Our recipe for Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls is next level. Crafted with homemade dough, each roll enfolds savory ham and melty mozzarella. This kid-favorite, big-batch recipe works well to make ahead and freeze, too.
Croissants are the quintessential pastry that instantly evoke images of leisurely weekend mornings and cozy cafes. Their flaky, multilayered texture enveloping savory fillings like ham and cheese makes for an utterly delicious experience. But can you freeze ham and cheese croissants and still preserve that melt-in-your-mouth magic? Let’s find out.
The Science Behind Freezing Ham and Cheese Croissants
Freezing ham and cheese croissants is absolutely possible, thanks to a few scientific factors. Firstly, croissants have a high fat content in the form of butter between their layers. Fats don’t freeze, so this protects the flaky texture. Secondly, ham and cheese both freeze very well without compromising taste or texture. Finally, minimizing moisture loss is key – so proper storage in airtight packaging is essential.
Follow the right freezing method, and your ham and cheese croissants can taste fabulously fresh even months later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing
Freezing ham and cheese croissants while retaining their flavor and texture is easy when you follow these simple steps:
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Allow freshly baked croissants to cool completely before assembling and freezing.
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Fill the cooled croissants with sliced ham and cheese as per your preference. Provolone swiss cheddar all work excellently.
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Individually wrap each filled croissant in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
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Place the wrapped croissants in freezer bags, removing excess air before sealing. This prevents ice crystals forming.
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Label the bags with the freeze date and store in the freezer at 0°F or below Consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
Storage Tips for Frozen Ham and Cheese Croissants
Storing your frozen ham and cheese croissants optimally ensures they stay delicious for longer:
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Opt for freezer bags rather than plastic containers to minimize exposure to air and prevent freezer burn.
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Avoid overcrowding bags with too many croissants, as this can lead to crushing or damaged pastries.
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Check regularly that your freezer maintains a steady temperature close to 0°F. Temperature fluctuations degrade quality faster.
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Consider vacuum sealing for the very best results, removing almost all air from the packaging.
How to Thaw Ham and Cheese Croissants
Thawing and reheating are vital steps, so here are some pointers:
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For food safety, thaw frozen croissants in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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Preheat oven to 350°F and place croissants on a baking sheet. Reheat for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
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Microwaving is not recommended as it makes the pastry rubbery. Always use the oven for best texture.
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Once thawed, consume within 3-5 days and avoid refreezing where possible. The texture will deteriorate with multiple freezes.
Handy Tips for Freezing Ham and Cheese Croissants
Follow these handy tips and tricks for freezing success:
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Double wrap filled croissants in plastic wrap and foil for extra protection.
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Freeze croissants baked that day for optimal freshness and shelf life.
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Label bags clearly with fillings and dates to identify contents easily.
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Freeze mini croissants in batches for quick, convenient breakfast sandwiches.
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If short on time, freeze assembled, unbaked croissants to simply proof and bake later.
Storing Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants
Freezing fully baked ham and cheese croissants is also an excellent option:
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Allow baked croissants to cool completely before wrapping individually and freezing.
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Reheat thawed croissants at 325°F for just 3-4 minutes to warm through without browning further.
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Consume reheated baked croissants within 3 days and avoid freezing again after thawing.
Troubleshooting Freezing Ham and Cheese Croissants
Here are some common freezing issues and remedies:
Problem: Dried out, crumbly texture after thawing
Bake the Crescent Rolls
After making all the rolls, put them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes and brush them with butter.
When they start to brown on top, you know they are done!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Making Your Own Dough: The crescent roll dough is worth the time and is easy to make in a bread machine. This recipe, like our Panini Bread, makes a tasty, fluffy loaf.
- Perfect Sandwich: Ham and cheese are wrapped up in a warm crescent roll. It’s like a ham and cheese sandwich turned up to eleven.
- Better for You Than Store-Bought: The dough tastes great and is made with simple, easy-to-recognize ingredients. On the other hand, crescent rolls don’t have any added ingredients or preservatives like store-bought ones do.
- Make Ahead: This kid-friendly freezer meal is a big-batch recipe. That means you can eat some now and freeze a lot for some other time. They are easy to reheat.
- On the Go: Ham and cheese crescent rolls are a great breakfast to make ahead of time, snack to take with you, or lunch.
As you can see, the ingredients are very simple.
- Ham—Use ham that hasn’t been cured and doesn’t have any added chemicals to keep it fresh. Some brands we like are Boar’s Head and Applegate.
- Yeast – Use active dry yeast. For this recipe, active dry yeast works best because it doesn’t need to rise ahead of time. We use quick-rise yeast for our Cinnamon Rolls and Bread Machine Dinner Rolls.
Note: Find our full printable recipe with ingredient amounts and directions at the bottom of this post.
Tanya, a friend and long-time reader, tested this recipe with three dough balls from a nearby pizza place. She said it worked great and was a time-saver!.
Use our Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe if you want to make your own dough but don’t have a bread machine.
How to Make Freezer Friendly Breakfast Croissants
FAQ
Can you freeze already made croissants?
How long are ham and cheese croissants good for in the fridge?
Can you freeze croissants in a Ziploc bag?
How do you reheat frozen croissant breakfast sandwiches?
Can ham & cheese croissants be frozen?
Ham and cheese croissants can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in a 250°-300° oven on a foil-covered sheet until the ham is warm and the cheese is melted or wrap in foil and heat in the air fryer at 300°F for 5 minutes or until heated through.
How long do ham & cheese croissants last?
Brush with butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake until golden brown. Ham and cheese croissants will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a 250°-300° oven on a sheet loosely covered with foil until the ham is heated through and the cheese has remelted.
Can You reheat frozen croissants?
If you decide to warm from frozen, place them in the oven and set it to 350F. The croissants will take about 20 minutes at this temperature – make sure not to use a microwave, as this will most certainly ruin the texture. The best way is to reheat on a baking sheet and cover with foil for the first 10 minutes.
Can croissants be frozen?
Well-frozen croissants can be enjoyed weeks or even months after their bake-date. Croissants can be used as the base for a variety of dishes – from ham and cheese croissants to almond-filled delights. Having varied forms of croissants ready in the freezer gives you more options for quick and delicious meals. Freezing can also prevent waste.