Quick & Tasty Ham and Cheese Rolls
Today you will learn to prepare a super quick and tasty appetizer: ham and cheese rolls. This is one of my best sellers, and I am in charge of preparing these rolls for every gathering I attend. They’re ready in no time, look impressive and taste incredible!
Italian name: Rotolini di prosciutto e formaggio [ro.toliː.ni di proʃʃut.to e formad.dʒo]
As a teenager, I was dragged to endless family dinners, often with the dreaded soccer match playing in the background. One day, a gracious host served these irresistible ham and cheese rolls as an appetizer. They actually made the soccer game bearable!
After that day, these rolls became my signature dish whenever I organized a dinner, or was invited to a party.
Trust me, after you try these amazing ham and cheese rolls out, they will be your signature dish too!
Why It’s Worth a Spot on Your Table
This quick and easy appetizer is ready in no time and is super tasty! Plus, they are make-ahead friendly, since they are great at room temperature or straight out of the oven.
They are perfect to share with your friends – just put a bowl full of them in the middle of the table and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients
Ingredients for 5 servings
- 1 sheet of rectangular puff pastry
- 3.5 oz sliced cheese (100 gr)
- 3.5 oz sliced ham (100 gr)
- 1 egg
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Ham
For this recipe, you can use a lot of different kinds of ham or cured meat. I used speck, a smoked kind of ham, prepared in the Tirolo region of Italy. If you prefer, you can use baked ham, bacon, or prosciutto crudo. I would avoid greasy cured meat, such as salami or baloney, but that’s my personal taste.
Cheese
I used an Italian sliced cheese, called provolone, for this recipe. You can also use gouda if you prefer. Any medium-aged, melt-friendly cheese will do, but I would avoid clear or overly creamy varieties.
Tips
- Place the rolls on the tray with enough distance between each other before baking them, otherwise they will stick together and will cook unevenly.
- Brush with whipped egg or milk for a golden crust.
- Use your favorite cured meat and cheese: you can also make different versions and mix them up!
Step by Step Recipe
- Heat up the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Take out the puff pastry from the fridge and leave it out 5 minutes before spreading it out on a clean surface.
- Add the sliced ham and the cheese on top of the puff pastry and then roll it over, just like sushi.
- Cut the roll in ½-inch slices (1,5 cm), and arrange them nicely distanced from each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Now whisk the egg and brush it over the top and sides of every roll.
- Bake for 35 minutes, until they are golden and let them cool off a bit before serving.
- Enjoy these quick and easy ham and cheese rolls with your friends!
If you are looking for another appetizer to go with these rolls, take a look at this Italian evergreen tomato bruschetta!
Are you looking for other appetizers? I got you!
Recipe Card
Quick & Tasty Ham and Cheese Rolls
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of rectangular puff pastry
- 3.5 oz sliced cheese 100 gr
- 3.5 oz sliced ham 100 gr
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Heat up the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Take out the puff pastry from the fridge and leave it out 5 minutes before spreading it out on a clean surface.
- Add the sliced ham and the cheese on top of the puff pastry and then roll it over.
- Cut the roll in ½-inch slices (1,5 cm), and arrange them nicely distanced from each other on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Now whisk the egg and brush it over the top and sides of every roll.
- Bake for 35 minutes, until they are golden and let them cool off a bit before serving.
- Enjoy these quick and easy ham and cheese rolls with your friends!
May I tempt you? Here you can find other Italian classics!
FAQs
Can I use any kind of cured meat?
I would’t use baloney or salami (or any kind of too greasy cured meat in general), but potentially, of course!
Can I make it gluten free?
Sure, just be sure to use gluten free puff pastry, and you are all set!
How do I store them?
These rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or enjoy at room temperature.
Did I forget something? Don’t be shy and ask in the comments!
