Croissants with ham and cheese

Ham and cheese croissants

There are moments in life when a quick snack turns into a true delicacy, and ham and cheese croissants are exactly that perfect choice. These little treats, crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, are ideal for a party, an appetizer at a festive meal, or simply to pamper the family on an ordinary evening. This recipe is simple, accessible, and allows for plenty of variations. So, let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 25 croissants

Ingredients:
- 100 g sour cream (preferably with a fat content of 20% for an ideal texture)
- 200 g flour (white flour, type 000 or 550, for a fine crust)
- 100 g Prague ham (or half ham and half bacon, for a richer taste)
- 100 g cheese (grated finely, smoked cheese adds a special note)
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 egg (to brush the croissants)

A Brief History
Croissants, in their various forms, have been prepared over time in many cultures as a way to combine simple ingredients into an easy-to-eat snack. They evolved from a simple dough, often filled with cheese or meat. Our recipe combines tradition with modernity, offering a delicious and versatile snack.

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the dough
In a medium bowl, add 100 g of sour cream. Make sure it is at room temperature for better mixing. Add 200 g of flour and a pinch of salt (about half a teaspoon). Mix the ingredients with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If the sour cream is very thick, you can add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes easy to work with.

2. Resting the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This will help relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out later.

3. Preparing the filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Cut 100 g of Prague ham into small cubes. If you choose to combine the ham with bacon, make sure both are cut evenly. Grate 100 g of cheese finely. In a bowl, combine the ham and cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the ham can be salty, so add salt in moderation.

4. Forming the croissants
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a surface sprinkled with a little flour until you obtain a thin sheet (about 3-4 mm thick). Use a large glass to cut circles from the dough. On each circle, place a teaspoon of the ham and cheese mixture.

5. Rolling the croissants
Roll each circle starting from one side, forming a croissant. At the end, slightly curve the croissant to give it a nice shape. Place the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat an egg and brush each croissant with a brush. This will help the croissants achieve a golden and appetizing color. Bake the croissants for 20 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

Serving and variations
Ham and cheese croissants are delicious warm, but they can also be enjoyed cold. You can serve them with a mustard sauce or a fresh salad for a pleasant contrast. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of fillings – feta cheese and olives, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Tips and useful advice
- Be careful not to overfill the croissants, or they may open up during baking.
- You can add dried herbs (such as oregano or basil) to the filling mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want to save time, you can use ready-made puff pastry from the store, but the taste will be different.

Nutritional information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

2. How can I store the croissants?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze the croissants?
Yes, you can freeze the croissants before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Ham and cheese croissants are not just a simple and quick recipe, but also an opportunity to add a little creativity to the kitchen. Experiment with different fillings and spices, and don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent preparing this treat!