Croissants with ham and smoked cheese

Ham and smoked cheese crescents

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 20 crescents

Enjoy a simple and delicious recipe for crescents with ham and smoked cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack. These crescents are easy to prepare and will impress everyone with their enticing aroma and tender texture. Here’s how to prepare them step by step.

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g smoked ham, diced
- 150 g smoked cheese, grated
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Sesame or caraway seeds (optional, for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the fresh yeast with part of the lukewarm milk (about 50 ml) and the sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the egg and sunflower oil. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands, gradually incorporating the flour. Add the remaining lukewarm milk little by little until the dough begins to form.

3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so it doesn't become dry.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

5. Filling the crescents: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Cut the sheet into isosceles triangles. On each triangle, place a teaspoon of smoked ham and a bit of grated smoked cheese. Roll each triangle starting from its base, forming the crescents. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Brushing and decorating: Beat an egg and brush the crescents with this mixture to give them a golden color when baked. You can sprinkle sesame or caraway seeds on top for added flavor and an attractive look.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the crescents for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fragrant.

8. Serving: Let the crescents cool slightly on a rack, then serve them warm or at room temperature. They are perfect alongside a green salad or as part of an appetizer platter.

Personal suggestion: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with sautéed vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini) and feta cheese. This recipe for crescents with ham and smoked cheese is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences, making it ideal for any occasion. Enjoy every bite and relish the success of your recipe!

 Ingredients: Dough: 350 g flour, 20-25 g yeast, 5 tablespoons oil, 150 ml milk (approximately), 1 egg, a little sugar, salt to taste - I added a teaspoon, 1 beaten egg mixed with a little water, for brushing the croissants. Filling: ham, smoked cheese.