Name: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces can crescent roll dough (8 pieces); 8 slices deli Black Forest ham; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 3 tablespoons salted butter; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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I love how Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls look bakery-worthy but come together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Flaky, golden dough wraps around melted Swiss cheese and Black Forest ham with garlic butter glaze. They’re crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and always disappear fast at gatherings.

Golden Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls filled with savory ham and melted cheese, topped with black sesame seeds and parsley, beautifully arranged on a white serving dish. — Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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I make them for after-school snacks, easy lunches, and quick breakfasts because they’re easy grab-and-go bites that kids love. They’re also perfect for Super Bowl parties, game-day gatherings, and potlucks as cozy, comforting finger food that always pleases a crowd. Store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

Crescent roll dough, salted butter, Swiss cheese slices, garlic powder, fresh parsley, black sesame seeds, and Black Forest ham—everything you need to make delicious Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls—arranged on a white background. — Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Ingredients. Photo Credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

These rolls come together quickly with just a few easy steps and a handful of ingredients, no fancy tools needed!

Prep the Oven and Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into eight triangles.

I don’t know about you, but I prefer using a silicone baking mat instead of parchment because it’s reusable and nothing ever sticks to it.

Add the Ham and Cheese

Layer each triangle with a slice of ham and a folded slice of Swiss cheese. The Swiss melts beautifully and has that nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Black Forest ham.

Roll Them Up

Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly to enclose the filling and form crescent shapes. Make sure the filling stays tucked inside as you roll so nothing leaks out during baking.

Bake and Prepare the Garlic Butter

Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. While they’re baking, melt the butter in a small bowl and stir in the garlic powder.

I use a silicone pastry brush to apply the garlic butter because the silicone bristles don’t shed, and it’s so easy to clean.

Brush and Finish Baking

After 10 minutes, take the rolls out and brush them with the garlic butter. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds. The black sesame adds a nice visual contrast and a subtle nutty crunch.

Return them to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Seven Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls, filled with savory ham and cheese and topped with black sesame seeds, are arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray. — Brush the rolls with garlic butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, then bake for another 5–7 minutes.

Cool and Serve

Let them cool slightly, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm. The garlic butter soaks into the flaky layers and makes every bite incredible.

Enjoy!

These travel really well to potlucks and parties because they hold their shape and stay delicious even after cooling down. If you want to keep them warm, wrap the container in a kitchen towel or use an insulated carrier.

They’re also great served at room temperature, so honestly, you don’t have to stress about timing.

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

I make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls when I need appetizers that look impressive but come together fast. Flaky, golden crescent dough wraps around melted Swiss cheese and Black Forest ham, all topped with garlic butter glaze. They're perfect for after-school snacks, easy lunches, and quick breakfasts because they're kid-approved and effortless to grab and go. I also make them for Super Bowl parties, game-day gatherings, and potlucks because they're cozy, comforting finger food everyone loves. Store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Course: Appetizer, Dinner Party, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Servings: rolls

Calories: 240kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Ingredients

8 ounces can crescent roll dough 8 pieces
8 slices deli Black Forest ham
8 slices Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons salted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Fresh parsley for garnish

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Layer each piece with a slice of deli ham and a folded slice of Swiss cheese.
8 ounces can crescent roll dough, 8 slices deli Black Forest ham, 8 slices Swiss cheese
Starting from the wider end, roll the dough tightly to enclose the filling and form crescent shapes.
Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. While baking, melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder.
3 tablespoons salted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
After 10 minutes, take the rolls out and brush them with the garlic butter. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds.
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Return them to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Fresh parsley

Notes

Here are a few tips to make these crescent rolls turn out perfectly every time.

Use cold dough: Crescent dough is easier to work with when it’s cold, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll.

Don’t overfill the rolls: Too much ham or cheese can cause the filling to leak out during baking, so stick to one slice of each per triangle.

Brush the garlic butter while they’re hot: The butter absorbs better into the flaky layers when the rolls are fresh out of the oven.

Try different cheese variations: Cheddar, provolone, or Gruyere all work well if you want to switch up the flavor.

Make them ahead: You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time. Baked rolls keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheat easily.

Flash-freeze for storage: Freeze the rolls on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in your refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

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How to Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven, toaster oven, air fryer basket, or microwave until warmed through.

The oven, toaster, and air fry methods keep them flaky and crisp, but the microwave works when you’re in a hurry.

For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. They taste just as good as the day you made them.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

These rolls pair well with a simple green salad, tomato soup, or creamy potato soup for a comforting meal. I also serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a fruit platter at parties.

They’re delicious with dipping sauces like honey Dijon mustard, ranch, or spicy brown mustard on the side. They’re also great with chips and dip, veggie sticks with ranch, or a charcuterie board if you’re serving them at a gathering.

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You’ll love these other quick finger foods perfect for parties and gatherings.

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need