When I made these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls, the kitchen smelled warm and buttery.
The crescents baked up golden and flaky, with melty cheese tucked inside every layer.
I remember serving them fresh from the oven—they disappeared in minutes.
These rolls are soft, cheesy, and perfect for snacks, breakfast, or quick dinners.
They’re simple to make but taste like something special.
Let’s bake them together—you’ll love how cozy and delicious they turn out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Kid-Friendly: Children and adults alike can’t resist these cheesy, buttery rolls.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Versatile: Works great as a snack, side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch.
- Minimal Cleanup: Just one baking sheet and a small bowl needed.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 8 crescent rolls, enough to serve 4 people as a snack or light meal. You can easily double the recipe if feeding a crowd.
Difficulty: Very easy and beginner-friendly. Even kids can help with rolling these up!
Required Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty rolls (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Crescent Roll Dough: One can (8 ounces) of refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the flaky, buttery base.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham adds savory, meaty flavor. About 8 slices work perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded or sliced cheddar cheese melts beautifully inside the rolls. You can use sharp or mild cheddar based on your preference.
- Butter: Melted butter creates a golden, crispy exterior.
- Garlic Salt: Adds a savory, garlicky kick to the butter topping.
- Parsley: Dried or fresh parsley gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Variations for Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Different Cheese: Try Swiss cheese, provolone, pepper jack, or mozzarella for variety.
- Add Veggies: Place a thin slice of tomato or some spinach leaves with the ham and cheese.
- Use Turkey: Swap deli ham for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce before rolling.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey and Dijon mustard, then brush on top before baking for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Replace garlic salt with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it carefully. Separate the dough into 8 triangles along the perforated lines.
3. Add the Filling
Place one slice of deli ham on each triangle. If your ham slices are large, fold them to fit. Add a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons) on top of the ham.
4. Roll Them Up
Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed tip. Tuck the tip underneath slightly so it stays in place during baking. Place the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet with the tip side down.
5. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 2 tablespoons). Stir in a pinch of garlic salt and dried parsley.
6. Brush with Butter
Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each crescent roll with the garlic butter mixture. This gives them a beautiful golden color and amazing flavor.
7. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you bite in.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls:
These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli.
- Soup: Pair with tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or chicken noodle soup.
- Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For Parties: Arrange on a platter with other finger foods like veggie sticks, crackers, and fruit.
Decoration Ideas:
- Sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top right after baking.
- Add a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces.
Storing Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Room Temperature: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator: Place cooled rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezer: You can freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese can leak out during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons per roll.
- Keep Dough Cold: Work quickly with the crescent dough so it stays cold and easier to handle.
- Even Thickness: Try to roll each crescent with similar tightness so they bake evenly.
- Watch the Oven: Ovens vary, so check the rolls at 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Seal the Edges: Press the seams of the dough gently to help keep the filling inside while baking.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 rolls) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 12g |
Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintHam And Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 1 cup (about 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Add Filling: Place one slice of ham on each triangle. Top with about 1-2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll Up: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point. Place on the prepared baking sheet with the tip tucked underneath.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic salt and parsley.
- Brush Rolls: Use a pastry brush to coat each roll with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Let rolls cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls FAQs
Yes, you can use puff pastry sheets cut into triangles, or even homemade crescent dough if you prefer.
You can use regular salt and add a small amount of garlic powder to the melted butter instead.
Absolutely! Skip the ham and add extra cheese, or try vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
This can happen if you use too much cheese or if the dough seams aren’t sealed well. Try using a bit less cheese and pressing the edges gently.
Yes, assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
The rolls should be golden brown on top and the dough should look fully cooked and flaky, not doughy.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese crescent rolls are the perfect solution when you need something tasty in a hurry. With their buttery, flaky exterior and warm, cheesy filling, these rolls satisfy cravings and bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re serving them as an after-school snack, a party appetizer, or a simple dinner side, they never disappoint. The best part is how simple they are to customize with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear!
