Ham And Cheese Crescent Rolls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
02 -
16 slices deli ham (about 8 oz total)
03 -
4 slices cheddar cheese, each cut into 4 equal pieces
→ Garlic Butter Topping
04 -
2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 teaspoon garlic salt
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1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
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.
02 -
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.
03 -
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.
04 -
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.
05 -
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.
06 -
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.
07 -
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.
08 -
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.
09 -
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.
# Notes:
01 -
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.
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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.
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Feel free to customize the filling with different meats like turkey or roast beef, or try various cheese combinations to match your preferences.
04 -
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.