Pineapple Ham Crescents
Pineapple Ham Crescents combine sweet pineapple, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese wrapped in flaky crescent rolls. Perfect for entertaining or a quick family dinner, these delicious bites offer a delightful blend of flavors with a tangy pineapple glaze that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple well, reserving the juice.
- Reserve 2 pineapple spears for sauces and chop the remaining spears.
- Unroll the crescent rolls.
- Wrap a slice of ham and cheese around each pineapple chunk.
- Place the wrapped pineapple at the widest part of the crescent and roll up.
- Place the rolled crescents on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden.
- In a saucepan, boil the reserved pineapple juice with Dijon mustard until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the chopped pineapple.
- Serve the pineapple sauce with the crescents.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try using turkey or chicken instead of ham for a lighter option. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or cheddar can work well too. Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy crescents. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the Dijon mustard before cooking. This recipe can also be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Pineapple Ham Crescents make a delightful appetizer or snack for gatherings. Serve them with a fresh green salad or alongside barbecue dishes like Barbecue Cabbage for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with a light dipping sauce made from the reserved pineapple juice and Dijon mustard. For a festive touch, consider serving them on Easter Sunday.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their flaky texture. You can also microwave them, but be aware that they may become a bit soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Ham Crescents contains roughly 177 calories, with 9g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other options like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Each cheese will impart a unique taste to your crescents, so feel free to get creative!
What should I do if my crescent rolls are too doughy?
If your crescent rolls turn out too doughy, it could be due to undercooking. Ensure they are baked until golden brown, which typically takes 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F. Additionally, avoid overstuffing them with filling, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).