Ham Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups

These crescent roll-ups are the perfect quick dinner! Ham and cheese wrapped in flaky pastry and baked until golden. Ready in just 20 minutes for busy weeknights.

My youngest daughter went through this phase where she refused to eat anything that looked "complicated," but these became her absolute favorite dinner. She calls them "ham surprises" and gets excited every time I pull out the crescent roll tube. Even my husband, who usually wants more substantial meals, admits these actually fill him up and taste way better than they have any right to for something so simple.

What You Need

• Crescent roll dough: I always use the refrigerated tubes because they're consistent and create that perfect flaky texture
• Deli ham slices: Get the good stuff from the deli counter because it tastes so much better than prepackaged
• Cheddar cheese slices: The regular sandwich slices work perfectly and melt beautifully without getting greasy
• Butter blend: Melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley creates that golden, flavorful top coating
• Simple seasonings: Just garlic powder and dried parsley, but they make such a difference in the final flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Ready:

Heat your oven to 375 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Open your tube of crescent roll dough and carefully separate each triangle along the perforated lines. Lay them out on your work surface with the wide ends facing you, making sure you have enough space to work with each piece individually without them overlapping.

Assembly Process:

Take two slices of deli ham and lay them on each crescent triangle, leaving about half an inch of dough showing at both the narrow and wide ends. This border is important because it helps seal everything inside when you roll them up. Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of the ham, positioning it so it doesn't hang over the edges where it might leak out during baking.

Rolling Technique:

Starting from the wide end of each triangle, begin rolling the dough toward the narrow point, keeping the filling tucked inside as you go. Roll firmly but gently so you don't tear the dough or squeeze out the filling. The dough should wrap around the ham and cheese completely, with the narrow point ending up on the bottom to help seal the whole thing closed.

Butter Preparation:

In a small bowl, mix your melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley until everything is well combined. The mixture should smell amazing and look evenly speckled with the seasonings. This butter blend not only helps the rolls turn golden brown but adds incredible flavor that makes them taste restaurant-quality.

Final Steps:

Place all your rolled-up crescents on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching each other so they can brown evenly on all sides. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the top of each roll with your seasoned butter mixture, making sure to get into any crevices where the flavors can soak in.

Baking Time:

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, checking them at the 10-minute mark to see how they're browning. They're done when the tops are golden brown and the dough looks cooked through. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese can set up slightly and you don't burn your mouth on molten filling.

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Essential Knowledge

Don't overstuff them - Too much filling makes them impossible to seal properly and creates a mess in the oven

Watch the timing closely - Crescent dough can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly, so check them early

Let them rest briefly - Those few minutes of cooling prevent the filling from being molten lava hot

I used to skip the resting time because everyone was hungry, but I learned my lesson after watching my kids burn their tongues multiple times. Now I use those 5 minutes to throw together a quick side salad or get drinks ready. The butter mixture really does make a huge difference too - I tried making them without it once and they were good but not nearly as flavorful.

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Perfect Pairings

These work beautifully as a complete meal when served with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit to balance out the richness. I often make a quick cucumber and tomato salad with Italian dressing that cuts through the buttery, cheesy flavors perfectly. For hungrier appetites, some baked sweet potato fries or regular potato chips on the side make it feel more substantial. They're also great for lunch boxes or picnics since they taste good at room temperature too.

Creative Variations

Try using different types of cheese like Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for extra kick. Turkey and ham together creates a delicious club sandwich version, especially when you add a thin slice of tomato. For breakfast, I've made these with scrambled eggs and bacon instead of ham and cheese. You can also brush them with different flavored butters - try adding Italian seasoning, ranch powder, or even a little honey for sweetness.

Storage Solutions

These taste absolutely best right out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the outside is crispy. Leftovers keep in the fridge for about three days and reheat well in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up. You can assemble them completely and refrigerate for up to a day before baking, which makes them perfect for meal prep. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if they're going in cold.

Kitchen Tricks

Room temperature dough works easier - Let the tube sit out for 10 minutes before opening if it's been in the fridge

Use parchment paper - It prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much simpler

Even butter distribution - Make sure every roll gets coated for consistent browning and flavor

These ham and cheddar crescent rolls have become my go-to solution for those nights when everyone needs dinner but life gets in the way of cooking. They satisfy that comfort food craving while being sophisticated enough that I don't feel like I'm feeding my family junk. The fact that they use ingredients I always have on hand makes them even more valuable in my weeknight rotation. Every time I make them, I'm reminded that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most reliable ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, provolone, or American cheese all work great. Just make sure to use sliced cheese that melts well.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just brush with the butter mixture right before putting them in the oven.

→ What can I serve with these roll-ups?
They're great with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or even just some fruit. They're pretty filling on their own though!

→ How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5-8 minutes to crisp them back up.

→ Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! Try adding thin slices of apple, mustard, or even some spinach leaves for extra flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Swiss, provolone, or American cheese melt beautifully and pair well with ham. Just use slices that fit the dough.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead. Brush with butter right before baking.

→ What should I serve with these roll-ups?

They're great with green salads, roasted veggies, or fresh fruit. For heartier meals, try sweet potato fries or chips.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 300°F for 5–8 minutes until crisp.

→ Can I add extra fillings?

Yes! Try thin apple slices, mustard, or spinach. Just avoid overfilling so they seal and bake properly.