It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become absolute family favorites, isn’t it? For us, Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups fall squarely into that category. Honestly, I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was desperately searching for something quick and easy to whip up for a last-minute potluck. Little did I know it would become a staple in our house. The buttery, flaky crescent roll dough hugging savory ham and melted cheese – it’s pure comfort food in every bite. What I love most is how versatile they are. Need a speedy weeknight dinner side? Check. Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day? Double check. Even picky eaters (and we have a few!) devour these without complaint. They’re just undeniably delicious and incredibly simple to make. My kids are actually at the stage where they can almost make them entirely on their own, which is a huge win for a busy parent. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor, then you absolutely have to try these Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “second helping!”

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

• Crescent Roll Dough: One 8-ounce can of refrigerated crescent roll dough. This forms the flaky and buttery base of our roll-ups, providing a delightful texture that complements the savory filling. Look for brands like Pillsbury or store brands – they all work wonderfully.
• Cooked Ham: 4 ounces of thinly sliced cooked ham. Deli ham works best here for its delicate texture and ease of use. You can use any variety of ham you prefer – honey ham, black forest ham, or even smoked ham for a bolder flavor. Ensure it’s thinly sliced so it rolls up easily and cooks through evenly.
• Cheese Slices: 4 slices of your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or mozzarella are all excellent choices. The cheese melts beautifully inside the crescent rolls, creating a gooey and flavorful center. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to customize the taste to your liking. Pre-sliced cheese is convenient, but you can also slice cheese from a block.
• Dijon Mustard (Optional): 1-2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. This adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the roll-ups. Dijon mustard’s slight sharpness cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese, creating a more balanced taste. If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it or try other spreads like honey mustard or a garlic aioli.
• Egg Wash (Optional): 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. This is used to brush over the crescent rolls before baking to give them a golden brown color and a beautiful sheen. The egg wash also enhances the crispiness of the baked dough. If you prefer, you can use milk or melted butter as an alternative egg wash.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional): For topping. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning adds a delightful savory and crunchy topping to the roll-ups. It elevates the flavor profile with its blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion. Other topping options include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or shredded Parmesan cheese.

Instructions for Making Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial for ensuring the crescent rolls bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is essential for preventing the roll-ups from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps to distribute heat more evenly, promoting consistent baking.
2. Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: Carefully open the can of crescent roll dough according to the package directions. Gently unroll the dough onto a clean, flat surface. You’ll typically have eight pre-cut triangles of dough. If the dough seems a little sticky, you can lightly dust your surface with a small amount of flour. Arrange the triangles so they are ready for filling.
3. Prepare Ham and Cheese Slices (If Necessary): If your ham slices are thick, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces or strips that will fit neatly onto the crescent roll triangles. Similarly, if your cheese slices are large, you can cut them in half or into squares that are roughly the same size as the base of the crescent roll triangles. This ensures that the ham and cheese are evenly distributed within each roll-up.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Now it’s time to assemble the magic! Take each crescent roll triangle and, if using, spread a very thin layer of Dijon mustard (or your chosen spread) over the wide end of the triangle. Be careful not to use too much mustard, as it can overpower the other flavors. Next, place a slice of ham on top of the mustard (or directly onto the dough if skipping mustard) at the wide end of the triangle. Top the ham with a slice of cheese. Make sure the ham and cheese are positioned within the wide end of the triangle so they are fully enclosed when rolled up.
5. Roll Up the Crescents: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll up the dough towards the pointed end, creating a crescent shape. Gently pinch the pointed tip of the dough to seal the roll-up and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Place each assembled roll-up, point-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for even baking and air circulation.
6. Brush with Egg Wash (Optional) and Sprinkle with Seasoning: If you’re using an egg wash, whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each crescent roll-up with the egg wash. This step gives them a beautiful golden brown color and a lovely sheen. After brushing with egg wash (or if you are skipping egg wash), sprinkle the tops of the roll-ups with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or any other desired topping. The seasoning adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
7. Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. You want them to be nicely browned and cooked through, but not burnt.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the hot cheese. They are best served warm while the crescent rolls are still flaky and the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

(Per Serving – Based on recipe making 8 roll-ups)

• Serving Size: 1 roll-up
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Fat: 10g

(Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, brands, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, refer to the nutritional labels of your ingredients or use a nutrition calculator.)

Preparation Time for Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

• Prep Time: 10 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, preheating the oven, unrolling the crescent dough, and preparing the ham and cheese slices. The speed of preparation is one of the key advantages of this recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes. Baking time in the oven until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted. The relatively short cook time ensures that these roll-ups are ready in under half an hour from start to finish.
• Total Time: Approximately 22-25 minutes. From start to finish, these Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups are incredibly quick to prepare and bake, making them a fantastic option when you need a delicious and satisfying snack or meal in a hurry.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

These versatile roll-ups can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some ideas:

• As a Quick and Easy Snack:
  • On their own: They are delicious just as they are, warm straight from the oven. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick bite between meals.
  • With dipping sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces for added flavor and fun. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or even a simple ketchup are all great choices.
• As a Party Appetizer:
  • Arrange on a platter: Present them attractively on a platter for parties or gatherings. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
  • Serve with toothpicks or skewers: Make them easy to grab and eat at a party by inserting toothpicks or small skewers into each roll-up.
  • Pair with other appetizers: Include them as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside other finger foods like mini quiches, vegetable sticks with dip, and cheese and crackers.
• As Part of a Meal:
  • Side dish for soup or salad: Serve them alongside a bowl of hearty soup or a fresh salad for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner. They pair especially well with tomato soup, creamy potato soup, or a simple garden salad.
  • Quick weeknight dinner: Combine them with a side of steamed vegetables or a fruit salad for a complete and kid-friendly weeknight meal.
  • Breakfast or brunch option: While traditionally savory, they can also be served as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, bacon, and fruit.
• For Lunchboxes:
  • Cool them completely: Ensure they are fully cooled before packing them in lunchboxes to prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Pack with a small dipping container: Include a small container of dipping sauce if desired.
  • Combine with other lunchbox staples: Pair them with fruit, vegetables, and a yogurt tube for a balanced and appealing lunch.

Additional Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

1. Don’t Overfill the Crescents: Resist the urge to overfill the crescent rolls with ham and cheese. Too much filling can make them difficult to roll up and may cause the dough to burst during baking. A moderate amount of filling ensures they cook properly and stay sealed.
2. Seal the Edges Tightly: Make sure to pinch the edges of the crescent rolls firmly to seal them after rolling. This prevents the cheese from melting out during baking and keeps the roll-ups intact. Pay special attention to sealing the pointed tip of the triangle.
3. Use Room Temperature Dough (Slightly): While you want to keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use, letting it sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes can make it slightly easier to unroll and work with without becoming too sticky. However, don’t leave it out for too long, as it can become too soft and difficult to handle.
4. Experiment with Different Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Pepper jack for a little spice, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a classic cheesy taste are all great options. You can also use shredded cheese if you prefer.
5. Add Extra Flavor with Spreads: Beyond Dijon mustard, consider other flavorful spreads to enhance your roll-ups. Garlic aioli, pesto, cream cheese, or even a thin layer of spinach and artichoke dip can add a delicious twist. Just remember to use spreads sparingly to avoid making the dough soggy.
6. Customize with Different Fillings: While ham and cheese is a classic, you can easily customize these roll-ups with other fillings. Try turkey and Swiss, pepperoni and mozzarella, or even a vegetarian version with spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
7. Make Ahead of Time (Partially): You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and store them unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 hours. This makes them convenient for party preparation. Just bake them as directed when you are ready to serve. Baking them fresh is always best for optimal texture.
8. Reheat Leftovers Properly: Leftover Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker option, or microwave them in a pinch, although microwaving may make the dough slightly less crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups

Q1: Can I use different types of dough instead of crescent rolls?
A: While crescent roll dough is ideal for its flaky texture and ease of use, you can experiment with other types of dough. Puff pastry would create a richer, flakier roll-up, but it requires more handling. Pizza dough could also be used for a chewier version, but baking time may need to be adjusted. Crescent roll dough is generally the easiest and most reliable choice for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make these roll-ups vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make vegetarian Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups, simply omit the ham and add vegetarian fillings. Good options include roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions with cheese; spinach and feta cheese; or a combination of mushrooms and Swiss cheese. You can also use vegetarian deli slices as a ham substitute.

Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
A: The key to preventing cheese leakage is to properly seal the crescent rolls after rolling them up. Pinch the edges firmly, especially the pointed tip, to ensure a tight seal. Also, avoid overfilling the rolls, as too much filling can cause the dough to burst. Placing the roll-ups point-side down on the baking sheet can also help keep them sealed.

Q4: Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups?
A: Yes, you can freeze these roll-ups, either baked or unbaked. For unbaked roll-ups, assemble them as directed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked roll-ups, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q5: What dipping sauces go well with these roll-ups?
A: Many dipping sauces complement Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups. Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, marinara sauce, ketchup, or BBQ sauce. For a spicier option, try sriracha mayo or a chipotle ranch. Creamy dips like cheese sauce or spinach artichoke dip also work well.

Q6: Can I add herbs or spices to the filling?
A: Yes, adding herbs and spices is a great way to customize the flavor. Consider adding dried herbs like Italian seasoning, oregano, or thyme to the ham and cheese filling. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory flavor. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can be sprinkled on top after baking for a fresh finish.

Q7: How do I make these roll-ups ahead for a party?
A: For party preparation, assemble the roll-ups up to 2-3 hours ahead of time and store them unbaked in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake as directed. This allows you to get most of the prep work done in advance and bake them fresh just before your guests arrive.

Q8: My crescent rolls are browning too quickly, but the inside isn’t cooked. What should I do?
A: If your crescent rolls are browning too quickly, but the inside doesn’t seem fully cooked, you can lower the oven temperature slightly to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for a few more minutes. You can also loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the inside finishes cooking. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll-up – it should come out clean when fully cooked.

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