These Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups are a simple yet satisfying treat that combines buttery crescent dough with savory ham and melty cheese. Each roll bakes up golden brown with a warm, gooey center that’s hard to resist. The flavor combination is classic, but the presentation makes them look elegant enough for gatherings and casual enough for a weeknight meal.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a snack for kids, or even a light dinner, these roll-ups are guaranteed to be a hit. Their versatility makes them perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or even meal prep for the week. Best of all, they require minimal ingredients and effort yet deliver maximum flavor and comfort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
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8 slices deli ham
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8 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
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Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese onto each triangle.
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Roll up each crescent tightly, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the tip.
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Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 8 rolls
Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups: A Classic Made Easy
There are some flavor pairings that never go out of style, like peanut butter and jelly, tomatoes and basil, or chocolate and strawberries. Among these timeless duos, ham and cheese sits proudly at the top. It’s simple, satisfying, and universally loved. From school lunches to deli sandwiches, ham and cheese have always had a place at the table. But when wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked until golden, and brushed with a little melted butter, this combination turns into something truly irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups are one of those dishes that check all the boxes: they’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, family-approved, and versatile enough to serve in countless ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, planning game-day snacks, or simply want to whip up an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum reward.
The Magic of Crescent Dough
Crescent roll dough is a miracle ingredient for busy cooks and bakers alike. Sold in refrigerated tubes at nearly every grocery store, it offers a shortcut to flaky, buttery pastry without the need to make dough from scratch. This convenience makes crescent rolls the perfect base for countless recipes, from breakfast casseroles to desserts and in this case, savory, cheese-filled roll-ups.
The triangles of dough are easy to work with, and when rolled around thin slices of ham and cheese, they bake into tender golden crescents that practically melt in your mouth. The dough’s buttery flavor complements the saltiness of ham and the richness of melted cheese beautifully. Plus, the visual appeal of these spiralled roll-ups makes them look more impressive than the effort they require.
Why Ham and Cheese is the Perfect Pairing
Ham and cheese have been enjoyed together for centuries, and for good reason. Ham brings a salty, savory richness, while cheese adds creaminess, tang, and that luscious melty texture we all crave. When baked inside crescent dough, the flavors mingle and create a comforting bite that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.
You can choose different types of cheese to adjust the flavor profile. Cheddar offers a sharp, bold taste; Swiss adds nutty depth; mozzarella brings stretchiness; and provolone gives a mild, creamy finish. Pairing these cheeses with ham makes the roll-ups customizable to your personal preferences or what you have on hand.
A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
One of the best aspects of ham and cheese crescent roll-ups is their versatility as a dish. They make a fantastic party appetizer because they can be prepared ahead of time, then baked just before serving. Place them on a platter with mustard or honey-mustard dip, and you’ve got a snack that will disappear in minutes.
Unlike complicated appetizers that require hours of prep, these rolls come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish. That means you can focus on enjoying your gathering instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Parents know the struggle of finding recipes that satisfy picky eaters, and this is where crescent roll-ups shine. Kids love their fun, handheld shape and the comforting, cheesy flavor inside. They also make a great after-school snack or quick weekend lunch. You can even get kids involved in the kitchen by letting them help roll the dough around the ham and cheese, it’s simple, mess-free, and a fun way to teach them about cooking.
Variations to Try
While the classic ham and cheese combination is always a winner, these roll-ups are also an excellent canvas for creativity. Here are some tasty variations you can try:
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Ham, Cheese & Spinach: Add a layer of fresh spinach before rolling for extra nutrients.
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Turkey & Provolone: Swap the ham for turkey slices and use provolone for a lighter but equally delicious option.
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Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Replace the ham with pepperoni slices and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired twist.
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Breakfast Roll-Ups: Add scrambled eggs along with the ham and cheese to make a quick breakfast option.
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Veggie Lovers: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for a heartier filling.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; you can easily change the ingredients to match what you have in your fridge or pantry.
Serving Suggestions
These crescent roll-ups are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with simple dips and sides:
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Dips: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, marinara sauce, or even a cheesy dip for extra indulgence.
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Side Salads: A fresh garden salad or coleslaw balances the richness of the rolls.
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Soup Pairing: Pair them with tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or potato leek soup for a comforting meal.
Whether served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or part of a larger spread, they adapt beautifully to the occasion.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re planning for a party or meal prep, ham and cheese crescent roll-ups are easy to prepare ahead. You can assemble the rolls, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. They can also be baked in advance, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, simply pop them into a preheated oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. They’ll regain their golden crispness and gooey center. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to two months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Nutrition Notes
Each roll comes in at about 260 calories, making them a moderate snack or meal addition. The combination of protein from the ham and cheese with carbohydrates from the crescent dough makes them filling and satisfying. For a slightly lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cheese or leaner cuts of ham.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Collection
In today’s fast-paced world, recipes like this are a lifesaver. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create something that feels homemade, comforting, and special. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it’s just so reliable.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, ham and cheese crescent roll-ups are proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. They fit seamlessly into busy weeknights, weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or even as meal prep for lunches.
Conclusion
Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups are more than just a recipe, they’re a reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With their flaky, buttery crust and warm, cheesy center, these rolls bring comfort and joy to any table. Their simplicity makes them approachable for beginners, while their flavor and presentation make them worthy of any occasion.
So next time you need a quick snack, a kid-friendly meal, or a show-stopping appetizer, remember this recipe. It’s a classic made easier, and it will surely earn a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.