These easy ham and cheese crescent rolls are made with canned crescent roll dough and filled with ham and cheese. They’re great for a light lunch, quick snack or served at parties. The honey glaze is optional but tasty!
Crescent rolls are a canvas for creativity. They’re wonderful on their own, of course. But those flaky layers and squishy centers are even better with something added to them. Enter: ham and cheese. The combination of salty, smoky ham along with gooey cheese and those rolls? Comfort food perfection.
Ingredients and Variations.
The great thing about this recipe is that there are so many options. You really can use whatever crescent rolls, ham, and cheese you like. Sometimes I make these with deli ham and Swiss. Other times I use Hawaiian crescents, leftover ham, and Cheddar.
- Crescent Rolls. I use classic crescent rolls but the honey and Hawaiian variety also make for tasty ham and cheese rolls.
- Ham. Use deli ham or thinly sliced leftover ham from a roast. I like to use lower sodium Black Forest ham. It’s mild, smoky flavor goes great with the light sweetness of the rolls.
Tip: If you use pre sliced deli ham, dry it with a paper towel before using. - Cheese. Use your favorite hard or semi-hard cheese, like Swiss or Cheddar. You can use sliced or shredded cheese. Whichever you prefer. Avoid soft cheeses, like fresh mozzarella or ricotta because they’ll make the rolls too squishy. Grated mozzarella works fine.
- Honey Butter Glaze. Brushing the baked rolls with a simple honey-butter glaze is a nice way to add a touch of sweetness.
Variations.
Add one or more of the following.
- Mustard. Brush the dough with your favorite mustard before adding the ham and cheese.
- Pickles. Add a pickle slice or a spoonful of dill pickle relish to the ham before rolling.
- Apple slices. An apple slice adds a nice sweetness and crunch.
- Top with Cheese. Sprinkle a little grated cheese onto the rolls after you fill them and place them on a baking sheet. Cheddar and Parmesan are perfect for this.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls.
Unwrap and pop the can. Gently unroll the dough and separate each piece into eight triangles. If the dough tears, pinch it back together.
Top each roll with cheese. If you’re using a slice of cheese, cut it in half. You want it to fit on the dough. If you’re using shredded or grated cheese, sprinkle it down the middle of the dough.
Add a slice or two of ham. For deli ham, dry it with a paper towel before putting it on the dough. You want the ham to cover the dough. If it hangs over the dough a little, that’s fine. As with all things, do your best.
Starting at the wide end, not the thin tip, roll the crescent up. To keep it from unrolling, tuck the tip under the roll when you place it on the pan.
Bake the rolls until golden brown. A pan takes about 15 minutes. If you’re using the honey butter glaze, brush it onto the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
Air Fryer Directions.
If you want to use your air fryer, here’s what to do.
- Fill and roll the crescents as directed above.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325℉ for three minutes.
- Lightly grease the tray or basket of your air fryer. You can also line it with a parchment paper liner after preheating.
- Place the crescents into the air fryer. Place them about an inch or so apart. You don’t want them to touch or they can stick. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in two batches.
- Air fry for about seven minutes or until they’re golden brown.
Serving Suggestions.
- Macaroni salad.
- Soup, especially bean soup.
- Green salad.
Make Ahead Tips.
Option 1: Fill and shape the rolls up to one hour ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Bake as directed.
Option 2: Bake them the day before serving. Refrigerate overnight and warm gently before serving.
Storage.
Place the baked crescents in a container with a lid and store them in refrigerator for up to three days
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ham and cheese crescent rolls are easy to make. Simply pop open a can of crescent dough and add ham and cheese. That’s it.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 8 slices cooked ham (about 8 ounces)
- 8 slices Swiss or Cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces) or ½ cup shredded cheese
Honey Butter Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon butter
- ¼ cup shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Separate dough into 8 triangles. Place one piece of cheese and ham on each triangle. If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle the cheese onto the dough. If needed, cut the ham and cheese so it fits on the dough.
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Roll up each crescent, starting at the widest end and ending at the tip. Press the tip lightly into the dough. Place the crescents onto the prepared baking sheet. Optional: sprinkle a little extra shredded onto each roll
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Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm. Brush the honey-butter glaze onto the baked rolls when they come out of the oven.
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For the honey-butter glaze. Gently warm the honey and butter in a microwave-safe container on low heat until the butter melts.
Recipe Notes
Air Fryer Directions
- Fill and roll the crescents as directed above.
- Preheat your air fryer to 325℉ for three minutes.
- Lightly grease the tray or basket of your air fryer. You can also line it with a parchment paper liner after preheating.
- Place the crescents into the air fryer. Place them about an inch or so apart. You don’t want them to touch or they can stick. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in two batches.
- Air fry for about seven minutes or until they’re golden brown.
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