Ham and cheese crescent rolls are perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. You can turn basic refrigerated dough into golden, melty pockets of ham and cheese that work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, or that afternoon snack attack.
Just pop open a tube of crescent rolls, stuff them with ham and cheese, and watch your basic weeknight dinner turn into something your kids actually get excited about. The buttery crescent layers turn a cold sandwich into something warm and melty, like actual dinner.
The dough crisps up golden on the outside while keeping the ham heated through and the cheese just a little bit gooey. It’s the same ingredients as a basic ham-and-cheese sandwich, but rolled up and baked, and suddenly it’s special.
The best part is in what you don’t have to do. No mixing bowls. No measuring cups. No actual cooking skills required. The whole thing takes ten minutes to assemble, twelve to bake, and maybe two minutes for them to disappear. They’re substantial enough for dinner with some raw veggies on the side (or not), and taste fabulous.
I’ll show you the simple steps to make these melty ham and cheese favorites, along with my favorite cheese combinations and the easy way to keep the cheese from oozing all over your baking sheets. Once you see how simple these are, you’ll be adding them to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Looking for more Pillsbury dough hacks? Try my recipes for taco bubble up, pepperoni bread, or meatball sub crescent rolls.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.
Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Crescent rolls
- Deli ham
- Sliced cheddar cheese: Swiss cheese is good too. I like to use thin-sliced cheese for this recipe.
- Butter
- Everything bagel seasoning
How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Pop open the can of rolls (I still flinch every time at that pop), and unroll the dough. You’ll see perforations that separate the dough into eight triangles. Gently separate them along those lines.
- Place one slice of ham at the bottom, wider part of each roll. Fold the ham slice over itself so it fits nicely on the wide end of the triangle.
- Cut a piece of cheese in half and place both halves on top of the ham.
- Start at the wide end where your ham and cheese are, and roll toward the pointed end. Keep it snug but not so tight that you squeeze out the filling. Place each finished roll on your prepared sheet tray with the pointed end tucked underneath. Space them about 2 inches apart. Repeat this process with all remaining rolls.
- Melt the butter in the microwave. Then use a pastry brush to coat the rolls with the melted butter. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning on top.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese time to set slightly so the rolls come off the baking sheet without creating a gooey mess.
Serving Ideas
These little ham and cheese crescents are perfect for a quick, effortless weeknight meal. It is like a ham and cheese sandwich, but it makes it feel more like you actually cooked something! Serve these warm right out of the oven with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette.
A ranch dipping sauce or a cup of tomato soup on the side transforms these into something that feels almost fancy. The warm broth complements the flaky pastry and melted cheese beautifully.
For lunch the next day, you can pack them cold in my lunch boxes alongside a small container of mustard or mayo for dipping. You can also serve these as an appetizer at a party.
How to Store
These rolls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat in a 350-degree F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Don’t skip the parchment paper. The cheese will melt and then resolidify as the rolls rest. Parchment paper keeps it from sticking to the baking sheet. If you’re out of parchment, a silicone baking mat works just as well.
- When you’re placing that ham slice on the wider part of the crescent dough, fold it over once or twice, rather than bunching it. This creates an even layer that rolls more smoothly and ensures every bite has ham in it.
- If your cheese is thick, only use half a slice in these. Too much cheese will ooze everywhere during baking, creating a mess and leaving your rolls sadly cheese-deficient.
- Everything bagel seasoning is fantastic, but don’t feel locked in. I’ve used garlic powder and dried parsley, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan mixed into the melted butter. Whatever’s in your spice cabinet will work.
- The five minutes of cooling time are essential. The cheese firms up just enough so it won’t scorch your mouth, and the rolls set properly so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
- While cheddar is classic, I’ve had great success with Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, and mozzarella. Just make sure you’re using sliced deli cheese rather than pre-shredded, since it melts better and stays where you put it.
- You can also make these in your air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through. You’ll need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 ounce can crescent rolls
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- Unroll the crescent rolls.8 ounce can crescent rolls
- Place one slice of ham at the bottom, wider part of the roll, folded over.8 slices deli ham
- Cut a piece of cheese in half and place it on top of the ham.8 slices cheddar cheese
- Tightly roll into a crescent shape and place on the prepared sheet tray. Repeat with the remaining rolls.
- Melt the butter in the microwave. Use a pastry brush to spread butter on the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
- You can also make these in your air fryer. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through. You’ll need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Notes
- Don’t skip the parchment paper. The cheese will melt and then resolidify as the rolls rest. Parchment paper keeps it from sticking to the baking sheet. If you’re out of parchment, a silicone baking mat works just as well.
- If your cheese is thick, only use half a slice in these. Too much cheese will ooze everywhere during baking, creating a mess and leaving your rolls sadly cheese-deficient.
- Everything bagel seasoning is fantastic, but don’t feel locked in. I’ve used garlic powder and dried parsley, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan mixed into the melted butter. Whatever’s in your spice cabinet will work.
- The five minutes of cooling time are essential. The cheese firms up just enough so it won’t scorch your mouth, and the rolls set properly so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.
- While cheddar is classic, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, and mozzarella also work. Just make sure you’re using sliced deli cheese rather than pre-shredded, since it melts better and stays where you put it.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
