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This easy ham and cheese sandwich is everything a classic sandwich should be! It’s simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying with one small upgrade that makes a big difference. Flaky croissants replace regular bread, and a garlic herb spread adds rich, savory flavor in every bite.
Filled with smoked ham and smoked Gouda, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or for a bunch of teenagers piled in your kitchen!

This isn’t your average ham and cheese sandwich. Croissants and garlic spread make it bakery-level good with minimal effort. It’s my favorite way to use up leftover veggie dip. We pretty much lived on these sandwiches the several days after Christmas this year, and we loved every second of it!
Ingredients You’ll Need….
Only 4 ingredients needed! Grab some croissants from Costco and then hit the deli for some ham and gouda!
- Croissants: Buttery and flaky, they instantly elevate this sandwich.
- Garlic Herb Spread: Adds bold, savory flavor without extra effort.
- Smoked Ham: Brings depth and saltiness that pairs well with cheese.
- Smoked Gouda: Melts beautifully and adds subtle smokiness.
How to Make a Ham and Cheese Croissant
You probably don’t need instructions for this sandwich, but I’m going to give them to you anyway! I’m also going to assume you have already made the garlic herb veggie dip which is the key to elevating this sandwich.
- Slice and Spread: Cut the croissants in half and spread the garlic dip all over both sides of the bread.
- Add: Layer in the ham and cheese slices and add the top of the bread.

Sandwich FAQs
We love the flavor of smoked Gouda, but Swiss, cheddar, or provolone also work.
Croissants are the end all and be all for cold sandwiches! They are just so flaky and buttery. If you don’t have croissants, brioche or a good sourdough both pair well with ham and cheese.
Yes, these are great make-ahead sandwiches! You could make them up to a day ahead of time and just cover them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Yes absolutely! This sandwich would be delicious with lettuce, tomato, red onions, or whatever toppings you love on a sandwich.
Claire’s Favorite Variation

Claire prefers this sandwich warmed up so the gouda gets all melty. She makes the sandwich the exact same way, but toasts each side of the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. She doesn’t use butter or anything, but just toasts it enough to heat it through and melt the cheese a little! Not gonna lie…it’s super tasty!
Storage Tips
Leftover sandwiches should be stored in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 4-5 days.

Simple, familiar, and always a hit, this ham and cheese sandwich is one you can make again and again (and we do!). It’s a great option for lunches, picnics, or a busy night when you need to make dinner in a hurry.
