Crispy Ham Rolls

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 rolls)

Table of Contents

Description

These Crispy Ham and Cheese Rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine golden, flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a generous filling of savory ham and melted, gooey Swiss cheese. The exterior gets perfectly browned and crisp in the oven, while the inside remains warm and satisfying. Brushed with a simple garlic butter and sprinkled with flaky salt, these rolls are deceptively easy to make but taste like they came from a fancy deli. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Served with a tangy homemade honey-mustard dipping sauce, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (seamless sheet style, if available)
8 thin slices of good-quality deli ham
4 slices of Swiss cheese, cut in half
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

For the Honey-Mustard Dip:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. This prevents the bottoms of the rolls from sticking and getting too dark.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls (15 minutes)

If using a seamless crescent sheet, simply unroll it onto a clean cutting board. If using perforated crescent dough, press the perforations together to seal them, creating one solid sheet of dough.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough sheet into 8 equal rectangles (about 3×4 inches each).
Lay one slice of ham onto each rectangle. If the ham slices are large, fold them to fit neatly within the borders of the dough.
Place one half-slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
To roll: Starting from the shorter end, tightly roll the dough over the filling. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining rectangles. Arrange them about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking and expansion.

Step 3: The Finishing Touches (5 minutes)

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder.
Using a pastry brush, gently brush the garlic butter mixture over the top and sides of each unbaked roll. This is what gives them that beautiful golden color and rich flavor.
If using, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds and a pinch of flaky sea salt. The sea salt adds a wonderful textural crunch and enhances the savory notes.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection (15 minutes)

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the center rack.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and deeply golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary. The cheese might bubble out slightly—that’s a sign of deliciousness!
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you take the first bite.

Step 5: Make the Dip (While Rolls Bake)

While the rolls are baking, prepare the honey-mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust honey or mustard to your preference. For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature while the rolls bake to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Intensities

Effort Level: Easy. The recipe uses convenient, pre-made ingredients and simple assembly techniques. It’s a great project for beginner cooks or for making with kids.
Flavor Profile: Savory, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet. The rich ham and cheese are perfectly balanced by the sharp, sweet dip.
Aroma: Warm, buttery, and savory with a hint of garlic, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent as they bake.

Nutrition Information

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and any customizations.

Serving Size: 2 rolls
Calories: 585
Total Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 1250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 20g

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