Disco biscuits are a retro party appetizer: buttery, flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a savory filling of ham, Swiss cheese, and a tangy Dijon-butter sauce. They get their name from the 1970s disco era, when these little rolls were a staple at gatherings. They’re easy to assemble, bake up golden and bubbly, and are always the first thing to disappear from the platter.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz / 226 g each) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls per can)
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 thin slices deli ham (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 8 thin slices Swiss cheese (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Set aside.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 16 triangles along the perforated lines. Press the perforations together to seal any cracks.
- Brush each triangle lightly with the butter mixture, reserving about half for brushing the tops later.
- Cut the ham and Swiss cheese slices to fit the triangles if needed. Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on the wide end of each triangle, then roll up starting from the wide end, tucking the tip underneath. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining butter mixture. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you want to be sure the filling is hot, check that the center of a roll reaches 165°F (74°C) with a food thermometer. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use turkey or chicken instead of ham, or swap Swiss for provolone or mozzarella. For a vegetarian version, use roasted red peppers and spinach.
- Storage: Keep leftover baked disco biscuits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well (see below).
- Common mistakes: Don’t overfill the triangles or the filling will leak out. Also, make sure to seal the edges well so the butter doesn’t burn on the baking sheet.
- Make ahead: Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve disco biscuits warm as an appetizer at parties, game day gatherings, or holiday buffets. They pair well with a simple green salad, a bowl of soup, or a platter of fresh vegetables and dip. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a roast chicken or as a fun side to a brunch spread.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture, or use pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast: Swap the ham for cooked breakfast sausage and the Swiss for cheddar. Serve with scrambled eggs.
- Everything Bagel: Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds.
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms and spinach, or roasted red peppers and goat cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover baked disco biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 20–30 seconds, but they will be softer. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time. Baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls? Yes, puff pastry works but will be flakier and less tender. Thaw the puff pastry, roll it out slightly, and cut into triangles or rectangles. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Why are they called disco biscuits? The name is a playful nod to the 1970s disco era, when these little ham-and-cheese rolls were popular party food. They’re easy to eat while mingling, just like the snacks served at disco clubs.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Swiss is classic, but provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese would work well. Just make sure it melts well.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Don’t overfill the triangles, and make sure to seal the edges by pressing the dough together. Also, rolling the dough tightly and placing the rolls seam-side down helps keep the filling inside.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available, or make a gluten-free biscuit dough from scratch. The filling is naturally gluten-free.
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