Flaky Savory Croissants with Cheese, Bacon, and Smoked Salmon

These Savory Croissants are a delicious twist on the classic French pastry, filled with creamy cheese, fresh herbs, bacon, or smoked salmon. Made with store-bought puff pastry, they’re easy to assemble and bake in under 30 minutes. Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or party snacks, they’re crisp on the outside and packed with flavor inside.

What Are Savory Croissants?

Savory croissants are crescent-shaped pastries made from puff pastry and filled with ingredients like cheese, meats, herbs, or spreads. Unlike their buttery, sweet counterparts, these are hearty, salty, and ideal as appetizers or savory snacks. This recipe features two filling options: one with smoked salmon and herb cream cheese, the other with melty cheese and crispy bacon.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden: Thanks to flaky puff pastry and an egg wash finish.
• Flavor-packed fillings: Cream cheese with herbs, gooey cheese with bacon, and smoked salmon for variety.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite fillings—ham, pesto, or roasted veggies work great too!
• Perfect for any occasion: Great finger food for parties, brunches, or breakfast.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Croissants

1. Use cold puff pastry: Keep it chilled until ready to use for best flakiness.
2. Don't overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way to prevent bursting.
3. Seal well: Press and roll tightly to hold shape during baking.
4. Add seed toppings: Black and white sesame seeds enhance the look and add crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Homemade Puff Pastry?

Yes! If you have the time, homemade puff pastry works beautifully, though store-bought is quick and just as tasty.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the croissants and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.

What Cheese Works Best?

Cream cheese for a soft filling, or hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or gruyère for melt and flavor.

Are These Good Served Cold?

They're best served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature for buffets or picnics.

Can I Make Them Vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit the bacon and use grilled vegetables, pesto, or extra cheese.

How to Freeze

Freeze unbaked croissants on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Store

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness before serving.

How To Make Savory Croissants

Step 1

Step 1

Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese with chopped parsley and basil. Set aside.

Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese with chopped parsley and basil. Set aside.

Step 2

Step 2

Prep the pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and divide it in half. Brush one half with water and place the other on top to double the thickness.

Prep the pastry: Unroll the puff pastry and divide it in half. Brush one half with water and place the other on top to double the thickness.

Step 3

Step 3

Cut and fill: Slice the dough into triangles. Fill half with cheese and bacon; the other half with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon.

Cut and fill: Slice the dough into triangles. Fill half with cheese and bacon; the other half with herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon.

Step 4

Step 4

Shape the croissants: Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the tip to form a crescent shape.

Shape the croissants: Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the tip to form a crescent shape.

Step 5

Step 5

Bake: Place croissants on a parchment-lined tray. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Bake: Place croissants on a parchment-lined tray. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with black and white sesame seeds. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Step 6

Step 6

Serve warm and enjoy as a savory snack or elegant appetizer.

Serve warm and enjoy as a savory snack or elegant appetizer.