Ham & Swiss Croissant Recipe

Warm and assemble croissant

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Split the croissants horizontally, keeping one side attached if preferred. Lightly butter the cut faces with the unsalted butter (about 1/2 tbs total). Place croissants on a baking sheet, butter-side up, and warm in the oven for 5–7 minutes until lightly toasty and warmed through.

Remove croissants from oven. On the bottom half of each croissant, place 2 slices of ham folded as needed to fit. Top the ham with 1 slice of Swiss cheese. Reserve the top croissant halves for finishing.

Prepare over-easy eggs

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the oil or 1/2 tsp butter to coat. Crack the eggs into a small bowl one at a time to check for shells. If desired, add 1 tsp milk or water to each egg before cooking (this is optional). Gently slide the eggs into the pan, spacing them so they do not touch. Season the faces with a pinch of the salt (reserve remaining for sandwich to taste). Cook the eggs undisturbed until the whites are mostly set (about 2–3 minutes). Carefully flip each egg using a spatula and cook 20–45 seconds for runny yolks (over-easy) or up to 1 minute for slightly firmer yolks. Remove from pan and season with a little black pepper.

If you prefer the cheese slightly melted on the ham before adding the egg, return the assembled ham-and-cheese croissants to the warmed oven for 1–2 minutes until the Swiss softens, then proceed to place the egg on top.

Place one over-easy egg on top of the Swiss cheese on each bottom croissant half. Close with the croissant top. If desired, press gently and return to the oven for 30–45 seconds to meld everything together but avoid cooking the egg further.

Slice each croissant sandwich in half for easier eating. Season to taste with remaining salt and black pepper, and add a few drops of hot sauce or a smear of Dijon mustard if using. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for garnish.

Toss the prepared mixed fruit with 1 tsp lemon juice if using. Portion about 1 cup of fruit onto each plate alongside the croissant sandwich.