Effortless Baked Ham and Cheese Roll Ups with Crescent Rolls
Transforming leftover ham into a delightful meal or snack has never been easier or more delicious! These **baked ham and cheese roll ups** made with flaky crescent rolls are a true culinary gem. Whether you’re dealing with holiday ham remnants, have lunch meat on hand, or even some thinly sliced turkey, this recipe is incredibly versatile and takes minimal effort. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these savory treats that your entire family, especially the kids, will absolutely adore.
Why These Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Are a Family Favorite
I often find myself making these **ham and cheese roll ups** after big holidays like Easter or Christmas, when there’s always an abundance of leftover ham. This recipe originated years ago from simply throwing together what I had in the refrigerator, and it quickly became a staple in our home. It’s not just for leftovers, though; you can easily use deli-sliced ham or even other meats like turkey for a equally fantastic result. The convenience and irresistible flavor make them a go-to for busy weeknights, school lunches, or impromptu gatherings.
These savory roll ups combine the timeless flavors of ham and cheese, enveloped in a golden, buttery crust of refrigerated dough. They are more than just a tasty snack; they’re an incredibly simple solution for mealtime dilemmas. Whether you’re hosting a casual party, seeking a quick and satisfying snack, or looking to add a fun twist to a traditional ham and cheese sandwich, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Let’s delve into the details of making these crowd-pleasing bites!
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its commitment to reducing food waste. Ham is far too delicious to discard, and these roll ups offer a fantastic way to enjoy every last bit. If you don’t have leftover ham, thinly sliced deli meat works perfectly—simply roll up a piece and use it in place of the ham. Feel free to experiment with turkey, roast beef, or any other meat you have on hand. For another delightful option, consider our Ham and Cheese Crepes.
Beyond Sandwiches: Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham
While sandwiches are a classic way to enjoy ham, these roll ups offer a more exciting alternative. The magic happens when you lay out a crescent roll on a non-stick sprayed pan, layer it with a piece of ham, a slice of cheese, and a small dollop of mayonnaise, then roll it up. The cheese, as it bakes, will inevitably ooze out a bit, creating delightfully crispy edges on the pan. For many, this slightly hardened, savory, crispy cheese is the absolute best part! Allowing them to cool slightly after baking helps the oozed cheese firm up, enhancing its crispy texture. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!
Essential Ingredients for Your Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful roll ups is incredibly straightforward. You’ll likely have most of these items already in your pantry or refrigerator, making this a perfect spontaneous snack or meal solution.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: These are the foundation of our roll ups, providing a wonderfully flaky and buttery crust.
- Leftover Ham or Thinly Sliced Lunchmeat: Whether it’s holiday ham, deli-sliced honey ham, smoked ham, or even turkey, any thinly sliced meat will work beautifully.
- Sliced Cheese: Choose your favorite! Sharp cheddar is excellent, but Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone also melt wonderfully. Sliced cheese holds its shape better than shredded, preventing it from completely disappearing into the dough.
- Mayonnaise: A small amount adds a creamy texture and helps bind the fillings, enhancing the overall flavor.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of dill or poppy seeds inside before rolling. And for those who prefer a meat-free option, these can easily be transformed into delicious **cheese crescent rolls** by simply omitting the ham. Don’t hesitate to mix and match cheeses to discover your family’s favorite combination!
Crescent Roll Roll Ups Without Cream Cheese
Unlike some recipes that call for cream cheese, our version keeps it simple and focuses on the classic ham and cheese pairing, allowing those flavors to truly shine. These ham and cheese crescents are fantastic for a quick lunch or an effortless dinner when served alongside a fresh green salad. Believe me, your kids will be thrilled with this fun and delicious “finger food” option. If you enjoy these, you might also love our ham and cheese egg rolls, or perhaps our unique pickle roll ups for something truly different and fun!
Versatile Dough Options: Beyond Crescent Rolls
While crescent rolls are our preferred choice for their characteristic flakiness, you’re not limited to them. If you don’t have crescent rolls on hand, other refrigerated doughs or even defrosted frozen rolls or Pillsbury pizza dough can be used as alternatives. You would typically need to thaw frozen dough for about 45 minutes, then roll it out flat before adding your fillings. The cooking process remains similar, though baking times might vary slightly depending on the type and thickness of the dough. Always keep an eye on them until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color.
You can use any type of ham you prefer. Sliced deli ham (honey, smoked, or black forest) works exceptionally well due to its thinness and ease of rolling. Leftover holiday ham, thinly sliced, is also a fantastic option.
For optimal results, choose mild and meltable cheeses. Popular choices include mozzarella, Swiss, sharp cheddar, or provolone. These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a creamy and flavorful filling that perfectly complements the ham.
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups a few hours in advance. Once assembled, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. Be aware that chilled rolls may require a few extra minutes of baking time. For best texture, avoid preparing them too far in advance, as the dough might become soggy.
For baking, a standard baking sheet is perfect. You could also use a large casserole dish or a pizza pan. Since the cheese can sometimes ooze out, lining your pan with parchment paper is a smart move for easier cleanup. This step is entirely optional but highly recommended for a stress-free experience.
Crafting these quick and easy appetizers takes minimal time. It’s important to keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. You’re aiming for a lovely golden-brown finish, similar to what you see in the photos, rather than overly dark browning.
Simple Steps to Make Crescent Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Follow these straightforward instructions for perfectly baked ham and cheese roll ups every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unroll your package of refrigerated crescent rolls. Lay each triangle of dough flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place one piece of ham (or other thinly sliced meat), approximately the size of your finger, onto the wider end of each crescent roll triangle.
- Top the ham with a slice of your chosen cheese. For an extra touch of creaminess and flavor, add a small squeeze or dab of mayonnaise over the cheese.
- Starting from the wider end, carefully roll each crescent roll up towards the pointed tip, encasing the delicious fillings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns.
If you happen to have any leftovers, simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, microwave them for about 30 seconds, or until warmed through, and enjoy them all over again. If you find yourself with even more leftover ham, consider trying our comforting Leftover Ham Pot Pie for another delightful meal. Experiment with your favorite fillings and make this recipe your own!
Baked Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Justine
10 mins
12 mins
22 mins
8
Equipment
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1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 pkg crescent rolls, refrigerated
- 2 c leftover ham, turkey, or lunchmeat – 1 pc. per roll
- 2 c cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar or swiss cheese – 1 pc. per roll
- 1/2 c mayonnaise, more or less depending on how much you desire
Instructions
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Spray cookie sheet with non stick spray or line with parchment paper.
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Lay a crescent roll down, top with 1 piece of meat about the size of your finger.
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Add a slice of cheese on top of the meat, and a small squeeze of mayonnaise on top of that.
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Roll your crescent roll up, starting from the wider end. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the tops are nice and lightly browned.
Video
A video tutorial for these ham and cheese roll ups would be displayed here.
Nutrition
Calories: 307kcal,
Carbohydrates: 11g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 25g,
Saturated Fat: 10g,
Cholesterol: 35mg,
Sodium: 486mg,
Potassium: 27mg,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 290IU,
Calcium: 204mg,
Iron: 0.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Entree, Main Course, Snack
American
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