My nephews had stayed over for a sleepover two little whirlwinds with never-ending appetites. I knew I had to make something fast, fun, and satisfying before the “I’m hungry!” chorus kicked in. I opened the fridge and spotted a tube of crescent dough next to a stack of deli ham and cheddar slices. A light bulb moment, fueled mostly by caffeine and chaos.
The process is oddly calming rolling triangles of dough around layers of savory ham and melty cheese, brushing them with buttery garlic parsley. The oven does the rest, sending out aromas that gently pull sleepy heads out from under covers.
As the roll-ups baked, I peeked in to watch the dough puff and turn golden. That’s the moment you know breakfast is going to be a win. By the time I set the tray on the table, two little hands were already reaching. No complaints. No leftovers. And honestly? That’s the highest praise.
Short Description
These Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups are a quick, crowd-pleasing breakfast option made with buttery crescent dough, savory ham, and gooey cheddar cheese perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches.
Key Ingredients
Main Components
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 16 deli ham slices
- 8 cheddar cheese slices
Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Oven mitts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean, flat surface and gently separate the triangles. If the edges stick together, press them lightly until they come apart cleanly.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
On each triangle, lay two slices of deli ham, adjusting them so they stay within the edges and don’t overhang. Place a slice of cheddar cheese right on top of the ham, folding if needed to fit the shape of the dough.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Starting from the widest end of the triangle, roll the dough tightly toward the tip, tucking the filling inside. Make sure the point is sealed underneath to prevent leaks while baking. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Use a pastry brush to coat each roll-up generously with the garlic butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are a deep golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble out slightly.
Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving
Remove the tray from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the cheese time to settle and prevents burned tongues from eager bites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Ready in under 20 minutes
– Kid-approved and adult-adored
– Great for on-the-go breakfasts
– Can be customized with different meats and cheeses
– Buttery, flaky, cheesy, and satisfying
– Uses store-bought dough—no kneading required
– Freezer-friendly for future breakfasts
– Comfort food made simple
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Overfilling the dough
Solution: Stick to two slices of ham and one slice of cheese per roll. Any more and the dough might tear or leak during baking.
Mistake 2: Not sealing the point underneath
Solution: Always place the tip of the roll on the bottom side of the baking sheet to keep the roll-up sealed while it bakes.
Mistake 3: Uneven baking
Solution: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between each roll for even browning.
Mistake 4: Using cold dough
Solution: Let the crescent dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before working with it. It becomes more pliable and easier to roll.
Mistake 5: Skipping the resting time
Solution: Let the roll-ups cool for a few minutes before eating. This helps the cheese settle and prevents burns.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad for a complete breakfast
– Perfect for brunch buffets or school morning meals
– Pair with fresh orange juice, coffee, or even a smoothie
– Cut in halves and serve with toothpicks for party-style appetizers
– Delicious with a side of honey mustard or sriracha mayo
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freeze: Wrap each roll tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 1 month
To reheat (oven): Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or until warm
To reheat (microwave): Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30–45 seconds
Avoid sogginess: Reheat in a toaster oven if possible for a crispier finish
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the roll-ups the night before, store them covered in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning.
2. What other cheese can I use?
Mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack, or even cream cheese work well. Just make sure it’s a meltable cheese for best texture.
3. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ham?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced turkey or cooked shredded chicken are great substitutes for ham.
4. Do I have to use parchment paper?
It’s highly recommended. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
5. What if I don’t have garlic powder?
You can skip it or substitute with a pinch of onion powder, Italian seasoning, or freshly minced garlic sautéed in the butter.
Tips & Tricks
– Let your cheese slices come to room temperature—they melt more evenly.
– Add a thin spread of Dijon mustard under the ham for a grown-up flavor twist.
– Use flavored crescent dough like honey butter or garlic herb for a fun variation.
– For extra crispy bottoms, sprinkle a little shredded cheese directly on the parchment under each roll-up.
– If making a big batch, rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Recipe Variations
1. Breakfast Sausage Roll-Ups
Swap ham for cooked breakfast sausage links and use American or cheddar cheese. Roll as directed. Adds a meaty, savory breakfast punch.
2. Veggie Deluxe Version
Add thin slices of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with mozzarella cheese. Perfect for vegetarians or veggie lovers.
3. Spicy Kick Roll-Ups
Add a slice of pepper jack cheese and a few pickled jalapeños before rolling. Brush with chili-infused butter for extra heat.
4. Sweet and Savory Brunch Bites
Use honey ham and add a tiny dab of apricot jam or honey mustard under the cheese for a sweet twist. Great for brunch boards.
5. Mini Roll-Ups for Kids
Cut each crescent triangle in half and fill with one slice of ham and a cheese cube. Great for toddler hands and lunchboxes.
Final Thoughts
Mornings can be hectic, especially when you’ve got little mouths to feed and not much time to spare. That’s what makes recipes like these Ham and Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups such a blessing. They bring together pantry staples in a way that feels fresh, filling, and fun. You get that golden crust, warm cheese pull, and savory ham in every bite and it only takes a few minutes of effort.
These roll-ups have become one of those go-to recipes I turn to when I want to feed people well without stressing myself out. They’re great for feeding kids, pleasing picky eaters, or even impressing brunch guests.
Ham And Cheddar Crescent Roll-Ups
Print ThisIngredients
- Main Components
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 16 deli ham slices
- 8 cheddar cheese slices
- Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll and separate the crescent dough triangles on a clean surface.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of cheddar cheese on each triangle.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, sealing the point underneath. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Make the Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley in a small bowl.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush each roll-up with the butter mixture. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving
Let the roll-ups cool for 5 minutes before serving.
