Making croissants with a delicious cheese filling is a wonderful treat! Here’s a recipe for Cheese Croissants that uses a simple croissant dough (or pâte feuilletée) with a cheesy filling. The cheese filling can vary depending on your preference, but a classic choice is a combination of creamy cheese like cream cheese or ricotta, or something stronger like cheddar or Gruyère.
Ingredients:
For the Croissant Dough (Pâte Feuilletée):
If you prefer to make the croissant dough from scratch, here is a simple outline (you can also use store-bought croissant dough for ease):
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or ricotta, or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese (or a blend of these)
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (such as chives or thyme), finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Croissant Dough (if homemade):
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and milk, and stir to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the cold butter cubes in the center, then fold the dough over the butter, creating a “package.”
- Roll out the dough again and fold it into thirds. Repeat this process 2-3 times to create layers. After each fold, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
2. Roll and Shape the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the dough has chilled and is ready, roll it out into a long rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into triangles.
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated cheese, herbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
4. Assemble the Croissants:
- Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle of dough.
- Starting from the wide end, roll up the dough tightly around the cheese filling, forming a crescent shape.
- Place the rolled croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are placed with the ends tucked underneath to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
5. Egg Wash and Bake:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each croissant for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
6. Serve:
- Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy the deliciously flaky, cheesy croissants!
Variations:
- Herb Cheese Croissants: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Ham and Cheese Croissants: Add thinly sliced ham along with the cheese filling for a savory version.
Enjoy your cheese croissants – crispy, flaky, and filled with gooey cheese goodness!