Tired of boring, bland snacks that leave you feeling a little bit uninspired? You want a snack that’s not only delicious but also easy to make, a little bit elegant, and a lot of fun. You want something that’s savory, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser. That’s where these incredible Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls come in. It’s the kind of project that makes you a total kitchen hero, even though all you did was roll up a few ingredients. And trust me, once you master this homemade pizza rolls recipe, it’s going to become a total staple in your home.
My love for this recipe started on a cold, brisk game day. I was in the mood for something warm and comforting, and I had a bunch of leftover ham and cheese in my fridge. I figured, why not try a new kind of snack? I threw in a bunch of fresh herbs, a little bit of cheese, and a few other pantry staples, and the result was a tender, rich, and incredibly easy snack. It turned a boring weeknight dinner into something truly special. The best part? The kitchen smelled amazing! Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting my own version, and I can say with confidence that this easy snack is a total game-changer. It looks incredibly impressive, but it’s so much easier to make than you might think.
Why These Rolls Are a Total Game-Changer
You might think a pizza roll is just a pizza roll, but this recipe is truly something special. It takes a simple snack and elevates it in a few very important ways.
First, there’s the incredible texture. The contrast between the flaky, buttery crust and the tender, juicy ham and gooey cheese is pure perfection. The rolls are so rich and savory, and the ham adds a beautiful, salty depth that makes it irresistible. Second, there’s the unique flavor profile. The sweet, salty flavor of the ham is a perfect match for the rich, creamy flavor of the cheese and the earthy, savory flavor of the sauce. It’s a complex, balanced flavor that’s not too spicy, not too bland—it’s just right.
Finally, it’s an incredibly forgiving recipe. This kid-friendly recipe is a fantastic recipe for a beginner cook. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special equipment. You can literally just roll, slice, and bake. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like you’re cheating. This pizza rolls recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a good homemade meal but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Your Dream Team of Ingredients
The best part about this recipe is that it uses a handful of ingredients you can find at any grocery store. You don’t need a trip to a specialty store or a long shopping list. Just a few key players to create a legendary snack.
- Pizza Dough: This is the most important ingredient. I prefer a good-quality, store-bought pizza dough for a quick and easy snack. You can also make it from scratch, but it will take a little bit more time.
- Ham: The ham is the secret to a tender, juicy, and rich flavor. I prefer a good-quality, deli ham for a rich, savory flavor. You can also use a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a chopped bacon or a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a shredded chicken.
- Cheese: The cheese is the secret to a rich, creamy, and gooey interior. I prefer a combination of a shredded mozzarella cheese and a little bit of a shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use a good-quality, provolone cheese.
- Sauce: The sauce is the secret to a beautiful, savory flavor. I prefer a good-quality, store-bought marinara sauce. You can also use a little bit of a little bit of a tomato sauce or a little bit of a little bit of a ranch dressing.
- Other Pantry Staples: You’ll also need a little bit of a little bit of a garlic powder, a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a fresh parsley, and a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a pinch of salt and pepper.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Roll Perfection
This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be making it with your eyes closed after the first time. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling.
Step 1: Prep Your Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with a little bit of a non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the top of the pizza dough. Sprinkle it with a little bit of a shredded cheese and a little bit of a little bit of a chopped ham. Sprinkle it with a little bit of a garlic powder and a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a fresh parsley.
Step 3: Roll and Bake
Roll the pizza dough into a tight log, starting from the long end. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes before you serve them.
Beyond the Basics: My Favorite Remixes
The classic Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls are pure perfection, but you can also use them as a base for endless flavor combinations.
- The Different Meat: You can use any meat you have on hand. A little bit of a pepperoni, a little bit of a little bit of a sausage, or even a little bit of a little bit of a shredded chicken would be delicious.
- The Different Cheese: You can use any cheese you have on hand. A little bit of a shredded provolone cheese, a little bit of a little bit of a shredded mozzarella cheese, or even a little bit of a little bit of a grated Parmesan cheese would be delicious.
- The Different Topping: You can use any topping you have on hand. A little bit of a little bit of a chopped mushrooms, a little bit of a little bit of a chopped onions, or even a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a sliced black olives would be delicious.
- The Different Sauce: You can use any sauce you have on hand. A little bit of a little bit of a ranch dressing, a little bit of a little bit of a pesto, or even a little bit of a little bit of a little bit of a barbecue sauce would be delicious.
FAQs: Your Roll Questions Answered!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just make the rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them for a few minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
How do I know when they’re done?
The best way to tell is to look at the top. It should be golden brown and cooked through. You can also insert a knife into the center of a roll to make sure it’s cooked through.
How do I store them?
You can store these rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to eat them immediately, but they will still be delicious the next day. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
What is the best type of dough to use?
I prefer a good-quality, store-bought pizza dough for a quick and easy snack. You can also make it from scratch, but it will take a little bit more time.
So there you have it. A guide to making the most delicious, tender, and beautiful Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls you’ll ever have. It’s a simple, brilliant idea that solves all your snack dilemmas. The next time you’re craving something comforting, you’ll know exactly what to make. Go forth and cook! You’ve got this.
Ham and Cheese Pizza Rolls
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Knife for slicing rolls
- Mixing bowl optional for mixing cheeses
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, diced ham, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Roll the dough into a log and slice into bite-sized rolls. Place on baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
