Elevate your breakfast or lunch with these Heart-Healthy Ham and Cheese Croissants, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Made with nutritious whole grain croissants, low-sodium lean ham, and reduced-fat Swiss cheese, this recipe delivers all the indulgent flavors you love while supporting a balanced lifestyle. A creamy avocado spread infused with Dijon mustard and black pepper adds a burst of flavor, while fresh baby spinach provides a boost of vitamins and fiber. Optional psyllium husk enhances the fiber content for extra nutritional value. By using a skillet to brown the croissants and finishing them in the oven, you achieve a delightful combination of crispiness and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for serving warm as a quick, wholesome meal, these croissants are a crowd-pleasing choice for heart-healthy dining!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Gently slice the whole grain croissants in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard and ground black pepper to make a creamy spread.
If desired, mix the psyllium husk into the avocado spread for added fiber.
Spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture onto the inside of each croissant half.
Layer 2 to 3 slices of lean ham and 1 slice of reduced-fat Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each croissant.
Add a small handful of baby spinach leaves on top of the cheese.
Close the croissant with the top half.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Place the croissants in the skillet, seam side down, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Transfer the browned croissants to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the croissants are heated through.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Calories |
1675 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.3 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.6 g | 223% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 243 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 2878 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 111.7 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 83.2 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 903 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1928 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.