We all know croissants are the flaky, buttery stars of breakfast or brunch, right? They are a laminated French viennoiserie pastry.
Whether it's a casual catch-up with friends or a fancy tea party, pairing croissants with the right sides can improve the experience.
We can't resist throwing some soft cheese or jam onto our plates next to a warm croissant. It's like a mini celebration in every bite!
We can share a few must-try sides that'll take your croissant game to the next level. From sweet to savory, there's a whole range of accompaniments perfect for these tasty rolls.
You won't want to miss out on what's next!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Croissants
Here's a list of some of the best sides for croissants, ranked by sheer deliciousness:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese | Smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill | Savory, creamy | Easy | 10 mins |
| French Onion Soup | Onions, beef broth, Gruyère cheese | Savory, rich | Medium | 45 mins |
| Prosciutto and Melon | Prosciutto, melon | Sweet, salty | Easy | 10 mins |
| Chicken Waldorf Salad | Chicken, apples, celery, walnuts | Sweet, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Brie and Apple Slices | Brie cheese, apples, honey | Creamy, sweet | Easy | 10 mins |
| Spinach and Feta Quiche | Spinach, feta, eggs, pastry | Savory, creamy | Medium | 40 mins |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Tomatoes, basil, cream | Tangy, herby | Easy | 30 mins |
| Ham and Gruyère Omelette | Eggs, ham, Gruyère cheese | Savory, cheesy | Medium | 15 mins |
| Avocado Egg Salad | Avocado, eggs, mayonnaise | Creamy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Balsamic Glazed Strawberries | Strawberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Herbed Goat Cheese Spread | Goat cheese, herbs, olive oil | Creamy, herby | Easy | 10 mins |
| Ratatouille | Eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers | Savory, herby | Medium | 50 mins |
| Honey Butter | Butter, honey, sea salt | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 5 mins |
1 - Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
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This duo works nearly every time and pairs nicely with salmon side dishes for lighter meals.
The creamy cheese balances the fishy flavour. It's an easy-to-assemble side that packs in protein (about 12 g per 2 oz serving).
Less mess means more munching. A smear of cream cheese on a croissant?
Yes, please.
For an extra kick, we sprinkle some capers or dill. It adds brightness without overwhelming the palate.
Serve it up with a slice of lemon. It brightens everything, making this combo even more refreshing!
2 - French Onion Soup
What's better than a bowl of French onion soup? It's a classic French bistro staple.
We get the rich, savory taste from caramelized onions and beef broth, a pairing that also appears in onion-friendly side dishes for parties.
Yeah, it's totally a vibe.
We recommend using Gruyère cheese. It melts nicely and adds a sweet, nutty flavor.
Pro tip: let it caramelize longer for more depth.
This soup pairs well with anything but shines beside croissants. It's a warm hug for your tummy.
3 - Prosciutto and Melon
Ever think about how simple two ingredients can change our snacking game? Prosciutto's salty kick (an Italian dry-cured ham) perfectly contrasts with the juicy sweetness of melon.
That's how we get bliss on a plate! It's got a fancy vibe, yet it's a breeze to whip up.
We can arrange it on a platter for instant pizzazz.
Serrano ham is cool, but prosciutto reigns supreme.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze? Why not! It adds a zing that's hard to resist.
4 - Chicken Waldorf Salad
Another classic, Chicken Waldorf salad has been a hit since it was created over a century ago (originally at New York's Waldorf-Astoria hotel in the 1890s). It's creamy, crunchy and packed with flavors like apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
The protein-packed chicken makes it more satisfying as a complete meal and pairs well with hearty sides for pan-fried chicken.
Together, they balance each other out in texture and taste.
5 - Brie and Apple Slices
The creamy, tangy taste of brie (a soft French cow's milk cheese) and the crisp sweetness of apples go hand in hand. We love to pair it with a crusty baguette.
But when we have croissants on the table, it's an opportunity we won't pass up.
Bake mini croissant sandwiches with brie and apple slices inside for a twist on the classic charcuterie board.
6 - Spinach and Feta Quiche
Spinach and feta quiche is just like a hug in pastry form. It's fluffy, cheesy, and loaded with green goodness (feta is a brined Greek cheese).
We feel it works any time of day. Breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it's versatile.
You can make it ahead for a quick meal. Leftovers? They taste even better.
Add extra spinach for a health boost and pair it with spinach-forward side dishes for dinner.
Baking it in a muffin tin? Instant mini quiches!
7 - Tomato Basil Soup
It's simple, delicious, and pairs well with a croissant and other tomato-centric side dishes for gatherings.
The combo of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil (basil is Ocimum basilicum, a Mediterranean herb) creates a soothing base.
We enjoy dunking a flaky croissant to soak up all that goodness.
Make it creamier with a swirl of heavy cream or milk.
A sprinkle of cheese on top adds a nice touch. Homemade is fun, but store-bought works too.
Keep it smooth or chunky, it's all about preference!
8 - Ham and Gruyère Omelette
Ever tried an omelette that's just a little too eggy?
That's why we dig the ham and Gruyère omelette. The ham adds a savory bite while Gruyère (a Swiss alpine cheese) gives that melty richness.
We fold it all up in a fluffy egg base.
Easy to make, yet it looks fancy on a plate.
Add fresh herbs for a pop of flavour and colour, or toss in some spinach.
It's versatile and pairs easily with various sides like ham-friendly side dishes for brunch.
9 - Avocado Egg Salad
What's better than a creamy egg salad? An avocado egg salad!
It combines rich avocados (Persea americana) with hard-boiled eggs. We get a smooth texture and extra nutrients.
Mix in some mayo or Greek yogurt. Season it up with salt and pepper.
It sure makes a great spread on croissants. We can even add some diced onions or herbs for a punch.
This dish is quick to make and stays fresh for days. It's a no-fail option for brunch gatherings.
10 - Balsamic Glazed Strawberries
Balsamic glazed strawberries? Talk about a fruity twist!
These little gems enhance any meal. The sweet and tangy coating really shines.
It's quick to make and looks impressive.
Pair them with creamy cheese or drizzle them on your favorite desserts.
The acidity cuts through heaviness. You can mix them with other fruits too.
Consider using aged balsamic from Modena for a richer flavor.
Fresh strawberries are key. They should be ripe and juicy.
Don't skimp on the glaze-more is more!
11 - Herbed Goat Cheese Spread
Looking for a spread that's not just cream cheese? This herbed goat cheese spread is a creamy wonder.
We simply blend goat cheese (chèvre made from goat's milk) with herbs. Basil, chives, or thyme-all work great.
It's super versatile on croissants or crackers. Pair it with veggies, and you really shine.
It adds a tangy zest.
Make it ahead of time to save effort. Leftovers are awesome in salads or sandwiches.
This is one spread that truly gets around.
12 - Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic Provençal French dish that throws a veggie party. It's a mix of zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, simmered to goodness.
We get layers of flavor with herbs like thyme and basil.
This dish is easy to customize. Add whatever veggies we have!
Ratatouille is also fab as a side. It pairs well with bread or meats.
Heat it up, and the flavors deepen overnight. It wins for meal prep.
Serving it cold on a hot day? Refreshing twist!
13 - Honey Butter
Honey butter? Who thought spreading sweetness on everything could be this fun?
This blend brings together creamy butter and sweet honey (use a 2:1 butter-to-honey ratio). It's simple yet amazing.
We use it on croissants, toast, or muffins. It's like a warm hug for breakfast.
Get fancy with spices like cinnamon or a dash of vanilla.
It takes regular butter to another level. We think it's a must-have for any brunch spread.
No leftovers? Make a small batch. It's too good to waste.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
