Craving that warm, flaky Burger King ham, egg, and cheese croissant but wondering how it fits into your day? This copycat recipe recreates the fast-food favorite at home, layering savory ham, a fluffy folded egg, and melted American cheese inside a buttery croissant. It’s a satisfying breakfast sandwich that comes together in about 20 minutes, and you control the calories by choosing lighter ingredients or keeping the classic version.
Ingredients
- 1 large croissant (about 2.5 oz / 70 g)
- 2 large eggs (or 1/2 cup / 120 ml liquid egg substitute)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk or water
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 slice deli ham (about 1 oz / 28 g), or 2 thin slices
- 1 slice American cheese (about 0.7 oz / 20 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) butter or oil for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) to warm the croissant later.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk or water, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the butter or oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Pour in the egg mixture. Let it set for about 30 seconds, then use a spatula to gently push the cooked edges toward the center, tilting the pan to let the uncooked egg flow underneath. Cook until the egg is almost set but still slightly moist on top, about 2–3 minutes.
- Fold the egg into a rough square that fits your croissant. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. The egg should be fully set and reach 160°F (71°C) as the safe minimum for egg dishes—check with a food thermometer if you’re unsure.
- While the egg cooks, warm the croissant in the toaster oven for 2–3 minutes, or until just crisp on the outside. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 15 seconds, but it won’t be as flaky.
- Warm the ham in the same skillet for about 30 seconds per side, just until heated through.
- Slice the croissant horizontally, leaving one side attached if you like. Layer the cheese, warm ham, and folded egg inside. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use a real croissant, not a roll. The flaky, buttery layers are what make this sandwich taste like the original. If you can’t find fresh croissants, frozen ones from the grocery store work well—just bake them according to the package before assembling.
- Don’t overcook the egg. The Burger King version uses a folded egg that’s tender, not rubbery. Cook it gently over medium heat and remove it from the pan while it’s still slightly soft—it will finish cooking from residual heat.
- Adjust the cheese. American cheese melts smoothly and gives that classic fast-food flavor. If you prefer, use cheddar, Swiss, or a pepper jack for a spicier kick—just know the taste will change.
- Lower the calories. Swap the croissant for a whole-wheat English muffin (saves about 100 calories), use egg whites instead of whole eggs, and choose a reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get the same savory breakfast vibe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sandwich hot with a side of fresh fruit, a small hash brown, or a cup of coffee. It’s a complete breakfast that pairs well with orange juice or a smoothie. If you’re serving a crowd, make several sandwiches and keep them warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 15 minutes.
Variations
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: Replace the ham with 2 slices of cooked bacon (about 1.5 oz / 42 g).
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese: Use a cooked breakfast sausage patty (about 2 oz / 56 g) instead of ham. Cook the patty thoroughly to 160°F (71°C) for ground meat.
- Vegetarian: Omit the ham and add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the egg while it cooks, or use a plant-based ham substitute.
- Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a slice of pepper jack cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Assembled sandwiches can be wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the wrapped sandwich in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it for 45–60 seconds, but the croissant will lose its crispness. For best results, store the components separately—cooked egg, ham, and cheese—and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Burger King ham, egg, and cheese croissant?
The official Burger King sandwich has about 300 calories, but this varies by location and portion size. At home, using the ingredients listed above, the total is roughly 350–400 calories, depending on the exact croissant and cheese you choose.
Can I use a croissant from the bakery section?
Absolutely. Any croissant works, but a larger bakery croissant will increase the calorie count. For a closer match to the original, use a medium-sized croissant (about 2.5 oz / 70 g).
What can I use instead of American cheese?
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone are all good substitutes. They melt well and add their own flavor. If you want the same creamy melt, choose a processed cheese slice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the croissant will soften as it sits. If you meal-prep, store the cooked egg and ham in the fridge and assemble the sandwich in the morning. Warm the croissant briefly before adding the fillings.
Is it safe to use liquid egg substitute?
Yes, liquid egg substitute is pasteurized and safe to use. It also reduces calories and cholesterol compared to whole eggs. Cook it until it reaches 160°F (71°C) as a safety measure.
How do I get the egg to be perfectly square like the restaurant?
Use a square or rectangular nonstick pan, or fold the cooked egg into a square shape with your spatula. The shape doesn’t affect the taste, so don’t stress over it.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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