Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are softly scrambled and just set, but not dry. Remove from heat immediately.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough. Do not separate the triangles. Carefully place the entire sheet of dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and extend slightly up the sides. Pinch together any seams to form a solid base.
- Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the crescent roll dough base. This layer of cheese will help create a barrier to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Spoon the scrambled eggs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Distribute the diced ham over the scrambled eggs.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the ham and egg mixture.
- Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Carefully place this sheet of dough over the filling, gently stretching it to cover completely. Pinch together any seams.
- Fold any overhanging dough from the bottom layer over the top layer and pinch to seal the edges, creating a crust.
- In a small bowl, whisk the remaining large egg for the egg wash. Lightly brush the top of the crescent roll bake with the egg wash. This will help create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffy, and the filling is heated through and bubbling slightly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time allows the bake to set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Achieving the perfect Ham, Egg, and Cheese Crescent Roll Bake is all about a few key techniques and knowing how to adapt the recipe to your liking. To prevent a soggy bottom, which is a common concern with crescent roll bakes, make sure to sprinkle a layer of cheese directly onto the bottom crescent roll dough before adding the egg mixture. This acts as a delicious barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the dough. Additionally, ensure your scrambled eggs are cooked until just set, rather than overly dry, as this will contribute to a more tender and moist filling. For an extra golden-brown and shiny crust, don’t skip the egg wash – it makes a noticeable difference in presentation and texture. If you find the crust browning too quickly, a loose tent of aluminum foil can save the day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Feel free to swap out the ham for other cooked meats like crumbled sausage, cooked bacon bits, or even diced cooked turkey for a different flavor profile. The cheese options are endless: try Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a Mexican blend for a twist. To sneak in some veggies, sauté finely diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms and add them to the egg mixture before scrambling. Just make sure any added vegetables are cooked down to release their moisture, preventing a watery filling. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the eggs or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs – chives or dill would be lovely additions. For a richer, more savory base, you could even add a thin layer of cream cheese spread on the bottom crescent roll dough before the cheddar.
Storage and Reheating
This Ham, Egg, and Cheese Crescent Roll Bake is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. To store any remaining portions, allow the bake to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. Properly stored, the bake will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an excellent option for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For individual slices, the microwave is your quickest option: place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crescent roll dough tough. For larger portions or to retain a crispier crust, reheating in the oven is recommended. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the slices or the entire remaining bake on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. Covering it loosely with foil for the first part of reheating can help prevent it from drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this Ham, Egg, and Cheese Crescent Roll Bake ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This bake is fantastic for make-ahead convenience. You have a couple of options: you can assemble the entire bake, including the egg wash, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold). Alternatively, you can cook the ham and scramble the eggs the day before, store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and then assemble and bake the next morning for a quicker prep time.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
While a 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, you can adapt. A 9×9 inch square pan or an 8×11 inch rectangular pan can work, but you might need to adjust the crescent roll dough slightly. If using a smaller pan, you may need to trim the edges of the dough, and the bake will be thicker, potentially requiring a few extra minutes of baking time. Always ensure the dough covers the bottom and top completely, pinching seams well. If using a larger dish, the bake will be thinner, and baking time may be slightly reduced. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
How can I make this bake suitable for a vegetarian diet?
It’s very easy to make this crescent roll bake vegetarian! Simply omit the ham entirely. You can replace it with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Cook these vegetables down thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding them to the egg mixture. You could also add a vegetarian sausage crumble or extra cheese for more flavor and protein. The rest of the recipe components, such as the crescent roll dough, eggs, and cheese, are typically vegetarian-friendly.