Crescent Rolls with Cheese

Warm, flaky crescent rolls filled with melty cheese are the ultimate cozy snack — quick to make and impossible to resist. I’ve been making these for weeknight dinners and potlucks for years; they bake up golden in about 12–15 minutes and are endlessly adaptable. If you like a sweeter twist, try the cheesecake crescent rolls casserole for dessert after these savory bites.

Why Make This Recipe

• Fast: Prep takes about 10 minutes and the oven does the rest — great for last-minute guests.
• Crowd-pleaser: The combination of buttery dough and melted cheese is universally loved.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side, or party finger food and swap fillings easily.
• Low effort, high reward: Minimal ingredients and standard equipment make this an easy win.
• Personal note: I love this recipe because it’s one pan and one tray clean-up — perfect when I want comfort food without fuss, and it pairs well with hearty mains like Cajun macaroni and cheese with andouille sausage for a bold meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
• Total time: 25 minutes (including a short rest)
• Servings: 8 rolls (1–2 rolls per person as an appetizer)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Method: Fill pre-made crescent dough triangles with cheese, roll, brush with egg wash, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet until golden.

My Experience Making This Recipe

I tested this several times with different cheeses and oven racks to dial in a consistently crisp bottom and golden top. The biggest discovery was that chilling the filled triangles for 10 minutes before baking keeps the filling from leaking and improves shape retention.

How to Make Crescent Rolls with Cheese

Start with one 8 oz can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (usually 8 triangles). Place a teaspoon of softened cream cheese and about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar near the wide end of each triangle, then roll toward the point. Bake seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, brushing with a beaten egg for a glossy finish, and let rest 3–5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.

Expert Tips for Success

• Keep the filling chilled: After assembling, chill the tray 10 minutes; chilled filling is less likely to ooze during baking.
• Use a light egg wash: One beaten egg with a splash of water gives a golden, shiny crust without over-browning.
• Don’t overfill: Stick to about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese and a small dollop of cream cheese per triangle to avoid leaks.
• Bake on a preheated sheet: Place the baking sheet in a cold oven? Don’t — preheat the oven and the sheet will help achieve a crisp bottom.
• For rolling technique, the same careful sealing you use for my cheeseburger egg rolls helps prevent unrolling and leaking.

How to Serve Crescent Rolls with Cheese

• Appetizer platter: Arrange on a board with pickles, sliced apples, and mustard for dipping.
• Party snack: Serve with a small bowl of marinara, ranch, or grainy mustard for dipping.
• Comfort side: Pair with a light pasta or salad — for instance, a summer veggie side like cheese tortellini with summer veggies recipe for contrast.
• Presentation tip: Garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika and place on a wire rack so bottoms stay crisp, or serve alongside another fried favorite such as crispy cheeseburger egg rolls for a party board.

Storage and Reheating Guide

• Short-term: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked filled rolls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen adding 4–6 minutes to the bake time, or thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave 20–30 seconds only if speed matters — it will soften the crust.

Recipe Variations

• Ham & Swiss: Replace cheddar with 1 tbsp Swiss and a sliver of ham for a mini croissant-style roll.
• Spicy pepper jack: Use pepper jack and add a tiny smear of chipotle mayo for heat.
• Dairy-free: Use a vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar; brush with non-dairy milk for color.
• Gluten-free: Use store-bought gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry and follow the same assembly; baking time may vary slightly.

Nutritional Highlights

• Cheese provides calcium and a source of protein; use part-skim or lower-fat cheese if you want fewer calories.
• Portion guidance: One roll is a small snack (roughly 120–180 calories depending on cheese and dough); plan 1–2 per person as an appetizer.
• Allergens: Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy; egg wash adds an egg allergen — see the dairy-free and gluten-free variations above.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Rolls spread or fall flat: Make sure the dough is cold when you unroll it; overworked warm dough loses structure. Chill assembled rolls before baking.
• Cheese leaks out and burns: Reduce filling slightly, and press the seams firmly; a small dab of water on the seam before sealing helps.
• Bottoms soggy: Bake on the middle rack and use a preheated baking sheet or a perforated pizza pan for better air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen crescent dough?
A: Yes — thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight and use when cold. Warm dough becomes sticky and harder to shape, so keep it chilled until you’re ready to fill.

Q: What cheeses work best?
A: A combination of a melty cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack) with a creamy binder (softened cream cheese or ricotta) yields great texture and flavor. Hard aged cheeses alone can be dry; shred them finely and mix with a small soft cheese.

Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer prep, assemble and freeze on a tray, then bag; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Q: How do I keep them crisp when reheating?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let air circulate. Avoid microwaving unless you plan to finish with a quick 2-minute oven crisp to restore texture.