Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

These Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups are the perfect quick and easy meal, snack, or appetizer! Flaky, buttery crescent rolls are filled with savory ham and melted cheese, creating a warm and comforting treat that everyone will love. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly lunchbox addition, a simple weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these crescent roll ups are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** Requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients.
* **Kid-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Great for lunch, dinner, snacks, parties, and more.
* **Comfort Food:** Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Crescent Roll Dough:** 1 can (8 oz) of refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets (or individual rolls)
* **Ham:** 4-6 slices of deli ham (or leftover baked ham), sliced thin
* **Cheese:** 4-6 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, pepper jack, or a combination)
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of melted butter
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Optional, for topping
* **Egg Wash:** 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (optional, for a golden crust)
* **Dijon Mustard or Honey Mustard:** Optional, for spreading on the dough or serving as a dip.
* **Poppy Seeds:** Optional, for topping.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create the most delicious Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups:

**1. Preheat the Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

**2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:**

* If using crescent roll sheets, gently unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 4-6 equal squares or rectangles, depending on the size you prefer for your roll ups. For individual crescent rolls, unroll each roll and separate them at the perforations.

**3. Add Fillings:**

* Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each square or triangle of dough. If using mustard, spread a thin layer on the dough before adding the ham and cheese. Don’t overfill, as this can make it difficult to roll up and the filling may leak out during baking.

**4. Roll Up the Crescents:**

* Starting from the wide end of each triangle or rectangle, gently roll up the dough towards the point. Pinch the edges to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. If using crescent roll sheets cut into squares, simply fold the square over diagonally to create a triangle and seal the edges.

**5. Prepare the Butter Mixture (Optional):**

* In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (if using). This mixture will add extra flavor and a beautiful golden color to the roll ups.

**6. Brush with Butter Mixture (Optional):**

* Place the rolled-up crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the tops of the roll ups with the melted butter mixture. This will help them brown nicely in the oven. You can also use an egg wash for a similar effect.

**7. Add Toppings (Optional):**

* Sprinkle the tops of the roll ups with everything bagel seasoning or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.

**8. Bake:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.

**9. Let Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescent roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.

## Tips and Variations

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, and pepper jack all work well. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
* **Meat Variations:** Use cooked turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni instead of ham. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
* **Add Vegetables:** Include thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, peppers, or olives for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the dough before adding the ham and cheese for a sweet and savory flavor combination. A drizzle of honey after baking can also add a delicious sweetness.
* **Pizza Roll Ups:** Use pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce for a pizza-inspired twist.
* **Breakfast Roll Ups:** Scramble some eggs and add them to the filling along with ham and cheese for a breakfast-friendly version. You can also add cooked sausage or bacon.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Don’t skip the everything bagel seasoning! It adds a wonderful flavor and texture to the roll ups.
* **Egg Wash:** Brushing the roll ups with an egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful golden color and a slightly shiny finish.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the roll ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
* **Freezing:** Baked crescent roll ups can be frozen for later. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as Dijon mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or cheese sauce.
* **Use Different Doughs:** While crescent roll dough is the most common and convenient choice, you can also use puff pastry or pizza dough for a different texture.
* **Garlic Herb Butter:** Instead of plain melted butter, make a garlic herb butter by combining melted butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
* **Italian Twist:** Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the butter mixture or directly to the filling for an Italian-inspired flavor.
* **Cheese Blend:** Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. For example, try a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve these crescent roll ups as an appetizer, snack, lunch, or light dinner. They are also great for parties, potlucks, and picnics.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover crescent roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use different types of cheese?**
A: Yes, absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, and pepper jack all work well. You can even use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

**Q: Can I use different types of meat?**
A: Yes, you can substitute ham with other meats like turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni. Cooked sausage or bacon also make great additions, especially for breakfast roll ups.

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the roll ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the dough from drying out.

**Q: Can I freeze these?**
A: Yes, baked crescent roll ups can be frozen for later. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

**Q: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?**
A: To prevent the cheese from leaking out, make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to seal. Also, avoid overfilling the roll ups with too much cheese.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to these?**
A: Yes, you can add thinly sliced vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, or olives to the filling. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook through properly.

**Q: What dipping sauces go well with these?**
A: These crescent roll ups pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as Dijon mustard, honey mustard, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or cheese sauce.

**Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?**
A: Yes, you can use puff pastry for a flakier texture. Just be aware that puff pastry may require a slightly longer baking time.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store leftover crescent roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.

**Q: Why are my crescent rolls not browning?**
A: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. Brushing the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash will also promote browning. You can also try broiling them for a minute or two at the end of baking, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.

**Q: The bottoms of my rolls are soggy, what am I doing wrong?**
A: Ensure you are using parchment paper on your baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking and allows for even baking. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can trap moisture.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
A: Yes, pre-shredded cheese is perfectly fine to use. Just be aware that it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese due to the cellulose coating added to prevent clumping. Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more evenly.

Enjoy these delicious and versatile Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Ups! They are sure to become a family favorite.