Ham And Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups

Saturday mornings in our house move at two speeds: full throttle and complete standstill. This past weekend leaned hard into the chaotic side. My husband was trying to fix the leaky garden hose, my daughter was knee-deep in glitter glue, and my son, half-awake, stood in the kitchen declaring there was “nothing to eat,” despite a fridge full of ingredients. I didn’t feel like cooking a full brunch, but I also didn’t want cereal to win the day again.

That’s when I spotted a lonely tube of crescent dough in the fridge door and remembered something my sister once threw together for a last-minute get-together, little roll-ups with ham and cheese. No fuss, no fancy prep. Just layer, roll, and bake.

Within ten minutes, the house started to smell like buttery heaven. I brushed them with a quick garlic butter mix, tossed them in the oven, and by the time the kids were lured in by the aroma, I had warm, melty rolls ready.

We sat outside with paper plates, passing the tray around like it was some grand picnic. Not one crumb was left. I got “Are there more?” from both kids and a content nod from my husband—the kind that says, you nailed it. And just like that, a hectic morning found its quiet middle, thanks to a roll-up.

Short Description

Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups are flaky, golden pastries filled with melty cheddar and savory deli ham, brushed with seasoned butter and baked to perfection. Quick, kid-friendly, and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or party platters.

Key Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tube crescent roll dough (8-count)
• 16 slices deli ham
• 8 slices cheddar cheese

Seasoning

• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley

Tools Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl (for butter mix)
• Pastry brush
• Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Lay them flat on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese
Place 2 slices of deli ham on each triangle, leaving a bit of space around the edges. Add 1 slice of cheddar cheese on top of the ham.

Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from the wide end, gently roll each triangle into a crescent, making sure the filling stays tucked inside.

Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolled crescents.

Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and flaky.

Step 7: Let Them Rest
Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and avoids burned tongues!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Buttery crescent rolls wrapped around smoky ham and gooey cheddar with a savory garlic-herb finish.

Quick and Easy: Only minutes to prep and under 15 minutes to bake.

Kid & Crowd Approved: Perfect for picky eaters and great for entertaining.

Versatile: Works for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or last-minute snacks.

Budget-Friendly: Uses just a few common, affordable ingredients.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overfilling the Dough: Can cause tears or uneven baking.
Solution: Stick to 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheese per roll.

Cheese Melting Out: Cheese can ooze and burn on the pan.
Solution: Center the cheese well and tuck ends while rolling.

Underbaking: The center may stay doughy.
Solution: Check for golden tops and feel for firm bottoms—add 1–2 more minutes if needed.

Dry Tops: Rolls may dry out without brushing.
Solution: Don’t skip the butter mixture—adds moisture and flavor.

Sticking to the Pan: Melted cheese may glue rolls down.
Solution: Always use parchment or a non-stick baking mat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a side of Dijon mustard or honey mustard for dipping.

Pair with a simple fruit salad or a green salad for a full meal.

Great for brunch buffets, school lunchboxes, or holiday appetizers.

Cut into halves and serve on a platter for parties or potlucks.

For a heartier option, serve alongside scrambled eggs or soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat (Oven): Warm at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to keep the outside crispy.

To Reheat (Microwave): Heat in 15-second intervals until warm.

Freezing: Wrap each roll in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Avoid Sogginess: Always reheat uncovered to maintain the crisp texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack work well too.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate them a few hours in advance, then bake fresh.

3. What type of ham is best?
Thin-sliced deli ham or honey ham works best for even layering and easy rolling.

4. Can I use homemade dough?
Definitely—just roll it thin and cut into triangles similar to crescent dough.

5. How do I make them more filling?
Add a spoonful of scrambled eggs or spinach along with the ham and cheese.

Tips & Tricks

Use kitchen shears to trim cheese to fit the dough triangles cleanly.

Let crescent dough sit out for 5 minutes before unrolling—it’s easier to handle.

For extra golden tops, sprinkle with a pinch of parmesan before baking.

Try a light egg wash instead of butter for a shinier finish.

Keep an eye on the oven—every brand of dough can bake a bit differently.

Recipe Variations

Turkey and Swiss Roll-Ups
Swap ham for sliced turkey and cheddar for Swiss. Add a thin layer of honey mustard before rolling.
Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet, and deli-style.

Breakfast Roll-Ups
Add scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon with the cheese.
Flavor Profile: Hearty, smoky, and perfect for brunch.

Veggie Roll-Ups
Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and mozzarella instead of ham and cheddar.
Flavor Profile: Earthy, cheesy, and satisfying.

Pizza Crescent Rolls
Add pepperoni and mozzarella with a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Flavor Profile: Cheesy, zesty, and kid-approved.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones you don’t plan. These Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups saved a Saturday morning in the middle of the chaos and turned it into something cozy and shared.

The buttery crunch, the melted cheese, the warm ham inside—it all just worked. And in that short, golden-baked moment, our loud, messy kitchen became the best spot in the house. No leftovers, just full bellies and a quiet kind of happiness.