Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls wrap 16 deli-ham slices and 16 small cheddar pieces inside eight refrigerated dough triangles. A garlic-salt-and-parsley butter coating turns golden as the pastries bake. The recipe makes 8 rolls, serves 8, and records 22 minutes total: 10 minutes of preparation and 12 minutes of cooking, followed by a separately stated five-minute cooling period.
Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls Ingredients
Main Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls; 16 slices deli ham (about 8 oz total); 4 slices cheddar cheese, each cut into 4 equal pieces.
Garlic Butter Topping: 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley.
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How to Make Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking. The parchment paper option makes cleanup easier and ensures the cheese won't stick if it melts out.
- Prepare the crescent roll dough: Open the can of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll the dough onto a clean work surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles. If the dough is sticking to your hands or the surface, dust with a tiny bit of flour.
- Prepare the cheese: Take the 4 slices of cheddar cheese and cut each slice into 4 equal pieces. This will give you 16 small pieces of cheese - 2 pieces for each crescent roll. Having the cheese pre-cut before assembly makes the process faster and more efficient.
- Assemble the rolls: Working with one triangle of dough at a time, place one piece of cheese on the wide end of the triangle. Layer 2 slices of ham on top of the cheese, folding or adjusting them to fit within the dough shape. Place another piece of cheese on top of the ham. The cheese-ham-cheese layering creates the perfect melty interior.
- Roll up the crescents: Starting from the wide end of the triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed end, gently tucking in any ham or cheese that tries to escape from the sides. Place the rolled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pointed end is tucked underneath to prevent unraveling during baking. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all 8 crescents are assembled.
- Make the garlic butter topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This typically takes about 15 seconds in the microwave if the butter is at room temperature. Add the garlic salt and dried parsley to the melted butter and stir until well combined. The aromatic butter adds tremendous flavor to the outside of the rolls.
- Brush with garlic butter: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each crescent roll with the garlic herb butter mixture. Try to get an even coating on each roll for consistent flavor. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the rolls develop a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-16 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown. If you prefer crispier rolls, aim for the longer end of the baking time. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
- Cool slightly before serving: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the ham and cheese crescents cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't ooze out completely when you bite into the rolls. Serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the pastry is crisp.
For storage details after serving, the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.
Why the Order Matters
Preparing the lined or greased sheet before opening the refrigerated dough keeps the pastry cool and easy to handle. Separating the can along its perforations yields eight triangles. Cutting each of four cheddar slices into four pieces creates sixteen pieces—two per roll. The wide end receives one cheese piece, exactly two folded ham slices, and a second cheese piece. Rolling from the wide end toward the point traps that cheese-ham-cheese stack, while tucking loose edges limits leaks. Each point rests underneath on the sheet so it cannot unravel. Melted butter, garlic salt, and dried parsley are mixed only after all eight rolls are shaped, then brushed evenly before baking.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese.
Critical Visual and Timing Cues
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Keep the eight dough triangles distinct and use only a tiny dusting of flour if sticking occurs. Count sixteen cheese pieces and sixteen ham slices before assembly so every roll receives the same filling. Tuck in exposed ham or cheese gently without tearing the dough. Arrange exactly eight crescents with room to puff and keep every pointed end underneath. Melt the two tablespoons butter—about 15 seconds in a microwave when room-temperature—then stir in one teaspoon garlic salt and one-quarter teaspoon dried parsley. Bake 12–16 minutes, watching from minute 12, until puffed and evenly golden rather than dark.
Serving and Storage
Cool the eight rolls for about five minutes before serving one per person. This pause lets the melted cheddar settle while the pastry remains warm and crisp. Refrigerate leftovers promptly once cooled and keep them covered. Reheat with dry oven or air-fryer heat when practical so the exterior does not become damp. The recipe contains dairy and gluten, and packaged crescent dough and deli ham can contain additional allergens; inspect labels. Use a clean serving platter and ensure any cheese that escapes onto the parchment is allowed to cool before handling. The verified filling contains only ham and cheddar—no mustard or other sauce.
Recorded Recipe Tips
- These versatile ham and cheese crescent rolls can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course when paired with a salad or soup.
- For a time-saving tip, you can assemble these rolls in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Feel free to customize the filling with different meats like turkey or roast beef, or try various cheese combinations to match your preferences.
- These rolls reheat well in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes, making leftovers (if there are any!) just as delicious the next day.
Conclusion
Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls makes 8 crescent rolls in 22 minutes of recorded preparation and cooking, plus any separately stated chilling or resting time. Follow the exact ingredient list and ordered method for the intended texture and doneness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many servings does Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls make?
It serves 8 and makes 8 crescent rolls.
- → How long does Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls take?
The recipe records 10 minutes of preparation, 12 minutes of cooking, and 22 minutes total, plus any separately stated chilling, resting, or cooling time.
- → What equipment should be ready?
Prepare Baking sheet; Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray; Pastry brush; Small microwave-safe bowl; Knife for cutting cheese before starting.
- → Can I change the recorded method?
For the verified result, keep the listed quantities, temperatures, timing, and ordered instructions exactly as written. Use only optional variations explicitly recorded in the recipe tips.