Egg and Ham-topped Croissant

Egg and Ham-topped Croissant Recipe - Delicious American Breakfast

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Egg and Ham-topped Croissant is a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich flavors of eggs, ham, cheese, and butter on a flaky croissant. This recipe is perfect for a special weekend treat or a quick and easy meal any day of the week.

History

The combination of eggs, ham, and cheese on a croissant is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Croissants are a staple of French cuisine, known for their buttery and flaky texture. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional croissant sandwich by adding hot poached eggs for a creamy and indulgent touch.

Ingredients

8 tsp of Land O Lakes® butter
4 croissants, split
8 slices (0.75 oz or 21 g each) of Land O Lakes® american cheese
0.25 lb or 113 g of thinly sliced deli ham
8 hot poached eggs
2 tbsp of chopped fresh chives, if desired

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler.
Spread 2 tsp of butter on the bottom half of each croissant.
Place the buttered-side up on a baking sheet.
Broil the croissants 5 to 7 inches from the heat until they are light golden brown (1 to 2 minutes).
Top each toasted croissant half with 1 slice of cheese and 0.25 of ham.
Continue broiling until the cheese is melted (1 to 2 minutes).
Place 2 poached eggs and 1 slice of cheese over the ham on each croissant.
Continue broiling until the cheese is melted (1 minute).
Sprinkle with chives and top each with the remaining croissant half.
Tip: To poach eggs, heat 1.5 to 2 inches of water in a saucepan until boiling.
Reduce the heat to low.
Break an egg into a small bowl and carefully slip the egg into the water.
Cook until the whites and yolks are firm, not runny.
Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon.

Variations

Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
Add a slice of tomato or avocado for a fresh and creamy addition to the sandwich.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the croissants under the broiler until they are light golden brown to add a crispy texture to the sandwich.

- Poaching the eggs adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the dish. Be sure to cook the eggs until the whites and yolks are firm, but not runny.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, tomatoes, or arugula.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Egg and Ham-topped Croissant with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poaching eggs: Heat water in a saucepan until boiling, then reduce heat to low. Crack an egg into a small bowl and carefully slide it into the water. Cook until the whites and yolks are firm, then remove with a slotted spoon.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda.

- Substitute the croissants with English muffins or bagels for a different twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the croissants and ham ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Egg and Ham-topped Croissant on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or microgreens for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of orange juice or a mimosa for a classic brunch combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Egg and Ham-topped Croissant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Egg and Ham-topped Croissant contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Egg and Ham-topped Croissant contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Egg and Ham-topped Croissant contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Egg and Ham-topped Croissant contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, cheese), eggs, and wheat (croissants).

Summary

Egg and Ham-topped Croissant is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Egg and Ham-topped Croissant is a delicious and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich flavors of eggs, ham, cheese, and butter on a flaky croissant. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal any time of day. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for dinner. As I shuffled through the worn index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a faded, handwritten note tucked away in the corner. The note simply read: "Egg and Ham-topped Croissant."

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from or who had given it to me, but something about the combination of eggs, ham, and buttery croissants piqued my interest. I decided to give it a try, and little did I know that it would become one of my all-time favorite dishes to make.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - croissants, eggs, ham, cheese, and a few seasonings - and set to work in the kitchen. As I cracked the eggs into a bowl and whisked them until they were light and fluffy, memories of my childhood flooded back to me.

I remembered my own grandmother, Mary, who was an amazing cook and taught me everything I know about the culinary arts. She would spend hours in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals for our large family, and I would watch in awe as she effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.

One of my favorite memories was when she taught me how to make her famous apple pie. We spent an entire afternoon peeling and slicing apples, rolling out pie crusts, and sprinkling cinnamon and sugar over the top. The end result was a golden, flaky pie that smelled like heaven and tasted even better.

As I poured the beaten eggs into a hot skillet and watched them sizzle and bubble, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me from above. I knew she would be proud of the cook I had become and the delicious meals I was able to create.

Once the eggs were cooked to perfection, I piled them onto a split croissant, topped them with slices of savory ham and gooey cheese, and popped the whole thing into the oven to melt the cheese and warm the croissant. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the croissants out of the oven and marveled at how beautiful they looked. The croissants were golden brown and flaky, the eggs were creamy and rich, and the ham and cheese added a savory kick that took the dish to a whole new level.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and as I took my first bite, I was transported back to that lazy Sunday afternoon when I first discovered the recipe. The flavors were divine, the textures were perfect, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

As I savored every bite, I silently thanked the mystery person who had passed down this recipe to me. Whether it was a friend, a neighbor, or a distant relative, I was grateful for their generosity in sharing such a delicious dish with me.

And as I sat at the table, enjoying my egg and ham-topped croissant, I made a promise to myself to continue passing down the recipe to future generations, just like my grandmother had done for me. Because good food is meant to be shared, cherished, and enjoyed by all. And this recipe was no exception.