Ham and Cheese Rolls are soft, gooey, pizza-style bites—an ideal party snack or after-school treat. Made with puff pastry, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and ham, these little rolls deliver warm, melty cheese and savory flavor in every bite.
My Favorite Ham and Cheese Roll Appetizers
These cheesy rolls have been my go-to appetizer for years at family gatherings and birthday celebrations. They are consistently a crowd-pleaser—guests often assume they came from a bakery because they look and taste so good. I made them early in my marriage and everyone raved; my husband thought I’d bought them, so I had to bake them again to prove otherwise. Since then I make them often, even for no special reason, because they’re easy, satisfying, and frequently lead to a friendly fight over the last bite.
Beyond being delicious, these Ham and Cheese Rolls freeze well, so you can keep a batch on hand for a quick dinner, breakfast, or lunch that’s ready in about 20 minutes once baked. They’re a cross between pastry and pizza and come together quickly using store-bought puff pastry sheets.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Party Rolls
These rolls require simple ingredients: thin ham slices, shredded mozzarella, pizza sauce, olive oil, dried oregano or basil, and two sheets of puff pastry. Roll a thawed pastry sheet into a rectangle, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, arrange ham slices, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Roll the sheet into a log, slice into rounds, brush with olive oil mixed with herbs, and top with a little Parmesan if desired. Bake until golden and bubbly.
If you prefer to bake later, assemble the rolls and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag; they reheat quickly for a fast, delicious meal. You can also customize the filling—swap ham for sausage, use different cheeses, or make a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Ham and Cheese Rolls
- Author: Vera Zecevic
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ham and Cheese Rolls are soft, pizza-style rolls filled with ham, mozzarella, and pizza sauce. They make a perfect appetizer, snack, or casual meal—crispy at the edges, tender inside, and full of cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 (17.5 oz) package (2 sheets) store-bought puff pastry, thawed but still cool
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 12 slices deli ham
- 1–1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (or a mix of both)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- Place a sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface or on its baking paper and roll into an approximately 8×12-inch rectangle. Keep it thin but not paper-thin so it can hold the filling.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the pastry, layer ham slices, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella. Avoid overfilling so the pastry can be rolled neatly.
- Using the baking paper to help, roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one long edge. Repeat with the second sheet and the remaining ingredients.
- If desired, freeze the rolled logs on a baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm them up for easier slicing; otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Slice the logs into rounds about 1 inch wide and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. If slices flatten while cutting, reshape them gently with your fingers.
- Mix the olive oil with the dried basil or oregano and brush the tops and edges of each roll. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before serving. If any bottoms stick slightly, run a thin knife underneath to loosen before transferring to a plate.
- To freeze for later: assemble rolls and freeze on a tray, then pack in foil or an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw the whole log 15 minutes, slice, let the slices sit 15 minutes more at room temperature, then brush with oil, top with Parmesan, and bake as directed.
