Ham and Cheese Croissants — Just Like Sara Lee – Copycat

Do you remember those perfect little ham and cheese croissants from Sara Lee? The ones with the flaky, buttery exterior giving way to warm ham and a creamy, almost tangy cheese filling? I certainly do. Saturday mornings were a special occasion, and those croissants were often at the center of it. The simple combination was pure comfort food, and I was crushed when they disappeared from store shelves. Determined to recapture that taste of nostalgia, I embarked on a mission to recreate them at home, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code.

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 6 croissants
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 count) package Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
• 24-30 slices Hillshire Farm Deli-Sliced Honey-Roasted Ham
• 1 tablespoon cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3-4 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons butter

Equipment Needed:

• Cookie sheet
• Wax paper (or other non-stick surface)
• Small bowl
• Butter knife

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the croissants bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown perfection.

2. On a sheet of wax paper or another non-stick surface, carefully unroll each crescent roll dough triangle. Work quickly! The dough can become sticky at room temperature. If it does get too sticky, try lightly dusting the surface with flour.

3. Arrange 4 to 5 thin slices of Honey-Roasted Ham on each crescent roll. Rolling the ham slices adds dimension and makes them easier to distribute.

4. In a small bowl, lightly combine the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. The ratio of cream cheese to cheddar can be adjusted to your liking, but this combination provides a nice balance of creamy and sharp flavors.

5. Using a butter knife, spread about ½ tablespoon of the cheese mixture evenly between the ham slices on each crescent roll. Don’t overfill; you want enough cheese to taste it, but not so much that it oozes out during baking.

6. Beginning at the wide end, roll each crescent roll towards the narrow point. This creates the classic croissant shape. If you roll the point of the dough inward toward the center of the croissant it will look like a mini hot pocket instead of a croissant.

7. Place the rolled croissants on a cookie sheet. Ensure they are spaced evenly to allow for proper air circulation and even browning.

8. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes to prevent burning. The bottoms should also be a golden color.

9. Immediately after removing the croissants from the oven, lightly rub a cube of butter over the tops of each one. This adds richness, shine, and an extra layer of flavor.

10. Let the croissants cool on the cookie sheet for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• Temperature is key: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An accurate oven temperature ensures even baking and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between the croissants on the cookie sheet. Overcrowding traps steam and results in softer, less crispy croissants.
• Cheese Consistency: If your cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft enough to spread easily. Avoid over-softening it, as it will become too runny.
• Browning Control: If you notice the croissants browning too quickly, loosely tent the cookie sheet with foil to prevent burning.
• Make-Ahead Prep: You can assemble the croissants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours. Add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

These ham and cheese croissants are best served warm, straight from the oven. Their flaky texture and melty filling are simply irresistible.

Leftover croissants should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them loosely in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but the texture will be softer.

Do not store them at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially if your ambient temperature is high. Freezing is not recommended, as the dough texture can change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	439.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	131 g	30%
Total Fat	14.7 g	22%
Saturated Fat	6.8 g	33%
Cholesterol	85.1 mg	28%
Sodium	1880.7 mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate	40 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1.9 g	7%
Sugars	2.3 g	9%
Protein	36.8 g	73%

• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
• Alternative Meats: Substitute the honey-roasted ham with sliced turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a touch of heat.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Instead of plain butter, use a garlic-herb infused butter to brush over the croissants after baking.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet and Savory: For a slightly sweet twist, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the cheese mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use a different type of crescent roll dough?
A: While other brands of crescent roll dough may work, Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls will provide the closest result to the original Sara Lee croissants.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the dough can change upon thawing and may not be as flaky.

Q: My croissants are browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Loosely tent the cookie sheet with foil to prevent burning while allowing the croissants to continue baking through.

Q: The cheese is oozing out of my croissants while baking. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure you are not overfilling the croissants with the cheese mixture. Only use about ½ tablespoon per croissant.

Q: Can I add any other seasonings to the cheese mixture?
A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to the cheese mixture.

Final Thoughts:

These Ham and Cheese Croissants are a delightful trip down memory lane. Whether you’re looking to recreate a childhood favorite or simply want a quick and easy breakfast or snack, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own unique variations. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family – and don’t forget to let me know what you think! Perhaps a side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee would be the perfect accompaniment to your homemade croissants. Happy baking!