The Best Cheese Croissant for Breakfast

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden-brown Cheese Croissant, where each delicate, buttery layer yields to oozy, savory cheese. Croissants those iconic crescent-shaped viennoiserie pastries have been delighting taste buds since at least 1906, when modern laminated dough first emerged in French bakeries. But add cheese, and you elevate breakfast to a new level of comfort and indulgence.

The magic of a Cheese Croissant lies in its effortless fusion of flaky pastry and molten cheese finish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Unlike more time-intensive pastries, this recipe can be made from scratch with simple ingredients or quickly assembled using pre-made dough, making it as accessible for busy parents preparing school lunches as it is for weekend brunch hosts.

If you’ve tried our “Cream Cheese Crepe Filling: How to Make It Perfect,” you know we love creamy textures and straightforward methods. A Cheese Croissant offers that same fuss-free satisfaction in a different format flaky layers instead of tender crepes so be sure to explore both on EssenceCheese for even more cheese-centric inspiration. Let’s dive in and craft a breakfast pastry that will have your family asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Croissant

Flaky Layers Meet Savory Melts

Every bite of a Cheese Croissant features distinct, airy layers of butter-laminated dough enveloping warm, melted cheese. The contrast of crisp exterior and soft, cheesy interior delights the palate, making it the perfect balance of textures.

Home-Made, Budget-Friendly Bliss

Store-bought Cheese Croissants or café versions can cost $4–5 each, but by baking at home, you can craft eight for under $5 total using bulk-bought ingredients or repurposed supermarket dough. That’s under $0.70 per croissant an easy way to save without skimping on flavor.

Endless Flavor Possibilities

While Gruyère shines for its creamy melt and nutty notes, you can experiment with Swiss, fontina, Gouda, or sharp cheddar—mix and match to suit your taste. Add chopped herbs, a smear of Dijon mustard, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for next-level customization.

Want more cheesy ideas? Try our Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups for a quick dinner twist.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bake? Put on your apron—it’s time to perfect the art of making a Cheese Croissant.

How to Make Cheese Croissant

Quick Overview

This Cheese Croissant recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing that authentic French flair. Using either homemade laminated dough or store-bought crescent roll sheets, you’ll layer cheese, fold, proof briefly, and bake to golden perfection. Total hands-on time is roughly 15 minutes, with an overall prep-to-table time of about 40 minutes—ideal for both weeknight breakfasts and leisurely weekend brunches.

Key Ingredients for Cheese Croissant

• Laminated dough or crescent roll sheets (8 triangles) – the foundation of flaky layers
• Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced or grated (100 g) – melts smoothly for a creamy interior
• Unsalted butter, softened (2 Tbsp) – for brushing the dough and enriching flavor
• Dijon or wholegrain mustard (1 Tbsp) – optional spread for tangy contrast
• Egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 Tbsp water) – ensures a shiny, golden crust
• Flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper – to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dough
   • If using homemade laminated dough, follow steps 1–4 in BBC Good Food’s croissant guide: roll butter into dough, perform three folds with chilling intervals.
   • If using store-bought crescent sheets, unroll and separate into eight triangles.
2. Add butter and mustard
   • Lightly brush each triangle with softened butter.
   • Spread a thin layer of mustard on the wider end of each triangle.
3. Layer the cheese
   • Place a slice or modest portion of grated Gruyère on each dough triangle, ensuring a small margin remains at the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
4. Shape the croissants
   • Roll each triangle from the broader end toward the narrow tip to form a croissant shape.
   • Lightly pull the tips toward each other to make that classic crescent look.
5. Proof and egg wash
   • Arrange croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing them 1–2 inches apart.
   • Cover the croissants loosely with plastic wrap and proof at room temperature for 20 minutes, until visibly puffed.
     
   • Brush each croissant with egg wash.
6. Bake to golden perfection
   • Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
   • Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Rest & serve
   • Allow to rest on the baking tray for five minutes before transferring. These are best served warm.

What to Serve Cheese Croissant With

A warm, cheesy croissant is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides or drinks can elevate it into a complete breakfast or brunch experience. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving guests, here are some complementary ideas:

Beverages

• Freshly brewed coffee or café au lait – The deep, roasted flavors pair perfectly with buttery, savory croissants.
• Espresso or cappuccino – An ideal addition to a classic French breakfast spread.
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice – The acidity helps cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Sparkling water with lemon – A pleasant way to refresh the palate between courses.

Protein-Packed Sides

• Cheesy scrambled eggs – Keep the savory theme going with rich, fluffy eggs.
• Crispy bacon or turkey sausage – Adds smoky, salty contrast to the flaky croissant.
• Soft-boiled or poached eggs – The runny yolk pairs well with the pastry and adds extra indulgence.

Fresh and Fruity Options

• Mixed berry compote or jam – A touch of sweetness provides a nice counterbalance to the savory cheese.
• Sliced melon, grapes, or apples – Light, juicy fruits offer a refreshing contrast.
• Fruit salad with mint – A vibrant, palate-cleansing side that keeps the meal feeling fresh.

Light Greens

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette – A simple salad adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
• Tomato and cucumber salad – Brings a Mediterranean flair to the plate and complements the richness of the pastry.

Creative Cheese Croissant Variations to Try

Elevate your basic Cheese Croissant by experimenting with flavorful additions and international twists. These ideas are perfect for those who love to get creative in the kitchen or want to serve something unexpected at brunch.

1. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Croissants

Bring a little heat to your morning with sharp cheddar and sliced pickled jalapeños. Perfect with a cooling side of avocado or Greek yogurt.

Try it with: A spicy Bloody Mary or iced cold brew with milk.

2. Herbed Goat Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato

Swap Gruyère for tangy goat cheese and add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired bite.

Best served with: A fresh arugula salad or tomato gazpacho.

3. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Croissant

Think bagel meets pastry—layer thin slices of smoked salmon with a smear of cream cheese and a few capers. Bake until flaky, then top with fresh dill.

Pairs well with: Sparkling wine or cucumber-infused water.

4. Apple & Brie Cheese Croissants

Combine sweet and savory by adding thinly sliced apples and creamy Brie. A drizzle of honey before baking adds caramelized sweetness.

Great for: A brunch dessert or gourmet afternoon snack.

5. Everything Bagel Cheese Croissant

Brush the top of your croissant with egg wash and sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning. Inside, add a slice of cheddar and a touch of cream cheese for a deli-style upgrade.

Serve alongside: Scrambled eggs or a green smoothie for balance.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheese Croissant

1. Chill for crisp layers: Ample chilling between folds preserves distinct butter layers, ensuring a flaky bake.
2. Use high-fat European butter: Butter with at least 82% fat yields richer flavor and better lamination.
3. Invest in a dough sheeter: A compact manual sheeter like Brod & Taylor can make rolling dough effortless—even at home.
4. Don’t overproof: Proof just until dough is puffy; overproofing weakens layers and leads to collapse.
5. Preheat thoroughly: A fully preheated oven jump-starts steam production for optimal lift.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Short-term storage: Keep cooled croissants at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Refrigeration dries them out—avoid if possible.
• Freezing: Flash-freeze baked croissants on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month without sacrificing flakiness.
• Reheating: Reheat frozen or day-old croissants in a 325 °F (160 °C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or air-fry at 300 °F (150 °C) for 3–4 minutes, to revive crispness and melt cheese.

Conclusion

The Cheese Croissant embodies everything we love about weekend baking: uncomplicated methods, affordable ingredients, and undeniably delicious results. Whether you choose a time-saving store-bought sheet or embrace full lamination, you’ll relish every flaky layer and savory bite.

Quick Takeaways:

• Use Gruyère, fontina, or cheddar for different cheese profiles.
• Store-bought dough works well, but homemade gives superior flake.
• Perfect for brunches, school lunches, or cozy weekend mornings.
• Pair with eggs, fruit, or salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Freeze extras to save time later.

Your perfect Cheese Croissant breakfast awaits let’s get baking!

The Best Cheese Croissant for Breakfast

Need a grab-and-go breakfast that doesn't sacrifice flavor? Our quick Cheese Croissant recipe delivers café-quality results in your home kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast/Brunch

Cuisine French

Servings 8 croissants

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 triangles laminated dough or crescent roll sheets
• 100 g Gruyère cheese sliced or grated
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 1 Tbsp Dijon or wholegrain mustard optional
• 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water for egg wash
• Flaky sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to finish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• If using homemade dough, follow lamination steps (roll-in butter, fold, and chill). If using store-bought crescent dough, separate into 8 triangles.

Step 2: Add Butter and Mustard

• Brush each triangle lightly with softened butter. Optionally, spread mustard on the wide end.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese

• Place a slice or spoon of grated Gruyère on each triangle, leaving edges clear to avoid leaks.

Step 4: Shape the Croissants

• Roll each triangle from wide to narrow end to form croissant shapes. Curve ends inward.

Step 5: Proof and Egg Wash

• Place on a parchment-lined tray. Let proof for 20 minutes at room temperature. Brush with egg wash.

Step 6: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and cheese bubbles.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

• Cool for 5 minutes on tray. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285 kcal
Fat	18 g
• Saturated Fat	11 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat	1.5 g
• Monounsaturated Fat	4.5 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
• Sugar	3 g
• Fiber	1 g
Protein	9 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	340 mg
Potassium	85 mg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	1.3 mg
Vitamin A	950 IU
Vitamin C	0 mg

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