If you're hunting for a quick, satisfying breakfast that feels cozy but doesn’t require a ton of fuss, you’re going to love this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe. These golden, toasty pockets of melty cheese and savory ham are perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want something warm and comforting on the table fast.
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Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe
These rolls are quick to assemble, bake up beautifully golden and flaky, and come packed with melty cheese and savory ham that’ll brighten your mornings. I make them whenever I want something that tastes indulgent without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Texture you want: Buttery, flaky dough wrapped around cheese that melts just right.
- Flavor that pops: A slight tang from Dijon mustard balances the richness of ham and cheese perfectly.
- Everyday ingredients: Simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Works for any night: Great not only for breakfast but also as a snack or light dinner.
Ingredient Spotlight
The magic of this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe comes down to picking your dough and cheese wisely. Crescent roll dough is forgiving and bakes into a lovely golden crust, while the cheese you choose influences how gooey and flavorful your rolls get.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Use refrigerated dough for convenience and flaky texture; you can also swap with puff pastry if you’re feeling fancy.
- Deli Ham: Go for thinly sliced but good-quality ham to avoid too much chew and to keep flavors balanced.
- Cheese: Swiss or cheddar offer great melt and sharpness — experiment with your favorites to find your perfect combo.
Seasonality & Sourcing
Since this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe uses staples like crescent dough, deli ham, and cheese, you can find fresh ingredients year-round at most supermarkets. For the best flavor, buy ham sliced fresh at the deli counter and pick cheese from a trusted local producer if possible. When seasonal, pairing with freshly baked bread or seasonal fruit on the side brings a lovely freshness to the meal.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While it heats, carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate it into eight triangles. Don’t stretch the dough too much when separating — it’ll bake into perfect layers when handled gently. Avoid using dough that’s been sitting out too long, or it might become sticky and hard to work with.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
On each triangle, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard—you’ll notice how it adds a subtle tang that lifts the whole roll. Then add a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. Roll the dough up snug from the widest part down to the point and arrange them on your sheet. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for that irresistible golden glow. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until your rolls are puffed, golden, and the cheese is perfectly melted. Check early if your oven runs hot — nobody likes burnt edges!
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Once out of the oven, let the rolls rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This pause lets the cheese settle slightly, so it’s melty but not oozing dangerously. It also helps the roll's texture stay crisp and flaky rather than soggy. Serve warm, and you’ll get that lovely balance of toasty exterior and molten filling.
Troubleshooting Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe
If you find your rolls are dry, try using a little more cheese or a thin spread of butter beneath the ham to add moisture. For bland rolls, ensure you spread the mustard evenly—it’s a simple little flavor boost that makes a big difference. And if the bottom of your rolls turns soggy, double-check you’re using parchment paper rather than foil, and preheat your baking sheet in the oven for a crisper result.
Pro Tips
When I’m making these, I always keep an eye on oven temperature and timing because ovens vary. It’s easy to go from perfectly golden to too dark if you’re not watching. Also, don’t skip the egg wash — it’s the secret for that beautiful shiny crust that makes you want to take a bite right away.
- Heat control: Keep your oven steady at 375°F to ensure even baking and browning.
- Timing window: Bake 12–15 minutes, checking at 12 to avoid overbaking.
- Make-ahead move: Assemble rolls and refrigerate before baking for a quick morning process.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t overload your roll with filling—too much cheese or ham can make dough soggy or tear.
Variations & Substitutions
You can play around with this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe depending on your mood or dietary needs. Swap ham for turkey or cooked bacon for a different spin, or try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of zing. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms or spinach replace the ham nicely. Don’t hesitate to spread a little honey mustard or chipotle mayo instead of Dijon for extra flavor layers.
Great Debates
One debate I often hear around breakfast rolls is whether to use butter or oil when prepping the dough. My take? Since the crescent roll dough already has fat, extra butter isn’t necessary. The egg wash does the trick for shine and crispness. Also, some like more mustard for tang, some less—feel free to adjust your spread to suit your family’s taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
You can make these rolls ahead of time—assemble them, place on a baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when you’re ready. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven straight from frozen for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture intact.
Yield & Conversions
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe yields 8 rolls, perfect for a small family. To double, simply use two cans of crescent dough and double the fillings. For half, reduce everything accordingly. Each roll uses one triangle from the dough, one slice of ham, and one slice of cheese. For metric fans, bake at 190°C, and standard US tablespoons convert easily to 15 ml.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These rolls go wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green side for breakfast or brunch. A side of sweet chili sauce or honey mustard makes a nice dip if you like a flavor boost. And a hot cup of coffee or tea rounds out the meal beautifully—really, they’re a friendly all-rounder for any morning or snack occasion.
FAQs
Absolutely! Turkey, cooked bacon, or even leftover chicken all work great as substitutes for ham, adding their own unique flavor.
Swiss and cheddar are classic choices that melt nicely and complement ham well, but mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack are also delicious alternatives.
You can freeze them either assembled (before baking) or after baking once cooled. Reheat from frozen in the oven to keep texture fresh.
Avoid overfilling and make sure to spread a thin layer of mustard or butter as a moisture barrier. Also, bake on parchment to allow even heat and prevent sogginess.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
You’ll want a standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp bottoms. A pastry brush is handy for the egg wash, but a spoon or finger works in a pinch. No need for fancy mixers here — just gentle hands to roll the dough without tearing. If you have a reliable oven thermometer, use it to keep the temperature steady for best results.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls Recipe
Delicious Ham and Cheese Breakfast Rolls made with flaky crescent roll dough, savory deli ham, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying morning meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices cheese (Swiss or Cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforations.
- Spread Mustard: Evenly spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each triangle to add a subtle tangy flavor.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Place one slice of deli ham and one slice of cheese onto each triangle of dough.
- Roll Up: Starting from the wide end, roll up each triangle tightly into a crescent shape and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the breakfast rolls warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ham with turkey or chicken slices for a different flavor.
- Use your favorite cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, a mild yellow mustard or mayonnaise works as a substitute.
- For a crispier crust, bake the rolls directly on a baking stone or oven rack, using parchment paper underneath to catch drips.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
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