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Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

 

Recipe: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Ingredients:

  • 1 tube crescent dough sheet
  • 20-22 slices Black Forest Ham, thinly sliced
  • 12 slices Swiss cheese, thinly sliced

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

  1. Preparation:
    • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Assembly:
    • Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a clean surface, ensuring the longest side is horizontal to form a rectangle. Pinch any seams closed and gently press the dough to slightly thin it out, aiming for approximately 10 x 13 inches.
    • Layer 6 slices of Swiss cheese evenly on the dough, leaving a 1/4 inch margin at the edges.
    • Arrange the slices of Black Forest ham on top of the cheese, overlapping if necessary.
    • Place the remaining slices of Swiss cheese over the ham.
  3. Rolling and Cutting:
    • Starting with the longest side, tightly roll up the dough to enclose the filling. Pinch the ends and seams to seal.
    • Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 18 equal pieces.
  4. Baking:
    • Arrange the roll-ups in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
    • In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
    • Pour the butter mixture evenly over the roll-ups in the baking dish.
  5. Baking and Serving:
    • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
    • Enjoy these delicious ham and cheese crescent rolls warm!

Notes:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Servings: 18 roll-ups

These ham and cheese crescent rolls are perfect for brunch, a party appetizer, or a savory snack. The buttery poppy seed glaze adds a delightful flavor that complements the cheesy and savory ham filling. Serve them warm for the best experience!

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls to an even more delightful level:

  1. Choose Quality Ingredients:
    • Opt for high-quality Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your rolls.
  2. Customize with Herbs or Spices:
    • Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for extra aroma and flavor. You can also sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for a subtle kick.
  3. Add a Touch of Sweetness:
    • For a slightly sweet contrast, spread a thin layer of honey mustard or apricot preserves on the dough before adding the cheese and ham. This adds complexity to the flavor profile.
  4. Enhance the Glaze:
    • Experiment with the glaze by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or honey to the butter mixture. This can create a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory ham and cheese.
  5. Serve with Dipping Sauce:
    • Prepare a simple dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli. This allows guests to customize their rolls and adds another layer of flavor.
  6. Go Beyond Crescent Dough:
    • Instead of crescent dough, consider using puff pastry for a flakier texture. Puff pastry will give a more decadent and sophisticated finish to your rolls.
  7. Experiment with Different Cheeses:
    • While Swiss cheese pairs perfectly with ham, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
  8. Garnish for Visual Appeal:
    • After baking, garnish the rolls with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture.
  9. Ensure Even Rolling:
    • When rolling the dough, ensure it is tightly rolled to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. This also helps in achieving evenly sized rolls.
  10. Serve Fresh and Warm:
    • These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the dough is crispy. If preparing ahead, reheat them briefly in the oven before serving to restore their crispiness.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls from delicious to absolutely delightful, perfect for any occasion!

Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Properly Prepare the Dough:
    • Ensure the crescent dough is rolled out evenly into a rectangle. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any seams and press the perforations together firmly to avoid any gaps.
  2. Layer Ingredients Evenly:
    • Distribute the Swiss cheese and Black Forest ham slices evenly across the dough. Leaving a small margin around the edges helps prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
  3. Tightly Roll the Dough:
    • Roll the dough tightly starting from the longest side to enclose the filling completely. This helps in creating neat spirals and ensures the rolls hold together well during baking.
  4. Chill the Rolled Dough (Optional):
    • If time allows, chill the rolled dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into even pieces and helps the rolls maintain their shape.
  5. Use a Sharp Knife:
    • Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the rolled dough into slices. A gentle sawing motion will prevent the dough from flattening and keep the layers intact.
  6. Arrange in a Greased Dish:
    • Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.
  7. Perfect the Glaze:
    • Mix the melted butter, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. The glaze adds richness and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
  8. Bake at the Right Temperature:
    • Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake the rolls until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Avoid over-baking to prevent the rolls from becoming too dry.
  9. Let Them Rest Before Serving:
    • Allow the Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls to cool slightly after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to handle.
  10. Serve Fresh and Warm:
    • These rolls are best served fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the dough is still warm and flaky. Enjoy them as soon as possible for the best experience.

By following these secrets, you’ll be able to create Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls that are not only visually appealing but also deliciously flavorful, perfect for any occasion from brunch to parties.

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls:

1. Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of crescent dough sheets?

  • Yes, you can use regular crescent rolls that come in a can. Simply pinch the seams together to form a sheet before adding the filling and rolling up.

2. Can I prepare Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. After cutting them into slices and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving for best results.

3. Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls?

  • Yes, you can freeze them before baking. After assembling and slicing into rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy?

  • Ensure that the dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick. Also, avoid overlapping the ham slices too much, as excess moisture can make the dough soggy.

5. Can I customize the filling in Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls?

  • Absolutely! You can add other ingredients such as cooked bacon, spinach, roasted red peppers, or different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

6. What can I serve with Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls?

  • These rolls pair well with a side salad, fresh fruit, or a soup like tomato basil soup for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to brunch buffets or as appetizers for parties.

7. How do I store leftovers?

  • Store leftover Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

8. Can I make mini Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls for appetizers?

  • Yes, you can make smaller rolls by cutting the dough into smaller sections before rolling up the filling. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller rolls may cook faster.

9. Can I substitute the poppy seeds in the glaze?

  • Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the poppy seeds or replace them with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor profile.

10. How do I ensure the rolls stay crispy after baking? – Serve the rolls soon after baking while they are still warm and crispy. If reheating, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to crisp up again before serving.

These answers should help address common queries about making and serving Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls, ensuring you have a successful and delicious baking experience!