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Every time I make Baked Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants, it reminds me of those cozy family gatherings at home. I can still picture my children, eyes wide with anticipation, as the delightful aroma filled the kitchen. The buttery scent of the crescent rolls baking in the oven, mingled with the savory notes of chicken, ham, and melted cheese, always brought smiles to our faces. This recipe is not just about filling our bellies; it’s about creating beautiful moments together, where laughter fills the room and everyone feels the warmth of home-cooked love. I know that once you try this recipe, you’ll feel that same sense of comfort and joy!
Now, let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious croissants that are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s Sunday brunch, a quick weekday dinner, or just a special treat for yourself!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked chicken saves time and gives a nice texture. If you have leftovers from a roast, that works beautifully!
- 1 cup ham, diced: Diced ham adds that savory flavor and pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): The cheese makes everything gooey and delicious. Cheddar gives it a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds that melty goodness!
- 1 can crescent roll dough (8 rolls): This is the star of our dish! Crescent rolls are super easy to work with and give that lovely flaky texture we all love.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds creaminess and keeps the filling moist. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- 1 tbsp mustard: Just a little mustard adds a zingy kick that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking to bring out the best in your flavors!
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional): Brushing the tops with melted butter before baking gives a wonderful golden finish.
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s start cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Trust me, this step is key for achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced ham, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. You want everything to be well combined, so don’t be shy with your mixing! I remember my daughter always loved to get her hands in there, which made it all the more fun.
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Step 3: Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate the triangles. It’s a bit like unwrapping a present—you’ll feel like it’s something special waiting inside!
Step 4: Grab a spoonful of your chicken mixture and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Don’t be stingy here; give it a generous amount!
Step 5: Now, roll up the dough around the filling, starting from the wide end. Pinch the edges to seal in the goodness. It’s important to make sure they’re sealed tight, so no filling escapes while baking.
Step 6: Arrange the croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup so much easier!
Step 7: If you’d like, brush the tops with a bit of melted butter. This gives them a beautiful color and a rich flavor. I often find myself sneaking a taste of that buttery goodness!
Step 8: Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The smell wafting through your kitchen during this time will make it hard to wait!
Step 9: When they are done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part because you’ll be so eager to dive in!
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Step 10: Serve them warm and watch as your loved ones’ faces light up with happiness. You might even hear a few "Wow, this is amazing!" comments coming your way!
Why I Love Making This Dish: What really makes this dish special to me is how versatile it is. You can change up the fillings to suit your taste. Sometimes I’ll add in some sautéed onions or even veggies like spinach for a little extra nutrition. It’s simple but satisfying, making it a perfect dish for family get-togethers or an easy weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need: You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe, just a baking sheet and maybe a spatula or two. However, having a sharp knife for dicing the ham can save you a bit of time.
Tips for Perfect Results: To get that perfectly crispy finish, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. A little space in between the croissants allows them to cook evenly. And if you want to take it up a notch, try sprinkling some garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling.
Serving Suggestions and Sides: These croissants are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some cooked veggies. A nice side of ranch dip or even a spicy mustard can add an extra flavor kick!
Leftovers: Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my household!), they keep quite well. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them up and get that crispy exterior back. Trust me, they’re just as good the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I use boneless chicken? You absolutely can. However, I’ve found that using shredded rotisserie or bone-in chicken gives a richer flavor. It’s worth trying both to see what you prefer!
How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply wrap the filling in the dough and bake as directed.
What if I want to make these vegetarian? That’s a fantastic idea! You can swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some artichoke hearts for a delicious and hearty vegetarian option.
This Baked Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissant recipe has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it. I love how it brings everyone together and creates a little magic in the kitchen. You’ll find it’s incredibly easy to make, and it has that comforting taste that feels like home.
Please let me know how your croissants turn out! I’m so excited for you to share in this experience. I know your family will be asking for seconds, just like mine always does. Do enjoy making these delightful treats!