There’s something magical about the combination of flaky, buttery crescent rolls wrapped around savory ham and melty cheddar cheese. These Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick weeknight dinner that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
I first made these roll-ups for a game day gathering, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table! The golden-brown exterior gives way to a warm, cheesy center that’s simply irresistible. Best of all, they come together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This
- Super simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly
- Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
- Versatile – works as an appetizer, main dish, or lunchbox addition
- Customizable with different fillings to suit your taste preferences
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 16 deli ham slices
- 8 cheddar cheese slices
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and roll out the crescent dough pieces on a clean surface.
- On each triangle, lay down two pieces of deli ham, leaving a margin of dough on both ends. Place a slice of cheese on top of the ham.
- Beginning from the widest end, roll up the crescent dough, encasing the ham and cheese inside. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Mix together the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the roll-ups. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add a thin layer of cream cheese before the ham for extra creaminess
- Try different cheese varieties like Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella
- Include thinly sliced vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers for added nutrition
- For a breakfast version, use scrambled eggs and bacon instead of ham
- Make mini versions using the perforated crescent roll sheets cut into smaller triangles
- Brush with egg wash instead of butter for an extra golden, shiny finish
Serving Suggestions
These Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for the perfect comfort food combination.
If serving as appetizers, provide a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or warm marinara sauce to take these roll-ups to the next level.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness (microwaving will make them soggy).
- For make-ahead prep, assemble roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
FAQs
Can I freeze these roll-ups?
Yes! Freeze unbaked roll-ups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of the perforated triangles?
Absolutely! Simply cut the sheet into triangles of similar size to the perforated version and proceed with the recipe.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges well when rolling, and don’t overfill with cheese. Keeping the cheese away from the edges also helps prevent leakage.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Either prepare them completely and reheat, or assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving for the freshest results.
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