Experience the comforting warmth of melty cheese and savory ham wrapped perfectly in golden baked dough. These Baked Ham & Cheese Rollups are a delightful treat that brings together classic flavors in a simple yet satisfying way. Whether you’re seeking a hearty snack, a light dinner, or an appealing party appetizer, these rollups deliver on all counts with their crispy exterior and gooey inside.
Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, this recipe uses fresh or store-bought pizza dough to create a soft, tender base that perfectly embraces the flavorful ham and molten cheese. Easy to customize and wonderfully versatile, these rollups will quickly become a favorite go-to for any occasion.
- Quick and simple to prepare using easily available ingredients for a hassle-free meal.
- Versatile as a snack, light dinner, or party appetizer with crowd-pleasing flavors.
- Customizable fillings and cheese choices to suit your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: One ball of fresh or store-bought pizza dough, rested to room temperature for easy rolling and soft texture.
- Deli ham: About 8 ounces of thinly sliced ham, providing savory, smoky flavor to complement the cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: Around 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or your preferred melty cheese for creamy, gooey deliciousness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma and a pop of color when serving.
- Mustard (optional): A tangy mustard sauce pairs perfectly as a dipping condiment to enhance flavor.
- Horseradish sauce (optional): Adds a spicy, sharp kick that balances the richness of ham and cheese.
Instructions
- Prep the Dough
-
Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes, making it more pliable and easier to roll out. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a 12 by 8 inch (30 by 20 cm) rectangle. This sets a uniform base for even layering of fillings.
- Add Ham & Cheese Layers
-
Place the thinly sliced ham evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch (1 cm) border to prevent spillage during baking. Then evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ham, extending coverage close to the edges for maximum melty goodness throughout.
- Roll Up & Seal
-
Starting at one of the shorter sides, roll the dough tightly into a log shape to encase the fillings fully. Pinch the seam along with the ends gently to secure the roll and prevent cheese or ham from escaping while baking.
- Bake
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (approximately 200°C). Place the roll seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the surface turns a deep golden brown and develops a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Rest & Slice
-
Remove from oven and allow the roll to rest for about 10 minutes; this resting period helps the roll firm up for clean, neat slices. Use a serrated knife to cut the log into approximately eight even slices for serving.
- Serve
-
Optionally sprinkle the slices with fresh chopped parsley to add color and freshness. Serve warm alongside mustard, horseradish sauce, or a simple salad for a complete and delicious meal or appetizer experience.
- Mozzarella is ideal for melting, but feel free to swap with cheddar, provolone, or Swiss according to your taste preference.
- Adding a thin layer of mustard or pesto beneath the ham enhances flavor complexity without overpowering classic deliciousness.
- Consider swapping ham for turkey or chicken for a lighter variation, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Store leftover rollups in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover rollups refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in the oven to restore their crisp texture and melty cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rollups warm with classic condiments such as mustard or horseradish sauce. Pair with a light green salad or your favorite dipping sauce to complete your meal.
- For crispier crust, brush the dough with olive oil or an egg wash before baking.
- Use a serrated knife to slice rollups cleanly without squishing the fillings.
- Resting after baking is crucial to allow cheese to set slightly, preventing messy slices.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of dough?
-
Yes, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used, but cooking times may vary and results differ in texture.
- How do I prevent the roll from leaking cheese?
-
Leaving a small border without filling, tightly rolling, and sealing the edges well helps avoid leaks.
- Can I prepare these rollups ahead of time?
-
You can assemble and refrigerate the rollups before baking; allow extra baking time if chilled.
- What cheese melts best for this recipe?
-
Mozzarella melts smoothly, but provolone, cheddar, or Swiss work well based on preference.
- Is there a vegetarian option?
-
Yes, substitute ham with grilled vegetables and use cheese alone for a vegetarian friendly rollup.
- How big are the finished slices?
-
The roll is cut into about eight slices, each approximately 1 inch thick, perfect for hand-held servings.
- Can I freeze these rollups?
-
They freeze well before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze; bake without thawing adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Baked Ham Cheese Rollups
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet greased or lined with parchment paper
- 1 serrated knife for slicing rollups
- 1 rolling surface lightly floured
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough fresh or store-bought, room temperature
- 8 oz thinly sliced deli ham
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or preferred melty cheese
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: mustard or horseradish sauce for serving
Instructions
- Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 8 inch rectangle.
- Layer the ham evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ham, covering close to the edges.
- Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam and ends to seal.
- Preheat the 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.
- Allow the roll to rest for 10 minutes to facilitate clean slicing.
- Slice into 8 even pieces using a serrated knife.
- Optionally garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with mustard, horseradish sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for varied flavors.
- Spread mustard or pesto on dough before layering for extra taste.
- Use turkey or chicken slices or add veggies for a lighter variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven to retain crispness.
