Crescent Ham and Cheese Ring
Golden • Buttery • Cheesy • Perfect for Brunch or Parties
Description
This Crescent Ham and Cheese Ring is a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe made with flaky crescent roll dough, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese. The dough bakes into a beautiful golden ring with a soft, buttery center and a wonderfully crisp exterior. Every slice delivers the perfect combination of tender pastry, smoky ham, and creamy cheese.
It’s an excellent choice for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, family gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients and comes together with minimal preparation. Serve it warm from the oven with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
– 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces each)
– 2 cups cooked ham, diced or chopped
– 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or honey mustard
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, optional
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the crescent dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, with the wider ends overlapping in the center and the pointed ends extending outward. Leave a small opening in the middle to create a ring shape.
Step 3: Mix the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced ham, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese if using, mustard, mayonnaise if desired, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add the filling
Spoon the ham and cheese mixture over the overlapping wide ends of the dough, forming a circle around the center. Avoid overfilling the ring, as excess filling can leak out during baking.
Step 5: Fold the dough
Bring each pointed dough end up and over the filling, tucking it underneath the inner edge of the ring. Continue around the circle until the filling is enclosed but small gaps remain for the pastry to expand.
Step 6: Apply the egg wash
Brush the exposed dough with beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired.
Step 7: Bake until golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Allow the ring to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm while the cheese is melted and stretchy.
Recipe Details
– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Cook time: 20–25 minutes
– Total time: 35–40 minutes
– Servings: 8
– Course: Breakfast, brunch, appetizer, or light dinner
– Cuisine: American-inspired
– Cooking method: Oven-baked
– Difficulty: Easy
Tips for the Best Crescent Ham and Cheese Ring
– Use cold dough: Crescent dough is easier to handle when chilled.
– Drain the ham: If your ham is moist, pat it dry to prevent soggy pastry.
– Choose flavorful cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a stronger flavor, while mozzarella provides a stretchy texture.
– Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the ring to open or become difficult to bake evenly.
– Seal carefully: Tuck the pointed ends under the ring to help hold the filling in place.
– Customize the filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or cooked bacon.
– Add a little heat: A pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños adds a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crescent ring with:
– Honey mustard dipping sauce
– Ranch dressing
– Fresh fruit salad
– Scrambled eggs
– A crisp green salad
– Roasted potatoes
– Tomato soup
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked, cooled slices for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 8–12 minutes, or until heated through. An air fryer also works well for restoring the flaky texture.
Because the filling contains ham and cheese, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking.
Q&A: Crescent Ham and Cheese Ring
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling and refrigerate it separately. Assemble the ring shortly before baking for the best pastry texture.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Swiss, Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack all work well with ham.
Q: Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes. The cream cheese is optional. Simply use the shredded cheeses and mustard for a lighter, less creamy filling.
Q: Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Definitely! Finely diced leftover baked ham is perfect for this recipe.
Q: How do I know when the ring is fully cooked?
The pastry should be golden brown and cooked through, including the dough underneath the filling. If the center still looks doughy, bake for a few additional minutes.
Q: Can I serve it as a party appetizer?
Yes! Cut the cooled ring into small wedges and serve with dipping sauces. It makes an attractive centerpiece for a brunch or appetizer table.
Short Description
This Crescent Ham and Cheese Ring features flaky golden pastry wrapped around savory ham, melted cheddar, mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings. It’s an easy, cheesy recipe perfect for brunch, parties, holidays, or a quick family meal.