I first fell in love with these Ham And Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups one Saturday morning at my granddaughter’s school bake sale in the countryside just outside our city. I was wandering between booths full of cupcakes and biscotti when a little hand reached out, offering one of these warm, golden rolls. The soft dough smelled of butter and garlic, and inside was melty cheddar wrapped around ham, the simplest things with the biggest smiles.
I asked the young baker, her name was Ellie, how she made them. She giggled and said her grandma showed her. That memory stuck with me. Two days later, I came home with a tube of crescent dough, some ham from the local market, and a block of sharp cheddar.
My kitchen turned into a workshop for flaky dough, cheesy fillings, and that brush of garlic‑butter before baking. My husband hovered nearby, stealing a taste of melted cheese while I rolled the next batch, laughing when my dough tore and I patched it like a quilt.
Now, Ham And Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups are regular guests at our table, easy to make, fun to assemble, and perfect for sharing. I’ve taken them to potlucks, fed them to schoolteachers during early morning prep, and even surprised my book‑club friends one weekend. Each batch reminds me of Ellie and how something so simple can bring so much joy.
Short Description
Flaky crescent dough wraps around savory deli ham and sharp cheddar, brushed with garlic‑butter and baked to golden perfection—easy, delicious, and perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients
- 1 tube (8-count) crescent roll dough
- 16 slices deli ham
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl (for butter)
- Toothpicks (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll Out Dough
Unroll the crescent dough. Separate into 8 triangles and gently roll wider if needed to fit ham and cheese.
Step 3: Add the Filling
On each triangle, place two slices of ham, leaving dough space on ends. Top with one slice of cheddar.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from the wide end, roll up dough tightly, encasing ham and cheese. Tuck ends under to seal. Secure with a toothpick if dough tears.
Troubleshooting: If dough tears, pinch the edges or patch with extra dough to avoid cheese leaking during baking.
Step 5: Prepare Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and parsley until combined.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Arrange rolls on the baking sheet. Brush tops with garlic butter. Bake 10–12 minutes until tops are deep golden and dough is flaky.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let rolls rest 5 minutes to avoid burns. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Gooey cheddar and savory ham wrapped in buttery, garlicky crescent dough.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and fast bake—ready in under 20 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfasts, snacks, kid’s lunches, or party appetizers.
Family-Friendly: Everyone gets hands-on with rolling—great for little helpers!
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and reheat in the morning or freeze for later.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Tearing Dough:
Solution: Don’t stretch too far—use patches from torn triangles.
Cheese Leakage:
Solution: Tuck ends under and pinch seams firmly.
Dry Roll-Ups:
Solution: Brush generously with garlic‑butter before baking.
Undercooked Center:
Solution: Ensure oven is fully preheated and bake the full 10–12 minutes.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with ketchup or honey mustard dipping sauces.
Make a platter with fresh fruit or a green salad.
Bring to brunches, family‑style gatherings, or serve individually for grab‑and‑go mornings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep in airtight container at room temp up to 2 days.
Reheat: Pop in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel for softness.
Freezing: Cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in foil at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use another meat?
Yes—turkey, prosciutto, or even plant-based slices work great.
2. Can I skip the garlic-butter?
You can, but the garlic‑butter gives a beautiful flavor and sheen.
3. Is it okay to make ahead?
Assembly the night before; refrigerate covered and bake fresh in the morning.
4. Can I use shredded cheese?
Sure—just sprinkle an even layer on each roll before rolling.
5. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—mild flavors, fun shape, and hands-on assembly make them a kid favorite.
Tips & Tricks
Warm dough slightly if too cold—20 seconds in the microwave helps pliability.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top for texture.
Roll them snugly but not overly tight to allow dough to expand.
Use room-temperature butter for even brushing.
Great to double the batch—kids love leftovers!
Recipe Variations
Spinach & Cheese: Add a handful of sautéed spinach with cheese before rolling.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese: Split egg mixture inside dough, with cheese and chopped cooked bacon. Bake and serve for breakfast.
Pepperoni & Mozzarella: Replace ham with pepperoni and cheddar with mozzarella for a pizza-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Caprese: Layer with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil; brush tops with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
Final Thoughts
These crescent roll-ups may not be gourmet, but they’re honest, comforting, and invite everyone to take part. I’ve handed them out at church breakfasts, family reunions, and school events—always a hit. They don’t ask for fancy ingredients or many pans—just a little time and heart. And that’s enough to turn everyday ingredients into something memorable.
Ham And Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 tube (8-count) crescent roll dough
- 16 slices deli ham
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prep Dough
Unroll and separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Widen slightly if needed.
Step 3: Fill
Place 2 ham slices and 1 cheddar slice on each triangle, leaving space at edges.
Step 4: Roll
Roll from the wide end, tucking in the ends. Use a toothpick if dough tears. Patch if needed.
Step 5: Make Butter Mix
Combine melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
Step 6: Brush & Bake
Place rolls on the sheet, brush with butter mixture. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and flaky.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Cool for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve warm.
