There’s nothing quite like the comfort of warm bread filled with melted cheese and savory ham.

These ham and cheese crescent rolls are soft, buttery, and baked to golden perfection.

They make a great snack, appetizer, or light meal, and they’re always a hit at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The rolls are made with fluffy homemade dough that bakes up tender and light.

Each bite combines gooey mozzarella with salty ham wrapped inside a buttery crescent.

They’re simple to prepare with a bread machine doing most of the work.

Perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you crave something warm and cheesy.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Whole milk adds richness and keeps the dough soft.

Butter gives the dough its tender texture and adds flavor.

Eggs help bind the dough and improve structure.

Mozzarella melts into a creamy, stretchy filling.

Deli ham provides a savory contrast to the buttery bread.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Make sure the milk is at room temperature before mixing.

Brush the tops with butter for color and flavor.

Roll the dough evenly into circles so the crescents bake uniformly.

Keep the seam side down on the baking sheet so they don’t open while baking.

Bake until just golden to avoid drying out the rolls.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Step 1 – Prepare the dough

Place all dough ingredients in your bread machine in the listed order.

Run the dough cycle, about 90 minutes.

Step 2 – Divide and roll

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Divide into 3 equal balls.

Roll each ball into a circle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 3 – Add the filling

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dough.

Add a layer of ham slices on top.

Step 4 – Slice into wedges

Cut the circle into about 10 wedges using a pizza cutter.

Step 5 – Shape the crescents

Roll each wedge from the wide end toward the tip.

Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet.

Brush lightly with melted butter.

Step 6 – Repeat

Repeat filling, slicing, and rolling with the remaining dough portions.

Step 7 – Bake until golden

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).

Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

What to Serve Them With

Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Serve alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast or brunch.

Enjoy with a salad for a lighter lunch.

Add to a party spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.

Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham.

Add a smear of mustard or mayonnaise for extra flavor.

Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking.

Storage & Leftovers

Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat in the oven before serving.

Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a bread machine?
Yes, knead by hand or with a stand mixer, then let it rise until doubled before shaping.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bake the next day.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, Swiss, or provolone also work well.

Can I freeze unbaked crescents?
Yes, freeze after shaping. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Why do my rolls open while baking?
Make sure to place the seam side down and roll tightly from the wide end.

How do I keep the rolls soft?
Cover them with a clean kitchen towel after baking to hold in moisture.

Final Thoughts

Ham and cheese crescent rolls are the kind of treat that feels special but doesn’t take much effort.

They’re soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Once you try them warm from the oven, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat for family and friends.