Experience the comforting warmth of melty cheese and savory ham wrapped in golden, baked dough. These Baked Ham & Cheese Rollups make for a delightful snack, easy light dinner, or popular party appetizer that everyone will love. Perfectly crisp on the outside with a gooey, flavorful filling inside, they satisfy cravings and bring joy in every bite.
Easy to prepare with store-bought or fresh pizza dough, these rollups are incredibly versatile and customizable. Whether you want to add herbs, sauces, or different cheeses, this recipe will quickly become a staple for your cozy gatherings and busy weeknight meals.
- Quick and simple assembly with minimal ingredients.
- Golden, crisp dough paired with melty, savory filling.
- Versatile for snacks, dinners, or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: One ball of fresh or store-bought dough, rested to room temperature for easy rolling and a tender crust.
- Deli Ham: About 8 oz of thinly sliced ham, providing savory, smoky flavor as the main protein.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Approximately 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or your favorite melty cheese for creamy, gooey texture inside.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herby brightness when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Mustard or Horseradish Sauce (Optional): Tangy condiments to complement the richness of the ham and cheese.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough for Rolling
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Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling. This relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to stretch out evenly without shrinking or tearing.
- Roll Dough into Rectangle
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Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a roughly 12 by 8 inch (30 by 20 cm) rectangle. An even shape ensures uniform rolling and baking.
- Layer Ham Evenly
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Arrange thin slices of deli ham over the dough, leaving around a ½ inch border at the edges. This prevents filling from spilling out while baking and keeps the roll tight.
- Add Shredded Cheese
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ham. Covering close to the edges guarantees every slice has melty, cheesy goodness.
- Roll Dough Into Log and Seal
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Starting at one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seam and the ends gently to seal, which keeps the fillings contained during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Crisp
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Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Place the log seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the exterior is deeply golden and crisp.
- Rest Before Slicing
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Remove the roll from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting firms up the roll, making it easier to cut clean, even slices without the cheese spilling out.
- Slice and Serve Warm
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Using a serrated knife, cut the roll into approximately 8 equal slices. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with mustard, horseradish sauce, or your favorite dips.
- You can swap mozzarella for other melty cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone to customize flavor.
- For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of mustard or pesto on the dough before adding ham and cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken for ham, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers underneath the cheese.
- Leftover rollups store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Storage Tips
Store cooled rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy leftovers, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain the crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rollups warm with a drizzle of mustard or horseradish sauce on the side. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or hearty soup for a comforting meal.
- Ensure the dough is evenly rolled to avoid thick spots that won’t bake through properly.
- Tightly rolling the log and fully sealing edges prevents filling leakage while baking.
- Using a serrated knife for slicing keeps slices neat and prevents pulling the dough or cheese apart.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?
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Yes, just thaw the dough completely and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling.
- What other cheeses work well?
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Cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or gouda are great alternatives offering varied flavors and melts.
- Can I prepare these rollups ahead of time?
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You can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but bake fresh for best texture.
- How do I keep the rollups from getting soggy?
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Resting the dough at room temperature and sealing edges well helps prevent sogginess. Also, reheat in oven, not microwave.
- Is it possible to add vegetables?
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Yes, adding spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions under the cheese adds extra flavor and nutrition.
- Can I make mini versions for parties?
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Absolutely! Slice the dough smaller and adjust baking time to create bite-sized appetizers.
Baked Ham Cheese Rollups
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet greased or parchment-lined
- 1 serrated knife for slicing rollups
- 1 rolling surface lightly floured
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough fresh or store-bought, at room temperature
- 8 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or other melty cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: mustard or horseradish sauce for serving
Instructions
- Let pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to relax.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12 by 8-inch rectangle.
- Spread ham slices evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the ham, covering to the edges.
- Starting from a short end, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch seams to seal.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place roll seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow clean slicing.
- Slice into 8 even pieces using a serrated knife.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with parsley and with mustard or horseradish.
Notes
- Use cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese for flavor variations.
- Spread mustard or pesto on dough before layering for extra taste.
- Substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option; add veggies like spinach or peppers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat in oven to keep crispiness.
