If you’re looking for a ridiculously tasty, easy-to-make snack or meal, this Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with melty cheddar cheese, savory ham, and flaky buttery crescent roll dough that bakes to golden perfection, creating the ultimate comfort bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or just a quick treat when cravings hit, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with an irresistible wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a role in making these roll-ups irresistibly cheesy, savory, and flaky.
- Crescent roll dough: The buttery, flaky base that wraps everything in a golden crust.
- Deli ham slices: Adds a savory, smoky layer of protein that pairs beautifully with cheese.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melts perfectly inside for that gooey, sharp bite.
- Butter, melted: Brushed on top to enhance browning and add richness.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory punch to the buttery glaze.
- Dried parsley: Adds a touch of color and light herbal notes.
How to Make Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven to 375°F
Setting your oven to the right temperature ensures that the crescent dough bakes evenly into a golden, flaky crust while the ham and cheese heat through perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Carefully roll out each crescent dough piece to provide enough space for delicious fillings and a secure roll, which guarantees every bite stays packed with flavor.
Step 3: Layer Ham and Cheese
Place two slices of deli ham on each piece of dough, leaving some dough visible on each end for sealing. Then, lay a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top for that signature melty center.
Step 4: Roll Up the Crescent Dough
Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly around the ham and cheese layers. This method locks in the filling so every bite bursts with savory goodness.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place each rolled crescent on a parchment-lined sheet to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup once they’re baked.
Step 6: Brush with Seasoned Butter
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley, then brush the mixture generously over the tops of the roll-ups. This step adds golden color and that wonderful garlicky aroma.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls develop a beautiful golden brown crust that’s flaky and irresistible.
Step 8: Let Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the roll-ups to rest for about 5 minutes. This cool-down lets the cheese settle slightly, making them easier and less messy to eat.
How to Serve Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or extra parsley on top right before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a small dollop of Dijon mustard on the side pairs beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
These crescent roll-ups shine as a centerpiece when paired with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or even a warm bowl of tomato soup. Their savory flavors balance well with fresh or acidic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels for party platters or arrange them alongside fresh fruit and veggies for a colorful, inviting brunch spread. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with twine also makes charming handheld lunches or picnic snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe wrapped tightly in airtight containers or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing their delicious flaky texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these later, freeze the fully baked roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to one month and are perfect for quick snacks.
Reheating
To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to keep that beautiful flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe, feel free to try Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a twist on flavor and meltiness.
Is it possible to make these roll-ups vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ham and add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers combined with cheese for a meat-free version.
Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
You can substitute with puff pastry sheets or biscuit dough, but crescent roll dough offers the perfect buttery flakiness that makes this recipe special.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from leaking cheese during baking?
Make sure to leave some dough exposed at the ends to pinch and seal properly. Rolling tightly and placing the wide end down on the baking sheet helps keep fillings inside.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe is one of those magical dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it really comes together in minutes. It’s warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting every time you bite into one. Give it a try and I promise it will become a favorite go-to recipe, whether for quick dinners, snack cravings, or impressing guests with something simple yet spectacular.
Print
Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups are a quick, savory snack or appetizer featuring flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around slices of ham and cheddar cheese. Brushed with a buttery garlic and parsley topping, they bake to a golden brown perfection, making them perfect for parties, lunches, or easy dinners.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll-Ups
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 16 deli ham slices
- 8 cheddar cheese slices
Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the crescent roll-ups.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the crescent dough pieces to ready them for filling.
- Add the Ham and Cheese: Lay two slices of deli ham on each crescent dough piece, leaving some dough visible at both ends. Top the ham with one slice of cheddar cheese.
- Roll Up the Crescents: Starting from the widest end, carefully roll up the dough to encase the ham and cheese inside, forming neat rolls.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Put the rolled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet, evenly spaced.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley, then brush this mixture generously over the tops of each roll.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked roll-ups from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken slices if preferred.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Serve with mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice for added taste.
- Ensure not to overfill the crescents to prevent bursting during baking.
- Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
