Golden, flaky Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls are an easy Starbucks-inspired breakfast, lunch, or snack made with just six ingredients! Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese are rolled up in refrigerated crescent dough, brushed with a sweet-and-savory butter glaze, and baked until golden in about 25 minutes.
I love this version because the Swiss cheese gives you that ham-and-Swiss Croissant flavor, while the brown sugar butter glaze balances the salty ham without making the rolls too sweet.
Table of contents
Ingredients
Ham & Cheese: Thin-sliced Black Forest ham adds smoky, savory flavor and pairs perfectly with melty Swiss cheese. Swiss is the best choice if you want that Starbucks-style ham-and-Swiss flavor, but Havarti, Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone also work well.
Dough: A can of refrigerated crescent roll dough keeps this recipe quick and gives each roll that buttery, flaky texture.
Glaze: Melted butter, brown sugar, and dried parsley are brushed over the tops before baking. The glaze adds a lightly sweet, savory finish and helps the rolls bake up beautifully golden.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls
STEP ONE: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Unroll the crescent dough and cut it into triangles along the perforations. Place a folded slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on the widest end of each triangle.
STEP TWO: Roll each crescent tightly from the wide end toward the point, then place it tip-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each roll so they can puff up as they bake.
STEP THREE: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and parsley. Brush the glaze over the top of each roll.
STEP FOUR: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. Some cheese may melt out of the sides, and that’s totally normal. The parchment paper will make cleanup much easier.
STEP FIVE: Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese can settle slightly. Then dig in while they’re warm and melty.
Recipe Tips
These simple tips will help your Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls bake up golden, flaky, and perfectly melty every time.
- Don’t skip the glaze. The brown sugar butter mixture gives these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls their sweet and savory flavor and helps the tops bake up golden and glossy.
- Tuck the tip underneath. Place each crescent roll point-side down on the baking sheet so the rolls stay closed while they bake.
- Use parchment paper. Some Swiss cheese may melt out of the sides, and parchment makes cleanup much easier.
- Make them ahead. Bake the rolls, cool completely, and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Starbucks-Style Ham and Swiss Croissant
These aren’t traditional croissants, but the flaky crescent dough, smoky Black Forest ham, and melty Swiss cheese give them a Starbucks-style ham-and-Swiss flavor. The brown sugar butter glaze adds a sweet-and-savory finish that makes this homemade version feel extra special.
Easy Variations
These Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls are easy to switch up depending on what you have on hand or how you’re serving them.
- Cheese swaps: Try Havarti, Gruyere, cheddar, or provolone instead of Swiss.
- Add-ins: Add pickles, caramelized onions, banana peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes before rolling them up.
- Dips: Serve with ranch, Buffalo sauce, honey mustard, blackberry jam, or peach freezer jam.
- Serving ideas: Enjoy them warm or cold for breakfast, lunch, party snacks, picnics, potlucks, or an easy dinner with a salad.
- Make pinwheels instead. Roll the crescent dough into one large rectangle, layer with the ham and cheese, roll tightly, and slice into pinwheels before baking.
FAQ
Can I make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls in the air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry the assembled and glazed rolls at 340°F for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Work in batches and leave space between each roll so the dough can puff up evenly.
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Turkey, roast beef, or chicken can be used instead of ham. Just stick with thin slices so the crescent rolls are easy to roll up.
How do I keep the cheese from melting out?
Some cheese may melt out as the rolls bake, and that’s normal. Place the rolls tip-side down to help them stay closed, and use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 refrigerated crescent rolls (one 8-ounce tube)
- 8 slices black forest ham
- 8 slices swiss cheese or Gruyere/Havarti
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Unroll the crescent rolls, then separate into triangles at the dotted line. Lay 1 slices black forest ham, folded, and 1 slices swiss cheese on the widest part of 1 refrigerated crescent rolls triangle. Repeat with the other crescent rolls.
- Tightly roll each of the crescent rolls up, starting at the wide end. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, tip-side down, leaving space between each roll.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons salted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley. Brush over each crescent roll.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Some cheese may melt out while baking – parchment paper will make cleanup easier.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Aubrey’s Tips
- Air Fryer: Assemble and glaze the crescent rolls as directed. Place them in the air fryer basket with space between each roll, working in batches if needed. Air fry at 340°F for 6–8 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Check early, since air fryer models vary.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in a covered container for 3 to 4 days.
- Some Swiss cheese may melt out of the corners, so use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Brush each roll generously with the brown sugar butter glaze before baking for a lightly sweet, savory finish and golden tops.
Did you make it?
Show me! @aubrey_realhousemoms or tag #realhousemoms!Storage and Reheating
These Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls are best warm from the oven, but leftovers reheat well for easy snacks or quick lunches.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or in the air fryer at 320°F for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
More Crescent Roll Recipes to Try
Keep that can of crescent dough handy because these easy roll-up recipes are perfect for snacks, parties, and quick treats.
- S’mores Crescent Rolls
- Jalapeno Popper Crescent Rolls
- Brown Sugar Bacon and Brie Crescent Rolls
- Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket
- Tex-Mex Spinach Rolls
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