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Savory Cheese Croissant

Savory Cheese Croissant

Enjoy a delicious Savory Cheese Croissant featuring flaky, buttery layers filled with melted Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a quick snack, breakfast, or light lunch, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a gourmet treat with a tender, airy dough and crispy golden crust. Customizable with herbs, spices, or mixed cheeses, it’s an impressive yet approachable pastry for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Butter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and sliced

Cheese Filling

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyere, sharp cheddar, Emmental, or a mixed cheese blend)

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water or milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
  2. Incorporate Butter Layers: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and place the chilled, sliced butter over two-thirds of the surface. Fold and roll the dough multiple times, allowing rest periods between folds, to create thin, even layers of butter within the dough, which is crucial for flaky texture.
  3. Shape the Croissants: After sufficient folding and resting, roll out the dough again and cut into triangles. Place a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese at the base of each triangle, then carefully roll toward the tip, tucking the cheese inside securely.
  4. Final Proof and Egg Wash: Place the shaped croissants on a lined baking sheet, cover lightly, and let them proof until puffed, about 45 minutes. Just before baking, brush each croissant gently with egg wash to achieve a shiny golden crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Allow to cool slightly before serving to maximize cheesy goodness.

Notes

  • Keep butter cold to maintain distinct layers for that classic flaky texture.
  • Don’t rush the folding process; rest between roll-outs helps develop better layers and flavor.
  • Use quality, melting cheeses like Gruyere, sharp cheddar, or Emmental for best results.
  • Apply egg wash lightly to avoid burning while giving a glossy finish.
  • Resting the dough adequately is essential for flavor development and puffiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory croissant, cheese croissant, flaky pastry, melted cheese, breakfast snack, homemade croissant, gluten-free croissant