Ham Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups

These ham and cheddar crescent roll-ups make dinner feel effortless but a little bit special. With only a handful of ingredients and just twenty minutes in the oven, you have melty cheesy goodness wrapped in a flaky golden pastry. They come together so quickly that I often whip them up on busy weeknights or as a last-minute game day snack.

My family asks for these roll-ups weekly and we have turned it into a tradition for movie nights. The way the edges turn crisp while the cheese bubbles inside is just irresistible.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough: eight count each triangle makes one roll-up look for brands with a buttery flavor for the best result
• Deli ham slices: choose thinly sliced for easy rolling and even cooking plus it gives more layers of flavor in each bite
• Cheddar cheese slices: opt for sharp cheddar to balance the richness and meltiness fresh sliced from the deli usually tastes best
• Butter: melted for brushing adds golden color and a toasty finish go for unsalted and fresh butter
• Garlic powder: to sprinkle into the butter for a savory hint make sure your garlic powder is not clumping or old for strongest flavor
• Dried parsley: this adds a little herby color and aroma I like to use flat-leaf dried parsley for a cleaner look

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so the pastry gets golden and puffs perfectly without drying out

Prepare the Dough:

Open the crescent dough and gently separate each triangle roll them onto a parchment lined sheet so they do not stick during assembly

Layer the Ham and Cheese:

Lay two slices of ham on each dough triangle leaving just a little edge showing this helps keep the filling inside as it bakes then set one slice of cheddar right in the center

Roll Them Up:

Starting at the wide end gently roll each crescent up over the fillings tuck in the sides slightly so cheese does not ooze out

Prepare the Butter Topping:

Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and parsley in a small bowl until combined this topping brings out buttery garlicky notes in every bite

Brush With Butter:

Use a brush or spoon to coat each roll-up with the butter mixture make sure to get the tops and sides for even browning

Bake to Golden:

Place your roll-ups a few inches apart on the sheet and bake for ten to twelve minutes watch for golden brown tops and bubbling edges

Cool and Serve:

Let the roll-ups rest for about five minutes so the cheese settles then serve while still warm for the best stretchy cheese pulls

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My favorite part is watching the buttery tops bubble up as they bake. One time my son asked to help brush the butter on each roll-up and now it has become our little tradition every time we make them.

Storage Tips

Leftover roll-ups keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster oven or standard oven at three hundred fifty degrees until warm and crisp again do not microwave unless you do not mind them soft.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ham for turkey or roast beef for a different flavor. Swiss or mozzarella make tasty substitutes if cheddar is not your thing. For a vegetarian version try roasted red peppers and spinach with cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these with a simple green salad a bowl of tomato soup or even just your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. They also make a great brunch tray with scrambled eggs and fruit.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Crescent dough was made popular in American home kitchens in the mid twentieth century. Roll-up recipes like this have been passed around at potlucks and parties for years because they are easy to share and improvisational.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different cheese types for these crescent roll-ups?

Yes, Swiss or mozzarella are tasty alternatives that melt well and complement ham. Choose your favorite cheese variety.

→ How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling during baking?

Place the finished roll-ups seam side down on the baking sheet to help hold their shape as they bake.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate, then bake fresh. Or, reheat baked roll-ups at 325°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

→ What side dishes pair well with these roll-ups?

Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, tomato soup, or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

→ Is there a way to add extra flavor to the filling?

Try adding a spread of honey mustard, thinly sliced pickles, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before rolling.