These are the most delicious savory crescent rolls ever
Try this recipe and enjoy freshly baked, buttery crescent rolls that smell and taste like they’re from a great bakery—only better. These are the top reasons why we love them:
- The preparation is quick (as far as yeasted dough goes) and easy. You just knead, let it rise, fill them to taste, and let them rise again.
- The filling can be 100% customized to your liking (ham and cheese is our favorite).
- A great idea for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or weekend treats (though we’ve also made them on a weekday for dinner).
- Kids and adults alike love them.
- Soft as butter and so delicious you can’t help but say “wow.”
Filling Ideas + tips and tricks
These are our top tips for making them:
- After baking, brush them with a little melted butter for extra softness.
- You can also use Easter ham when making them during the Easter holidays.
- Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or some spicy salami for a gourmet version.
- If you’re a big cheese lover, add more cheese and sprinkle a small handful on top before baking.
- You can also make a pizza-style version by adding a bit of pizza tomato sauce.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FQA)
These homemade ham and cheese crescent rolls are soft, juicy, versatile, and perfect for any time of day. They’re ideal for breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or cozy family treats on weekends and for entertaining guests.
How do I store the crescent rolls so they stay soft?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Which cheese is best for crescent rolls?
Gouda and Edam work best.
Which ham should I use?
Use your favorite ham, the kind you would also use for pizza. We used prosciutto cotto (Z'dežele), which works and tastes wonderfully.
storing and freezing
Serve the ham and cheese crescent rolls fresh, as they are the most delicious and soft that way.
However, you can also store them if you have leftovers. Keep them at room temperature, in a bread basket or bag, for up to one day, and reheat before serving.
You can also freeze the baked crescent rolls. Once baked, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before serving, let them thaw, then reheat them in the oven or in the microwave.
How to make these crescent rolls at home (video)
Check out this quick video recipe for making homemade ham and cheese crescent rolls.
Next, try these delicious baked goods
- Panuozzo
- Pizza pockets
- Ham and Cheese Stromboli
- Pigs in a blanket
- Mini pigs in a blanket
- Olive Focaccia
Made in collaboration with Celjske mesnine d.o.o.
METHOD
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preparation
Into the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a large bowl and a handheld electric mixer fitted with dough hooks), add the flour, sugar, and yeast. Pour in the lukewarm milk and begin kneading. Knead at medium speed for 6–8 minutes, or until the dough is elastic, smooth, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add the salt during mixing. Add the butter and continue kneading for another 3–4 minutes, until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough once again pulls away from the bowl.
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proofing
Cover the bowl with the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature **(72–77°F / 22–25°C) until the dough has visibly increased in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
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shape
Generously flour the work surface. Divide the dough into 12 pieces, each weighing about 80 g. Set them aside to rest for 10 minutes. Roll each piece of dough into a strip about 2–3 mm thick, making the top part wider to allow enough space for the filling. First add some grated cheese, then a bit of torn cooked prosciutto or ham. Start rolling from the top downward to form a nice crescent roll. Place it on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure there is enough space between them. Repeat the process to make 12 crescent rolls.
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second proofing
Cover the crescent rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, until they visibly increase in size. Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
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bake
Before baking, mix the water and oil in a small bowl. Lightly brush the crescent rolls with the mixture. Place them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F), or until golden brown. Once baked, brush them with slightly melted butter while still warm. Let them cool to room temperature, then serve.
