the perforated lines. You should have 8 triangles per can, depending on the brand you use.

#### Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
Lay a slice of ham on each triangle of dough. If the ham is large, you can fold it or trim it to fit the dough. Place a slice of cheese on top of the ham. If you want to add a little extra flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the dough before adding the ham and cheese.

#### Step 4: Roll the Croissants
Starting at the wide end of the triangle, roll the dough up over the ham and cheese towards the point of the triangle. Tuck in the edges slightly as you go to ensure the filling stays inside and the croissant maintains its shape. Once rolled, place the croissant seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

#### Step 5: Brush with Butter
Brush each croissant with melted butter. This will help them bake to a golden, crispy finish and add a lovely buttery flavor.

#### Step 6: Bake the Croissants
Place the croissants in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re golden and bubbly, remove the croissants from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. These croissant rolls are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is still melty.

### Variations on Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

While the basic ham and cheese croissant rolls are fantastic on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

– **Add Vegetables**: Try adding a few slices of tomato, spinach, or arugula for a fresh, savory contrast to the rich cheese and ham.
– **Different Cheeses**: Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese for more flavor.
– **Herbs and Spices**: Sprinkle some dried oregano, basil, or even garlic powder onto the filling for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick.
– **Mustard or Mayo**: Spread a little mustard, mayonnaise, or even pesto on the croissant dough before rolling for added flavor. Honey mustard pairs wonderfully with ham!
– **Smoked Ham**: For a deeper, more complex flavor, consider using smoked ham. Its rich, savory taste adds a special touch to these croissants.

### How to Serve Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

These croissant rolls are versatile and can be served in many different settings:

– **Breakfast or Brunch**: Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, or a cup of coffee for a delightful morning meal.
– **Snacks**: Ham and cheese croissants make the perfect savory snack for a family gathering or a movie night. You can even make mini versions for bite-sized treats.
– **Lunch or Light Dinner**: Pair these croissants with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a quick and satisfying meal.
– **Party Food**: These croissants are ideal for parties or picnics. They’re easy to make in batches, can be eaten warm or at room temperature, and are always a crowd favorite.

### Tips for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls

– **Don’t overfill**: While it’s tempting to pack as much ham and cheese as possible, overstuffing the croissants can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Keep the portions modest to ensure a neat roll.
– **Use fresh ham**: Fresh deli ham works best for this recipe, as it won’t shrink as much during baking. If you’re using leftover ham, be sure to slice it thinly so it fits well inside the croissant dough.
– **Make it ahead of time**: You can assemble the croissants ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. When you’re ready to bake, just brush with butter and cook them as directed.
– **Serve warm**: These croissants are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty and the croissant is still warm.

### Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Croissant Rolls are a quick, easy, and utterly delicious recipe that combines the savory richness of ham and cheese with the light, flaky texture of croissant dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these rolls are versatile and simple to make. Whether you’re enjoying them for a cozy family meal or impressing guests at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance!