The Buffalo Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Croissant is a tasty twist on a classic sandwich. It’s got flaky, buttery croissants packed with slices of smoky ham, melty cheese, and a nice kick from buffalo sauce mixed with sweet honey mustard. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a fun snack.
I love making this sandwich when I want something a little different but easy to pull together. The buffalo honey mustard sauce adds just the right amount of zing without being too spicy, and the ham and cheese balance it out perfectly. It’s one of those sandwiches that feels special but doesn’t take much time or effort, which is great on busy days.
My favorite way to eat it is warm, so the cheese is gooey and the croissant is extra flaky. I usually serve it with a side of crunchy pickles or some fresh greens to keep things light. It’s also a fun recipe to share with friends or family when you want to surprise them with a sandwich that’s a little more exciting than the usual ham and cheese.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Croissants: Use buttery, flaky croissants for the perfect texture contrast. If you can’t find fresh croissants, frozen ones work well too—just thaw before assembling.
Ham: Deli ham adds smoky, salty flavor. For a leaner option, turkey or chicken slices are good alternatives. For a vegetarian twist, try smoked tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms.
Cheese: Swiss cheese melts nicely and has a mild flavor. Provolone or mozzarella make great substitutes if you prefer a creamier melt or less sharp taste.
Buffalo Sauce & Honey Mustard: These two bring the sweet and spicy balance. If you want less heat, reduce the buffalo sauce or swap for a mild hot sauce. Dijon mustard can replace honey mustard if needed, but add a bit of honey for sweetness.
How Do You Get the Croissant Sandwich Crispy and Gooey at the Same Time?
To achieve a perfect crispy outside and melty cheese inside, a few simple steps help a lot:
- Spread softened butter on the outer sides of the croissant; this browns it nicely in the oven.
- Assemble the fillings with the cheese on top of the ham so it melts evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes—warm enough to melt the cheese but not so hot it burns the croissant.
- If your oven has a broil setting, pop sandwiches under broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispness—watch closely to avoid burning.
Doing this gives you a satisfying crunch outside while keeping the inside soft and cheesy. I like to let the sandwich rest a minute after baking so the cheese thickens slightly and is less likely to drip everywhere when eating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I use it because it holds the sandwiches steady and allows even heating.
- Parchment paper – keeps the sandwiches from sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for stirring the buffalo sauce and honey mustard together.
- Basting brush or spoon – helps spread the sauce evenly on the croissants.
- Oven – necessary to toast and melt all the ingredients together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap deli ham for turkey, roast chicken, or even roast beef to change the flavor profile.
- Use different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar based on your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Add a few pickles, jalapeños, or banana peppers inside for extra crunch and heat.
- Mix in some chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh, green touch.
Buffalo Honey Mustard Ham and Cheese Croissant
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large croissants, split in half
- 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Optional: black pepper and sea salt for finishing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at about 20-25 minutes total to get a warm, melty sandwich ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix the Sauce:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and honey mustard, mixing them well to create that sweet and spicy spread.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread a thin layer of the buffalo honey mustard sauce on the cut sides of each croissant half. Add two slices of deli ham on the bottom half of each croissant, then lay a slice of cheese over the ham. Close the sandwich with the top half of the croissant.
3. Butter and Bake:
Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich to help it crisp while baking. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and the croissants turn beautifully golden brown.
4. Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and, if you like, sprinkle a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on top. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of gooey cheese, savory ham, and that lovely sweet and spicy sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Croissants for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the croissants before assembling the sandwiches. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours for best results.
How Can I Make This Sandwich Less Spicy?
To reduce the heat, use less buffalo sauce or swap it for a milder hot sauce. You can also add a bit more honey mustard to boost the sweetness and balance out the spice.
Can I Prepare These Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. Avoid assembling too far in advance, as croissants may get soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the croissant crispy and the cheese melted.
