Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe with Old-Fashioned Dinner Rolls

Indulge in a beloved comfort-food classic with a fresh twist: Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls made from an old-fashioned dinner rolls dough. This version uses a hearty, homemade roll recipe rather than store-bought crescent dough, resulting in soft, slightly sweet rolls filled with savory ham and melted cheddar. They’re ideal for school lunches, picnics, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner—easy to freeze and reheat, and friendly for picky eaters.

Why your family will love these ham and cheese crescent rolls

• Perfect for school lunches: These rolls are a favorite for kids and make a convenient, handheld lunch option.
• Freezer friendly: Once cooled, the rolls freeze well in airtight bags or containers for up to three months—grab a few for a quick lunch or snack.
• Old-fashioned dough with lots of flexibility: The dough is based on a sentimental, old-fashioned dinner roll recipe passed down in the family. It’s forgiving and adaptable, so you can swap fillings or sauces to suit your tastes.

This dough is written in a traditional style—concise and to the point—so if you’re new to working with yeast, review a few basic yeast-dough tips before you start (especially for handling dough temperature and kneading). The recipe below has been adapted from a family favorite and yields many rolls, so you can halve it if you prefer fewer buns.

This is a true old-fashioned dinner roll recipe

Before digital recipes and step-by-step photography, recipes were often brief notes handed down on cards. This recipe reflects that simple style: straightforward measurements and practical tips. It was originally developed from a recipe that produced large batches, so quantities here have been adjusted for a more typical home kitchen while retaining the same texture and flavor.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls (old-fashioned dinner roll dough)

Makes roughly 4 dozen ham and cheese crescent rolls. You can halve the recipe for a smaller batch.

• 1/8 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons instant yeast
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 1/2 cups hot tap water (110–115°F / 43–46°C is ideal to activate the yeast)
• Approximately 7 cups all-purpose flour (add gradually until dough is smooth and not sticky)
• About 6 tablespoons mayonnaise or pizza sauce (for spreading)
• 16 slices deli ham (or substitute prosciutto or other deli meats)
• About 3 cups grated cheddar cheese

Step-by-step instructions for the old-fashioned dinner roll dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and salt. Prepare the remaining ingredients so they’re ready to add as you work.
2. Melt the butter and add it to the sugar and salt in the bowl.
3. Pour in the hot tap water and add 1 cup of flour. Whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in the beaten egg right away, mixing continuously so the egg doesn’t cook in the hot liquid.
5. Combine the yeast with another cup of flour, then whisk into the bowl. Continue adding flour gradually, stirring until you can no longer mix with a spoon. Add a little more flour and knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky; this will likely be close to 7 cups total.
6. Lightly butter the inside of the mixing bowl and the top of the dough. Cover and let it rise about an hour, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is drafty, you can let it rise in a warm oven: preheat briefly to 200°F (about 93°C), then turn the oven off and place the covered dough inside to rise—be sure the oven is off before adding the dough.
7. When the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal portions; each portion will make about a dozen buns.
8. Lightly shape each portion into a ball and let rest a few minutes before rolling.

Assembling the Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

1. Working with one dough ball at a time, roll it into a large circle about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or pizza sauce over the surface.
2. Cut the circle into 12 equal triangular wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
3. On each triangle, place a small piece of deli ham and a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
4. Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll toward the point to form a crescent shape.
5. Arrange the filled rolls on a greased baking sheet (or lined with parchment paper). Cover with a towel and allow them to rise again in a warm place until doubled.
6. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on your baking sheets and oven. The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks for a few minutes before serving.

Serve warm with a side of potato salad or a simple green salad for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. These rolls are excellent warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for packed lunches and gatherings.

Freezing and storing

Allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in airtight bags or containers. They freeze well for up to three months. Reheat from frozen at low oven temperature or thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewarm in the oven until heated through.

Tools and tips

A rolling pin and a lightly floured surface make shaping the dough easy. Use a pizza cutter for quick, even wedges. If your kitchen is cool, use the turned-off-oven warm-rise trick described above. For faster cleanup, bake on parchment-lined pans.

A bit of history

This recipe comes from a cherished family source and captures the simplicity of old-fashioned baking: short, practical instructions and consistent, comforting results. The photos and process celebrate real-life baking—making dough, hoping for a good rise, and sharing the finished buns with family.

Variations and serving ideas

• Swap the ham for turkey, roast beef, salami, or prosciutto.
• Use different cheeses—Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack—for varied flavor profiles.
• Brush rolls with melted butter or an egg wash before baking for extra shine and color.

Enjoy these ham and cheese crescent rolls as a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to adapt and simple to prepare. Whether you’re packing lunches or feeding a crowd, these old-fashioned dinner roll crescents are sure to become a favorite.