Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful and versatile snack that has gained immense popularity for its irresistible taste and convenience. These rolls are a perfect fusion of savory ham and creamy cheese wrapped in soft, flaky crescent rolls, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack. The beauty of ham and cheese rolls with crescent rolls lies in their simplicity and the ease with which they can be prepared.
This culinary creation involves wrapping slices of ham and cheese in crescent roll dough, then baking them to golden perfection. The result is a mouth-watering treat where the buttery pastry complements the melted cheese and savory ham, creating a harmony of flavors that delights the taste buds. Not only are ham and cheese crescent rolls incredibly tasty, but they are also highly adaptable. You can experiment with different types of cheese or add seasonings to suit your taste, making them a versatile dish that can cater to various preferences.
Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for your family, looking for something to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a delicious snack, ham and cheese rolls with crescent rolls are sure to impress. Their ease of preparation combined with their delicious taste makes them a favorite among both adults and children alike.
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
12-15 minutes
Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
American
Servings
4 persons
Kitchen Tools Needed
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Rolling Pin (if dough needs to be flattened further)
Knife (for cutting the ham, if not pre-cut)
Cheese Grater (if cheese is not pre-shredded)
Pastry Brush (for brushing the rolls with butter or egg wash, if desired)
Oven Mitts
Cooling Rack (optional, for cooling the rolls after baking)
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Swiss recommended)
Optional: 1 egg (for egg wash) or melted butter, for brushing
Optional: Seasonings (such as Italian seasoning or garlic powder) for sprinkling on top
How to make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for baking the crescent rolls.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking and to allow for easy cleanup. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet.
Unroll the Crescent Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
Add Ham and Cheese
Place a slice of ham on each triangle of dough. If your ham slices are large, you might need to cut them to fit. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the ham. If you’re adding any optional seasonings, sprinkle them on the cheese.
Roll the Crescent Rolls
Starting at the wider end of each triangle, roll the dough up around the ham and cheese, ending at the tip of the triangle. Ensure the cheese is well-encased by the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for expansion during baking.
Optional: Apply Egg Wash or Butter
If desired, lightly brush the top of each crescent roll with beaten egg or melted butter. This step adds a golden color and can help seasonings stick.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.
Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This step helps the cheese set slightly, making the rolls easier to handle and eat.
What To Serve With Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls?
Fresh Vegetable Platter: A colorful selection of raw vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips can offer a refreshing and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the crescent rolls.
Fruit Salad: A light and sweet fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a fresh and juicy complement to the savory rolls. Consider adding a honey-lime dressing for an extra zing.
Soup: Pair the crescent rolls with a comforting bowl of tomato soup, chicken noodle, or a creamy vegetable soup for a cozy and satisfying meal, especially on cooler days.
Salad: A crisp green salad with a variety of lettuces, vegetables, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the meal with a touch of freshness and texture.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with a tangy dressing and plenty of vegetables, cheese cubes, and olives can serve as a hearty side that complements the rolls without overpowering them.
Potato Chips: For a quick and easy option, serve the crescent rolls with a side of your favorite potato chips for added crunch and saltiness.
Pickles and Olives: A small bowl of pickles and olives can add a nice tang and variety to the plate, offering a sharp contrast to the creamy cheese and savory ham.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as mustard, ranch, or honey mustard to enhance the flavors of the ham and cheese crescent rolls.
Quinoa or Couscous Salad: A light and fluffy quinoa or couscous salad with vegetables and a lemony dressing can provide a wholesome and nutritious side option.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of sea salt and a hint of cinnamon can add a sweet and savory element to the meal, making for a delightful contrast.
How to store leftover?
Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the ham and cheese crescent rolls are cooled completely to room temperature to prevent condensation inside the storage container, which could make them soggy.
Use Airtight Containers: Place the leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: If stacking the rolls, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and to preserve their texture.
Refrigerate: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. The rolls will keep well for up to 3 days when refrigerated properly.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, wrap each crescent roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label and Date: Always label the storage container or freezer bag with the contents and the date to keep track of how long the crescent rolls have been stored.
Reheating: To reheat, unwrap the rolls (if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first) and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but it may affect the texture, making the crescent rolls less flaky.
Avoid Direct Contact with Strong Odors: When refrigerating, ensure the crescent rolls do not come into direct contact with foods that have strong odors to prevent flavor transfer.
Check Before Consuming: Always check the rolls for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if they have been stored for an extended period.
Variations
Turkey and Swiss Rolls: Substitute the ham with thinly sliced turkey and use Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Rolls: Replace the ham with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
Pizza Rolls: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the crescent dough, then add pepperoni slices and mozzarella cheese before rolling.
Breakfast Rolls: Inside each crescent roll, place cooked scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese for a breakfast version.
Spicy Rolls: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce over the ham and cheese for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory Rolls: Include a thin layer of apple slices with the ham and brie cheese for a sweet and savory combination.
Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough Alternative: Use puff pastry or homemade dough as a substitute for crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Cheese Options: Instead of cheddar or Swiss, try using Gouda, provolone, or mozzarella for varying cheese flavors.
Meat Substitutes: For a healthier option, consider using low-fat ham, turkey ham, or even chicken breast slices.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or a gluten-free pastry dough to cater to dietary restrictions.
Dairy-Free Cheese: For those avoiding dairy, there are many dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well and can be used in place of traditional cheese.
Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or dried herbs to sprinkle on top before baking for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Chill the Dough: Keep your crescent roll dough in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Working with chilled dough makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the flakiness of the pastry once baked.
Thinly Slice the Ham: Thin slices of ham are preferable as they roll easier within the dough and ensure a balanced meat-to-cheese ratio in every bite.
Even Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the dough to ensure that each roll has a consistent amount of cheese. Consider using shredded cheese for easier melting and distribution.
Press to Seal: After rolling up your crescent rolls, gently press the dough at the tip to seal it. This helps prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing your rolls with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water or milk) before baking will give them a beautiful golden sheen and a professional-looking finish.
Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking. An accurately heated oven is key to achieving the perfect puff and color on your crescent rolls.
Do Not Overbake: Keep a close eye on your rolls as they bake. Removing them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown ensures they remain soft and flaky.
Add Herbs for Flavor: Sprinkle a little dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano on top of the rolls before baking for an extra flavor dimension.
Let Them Cool: Allow the rolls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short cooling period helps the cheese set and makes the rolls easier to handle.
Customize Your Filling: Don’t be afraid to add other ingredients to your ham and cheese crescent rolls. Consider incorporating a spread like mustard, pesto, or a sprinkle of dried onions for added flavor.
Serve Warm: Crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is melty and the dough is soft and flaky. If you have leftovers, a quick reheat in the oven can bring back their fresh-baked goodness.
Yes, you can prepare ham and cheese crescent rolls in advance. Assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them. If you want to freeze them, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
While cheddar and Swiss are popular choices for their flavor and melting properties, you can experiment with a variety of cheeses. Mozzarella, Gouda, provolone, and even cream cheese are excellent options. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the savory ham.
To prevent soggy crescent rolls, make sure to cool any fillings before adding them to the dough. If using moist ingredients like tomatoes or pickles, consider patting them dry with a paper towel. Additionally, baking the rolls until they’re golden brown ensures the dough is fully cooked and flaky, minimizing sogginess.
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ham with a variety of fillings such as sautéed spinach and mushrooms, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sliced olives. You can also use vegetarian meat substitutes that mimic the texture and flavor of ham.
The best way to reheat leftover crescent rolls is in the oven or a toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the pastry soft and chewy instead of flaky.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese crescent rolls epitomize the essence of comfort food, blending the hearty flavors of savory ham with the creamy richness of melted cheese, all encased in a golden, flaky crust. This culinary delight not only caters to a wide array of tastes but also offers versatility in preparation and serving. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful appetizer, these crescent rolls are a perfect choice.
Their ease of preparation, coupled with the ability to customize fillings according to personal preferences, makes them a favorite in kitchens around the globe. As you bite into the warm, buttery pastry and experience the melding of flavors, it’s clear why ham and cheese crescent rolls have become a beloved classic. They are a testament to the joy of simple, delicious food that brings people together.
