Cheese Croissant
Contents
The Cheese Croissant is a delightful and flaky pastry perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. With its golden, buttery crust and a rich, cheesy center, it’s an irresistible treat that combines savory and indulgent flavors. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as part of a light brunch, this croissant is sure to bring a touch of elegance and comfort to your table.
Servings: Makes 8 croissants.
Prep Time: 2 hours (including dough proofing time).
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes.
History of the Cheese Croissant
The croissant, a quintessential French pastry, has its origins in Austria, where it was known as the “kipferl.” In the 17th century, Austrian bakers celebrated the defeat of the Ottoman Empire by creating crescent-shaped pastries symbolizing the crescent moon on the Ottoman flag. The cheese croissant recipe was introduced to France by Marie Antoinette, who missed the flavors of her homeland. Over time, the French refined the recipe, layering the dough with butter to create the flaky, buttery texture we associate with croissants today. Adding cheese to croissants combines the savory richness of cheese with the delicate pastry, making it a popular variation worldwide.
Swiss cheese is not just a flavorful addition to your meals—it also offers several health benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
Rich in Protein:
Swiss cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy levels.
Calcium for Strong Bones:
It is packed with calcium, essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve and muscle function.
Low in Lactose:
Compared to other cheeses, Swiss cheese is naturally lower in lactose, making it easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivity.
Supports Heart Health:
Swiss cheese contains vitamin K2, which helps regulate calcium in the body and may contribute to cardiovascular health by preventing arterial calcification.
Source of Essential Nutrients:
Alongside calcium, it provides phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, which are crucial for bone health, metabolism, and immune system support.
Lower Sodium Content:
Swiss cheese often has less sodium compared to other cheeses, making it a better option for those watching their salt intake.
Probiotics for Gut Health:
Some varieties of Swiss cheese contain probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Including Swiss cheese in your diet can enhance flavor while contributing to a well-balanced intake of essential nutrients. However, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and fat content.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warm
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm milk and softened butter. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Place the cold butter between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a flat rectangle (about 8×10 inches). Refrigerate until firm.
- Roll the dough into a larger rectangle (12×16 inches). Place the butter layer on one half of the dough and fold the other half over it, sealing the edges.
- Roll out the dough gently and fold it into thirds (like a letter). Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Repeat this process 2 more times.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle (10×18 inches) and cut into triangles.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over each triangle. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle into a crescent shape.
- Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the croissants with egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
To store cheese croissants and maintain their freshness, follow these tips:
Room Temperature (1-2 Days):
Place the cheese croissants in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. Keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. Avoid refrigerating as it can make the pastry lose its flaky texture.
Refrigeration (Up to 1 Week):
If you need to store them longer, wrap each croissant in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag or airtight container. Refrigerate to extend their shelf life up to a week. Before serving, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their crispness.
Freezing (Up to 2 Months):
Wrap each croissant individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake frozen croissants in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crisp.
Always let the cheese croissants cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. warm.
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