Baked beef and cheese croissants are the ultimate comfort food—a delightful combination of buttery, flaky pastry, gooey melted cheese, and savory beef. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a brunch favorite, or a snack for entertaining friends, these croissants promise to impress.
With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
Why Choose Beef for Your Croissants?
Beef is a versatile and flavorful protein that works beautifully with the creamy richness of Swiss cheese and the buttery layers of croissants. It’s an excellent alternative to pork, offering a hearty and savory bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. By using thinly sliced smoked deli beef, you’ll achieve that tender texture and smoky taste that elevates this dish to gourmet levels.
Ingredients for Baked Beef and Cheese Croissants
Here’s everything you’ll need to make 12 delicious mini croissants:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 mini croissants, halved horizontally
- 1 pound thinly sliced smoked deli beef
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, diagonally sliced
- 1 large egg white
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your baked beef and cheese croissants:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, green onions, and honey. Season the mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste. This spread will add a burst of flavor to every bite. - Assemble the Croissants
Slice the mini croissants in half horizontally. Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly on both sides of each croissant. Fill each croissant with a generous layer of smoked deli beef and a slice of Swiss cheese. Close the croissants to form sandwiches. - Arrange in the Baking Dish
Place the assembled croissants in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are snug but not overcrowded. - Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the tops of the croissants to give them a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor. - Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and toasted. The cheese should be melted, and the beef warmed through. - Let Them Rest
Once out of the oven, let the croissants stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and prevents any overly hot bites. - Serve Warm
Serve these baked beef and cheese croissants warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a side salad, fresh fruit, or even a cup of coffee or tea.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 89 mg
- Sodium: 838 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Tips for Perfect Baked Croissants
- Use Fresh Croissants: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh mini croissants from your local bakery or grocery store. Stale croissants may not achieve that perfect flakiness.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Swiss cheese adds a classic touch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Gruyere for a unique twist.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash not only gives your croissants a beautiful golden color but also helps the poppy seeds stick to the top.
- Make Ahead Option: You can assemble these croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular-sized croissants instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! If you prefer larger portions, use regular-sized croissants instead of mini ones. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they are heated through and golden brown on top.
2. Can I substitute beef with another protein?
Yes! While this recipe uses smoked deli beef, you can substitute it with cooked chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like grilled vegetables or plant-based deli slices for a meat-free option.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover baked croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze these croissants?
Yes! Assemble the croissants as directed but don’t bake them yet. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as instructed.
5. What can I serve with baked beef and cheese croissants?
These croissants are versatile and pair well with many sides such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or even a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Baked beef and cheese croissants are a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky exterior, savory filling, and cheesy goodness, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked croissants!
Print
Baked Beef and Cheese Croissant
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini croissants 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Not specified
Description
Baked beef and cheese croissants are the ultimate comfort food—a delightful combination of buttery, flaky pastry, gooey melted cheese, and savory beef. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, these croissants are simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
Butter Mixture:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Croissants and Filling:
- 12 mini croissants, halved horizontally
- 1 pound thinly sliced smoked deli beef
- 12 slices Swiss cheese, diagonally sliced
Egg Wash and Topping:
- 1 large egg white
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, Dijon mustard, green onions, and honey.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Croissants:
- Slice the mini croissants in half horizontally.
- Spread the prepared butter mixture evenly on both sides of each croissant.
- Fill each croissant with a layer of smoked deli beef and a slice of Swiss cheese.
- Close the croissants to form sandwiches.
Arrange in the Baking Dish:
- Place the assembled croissants in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Ensure they are snug but not overcrowded.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Brush the egg wash over the tops of the croissants.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and toasted.
- The cheese should be melted, and the beef warmed through.
Let Them Rest:
- Remove from the oven and let the croissants rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve Warm:
- Serve warm and enjoy! These croissants pair wonderfully with a side salad, fresh fruit, or a warm beverage.
Notes
- Substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or Gruyere for a unique twist.
- Use fresh croissants for the best texture and taste.
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 croissant
- Calories: 323 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 838 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 89 mg
[…] with savory beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful sauces, they’re a satisfying way to fuel your […]