Cheese Stuffed Pizza Rolls with Ham

In our house, Friday nights are synonymous with movie nights and delicious, easy-to-share food. We’ve tried everything from nachos to sliders, but nothing quite hits the spot like these Cheese Stuffed Pizza Rolls with Ham. The first time I made these, I was a bit skeptical – could something so simple really be that good? Let me tell you, they disappeared in minutes! The kids devoured them, my partner raved about the cheesy, hammy goodness, and even I, who usually prefers more complex dishes, couldn’t resist grabbing a handful (or two!). These pizza rolls are the perfect combination of crispy, chewy, savory, and cheesy, making them an instant hit for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer for a party, a quick and satisfying snack, or a kid-friendly meal, these cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham are guaranteed to be a winner. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, incredibly delicious, and bite-sized way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these irresistible cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham, you’ll only need a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:

• Pizza Dough: (1 pound, store-bought or homemade) – The foundation of our pizza rolls! You can use pre-made dough for convenience or your favorite homemade recipe for a more personalized touch. Either way, ensure it’s fresh and easy to work with.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: (2 cups) – The star of the cheesy stuffing! Mozzarella provides that classic pizza cheese pull and mild, milky flavor that everyone loves. Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended for best melting and texture.
• Diced Ham: (1 cup, cooked) – Adds a savory, salty, and slightly smoky element to the rolls. Use pre-cooked ham, leftover ham, or even deli ham, diced into small pieces.
• Pizza Sauce: (1 cup, your favorite brand or homemade) – Provides the essential pizza flavor and moisture to the filling. Choose your preferred pizza sauce – from classic marinara to something spicier, depending on your taste.
• Egg: (1 large) – Used for an egg wash, this helps create a golden brown and slightly crispy crust on the pizza rolls.
• Italian Seasoning: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a boost of classic Italian flavor to the dough and filling, enhancing the overall pizza taste.
• Garlic Powder: (½ teaspoon) – Complements the Italian seasoning and adds a savory depth to the dough and filling.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used to brush the baking sheet and optionally brush the tops of the pizza rolls for extra crispiness and flavor.
• Optional Toppings (for sprinkling before baking): Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, red pepper flakes – These are optional but can add extra flavor and visual appeal to your pizza rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Perfect Pizza Rolls

Making these cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham is surprisingly easy and fun! Follow these simple steps to create a batch of delicious, bite-sized pizza perfection:

1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to handle and roll out. If using homemade dough, ensure it’s properly proofed and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches and about ¼ inch thick. The exact dimensions aren’t crucial, but aim for a relatively even thickness for consistent baking.
3. Spread the Pizza Sauce: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border of about ½ inch around the edges for easier rolling. Use a spoon or spatula to distribute the sauce in a thin, even layer.
4. Sprinkle Cheese and Ham: Distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce. Then, sprinkle the diced ham over the cheese layer. Ensure the cheese and ham are spread relatively evenly to ensure each pizza roll gets a good amount of filling.
5. Season the Dough (Optional but Recommended): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture evenly over the border edges of the dough that are free of sauce and filling. This egg wash will help the rolls seal better and adds flavor to the dough itself. You can also lightly brush the entire surface of the dough with the egg wash for a richer color and flavor.
6. Roll Up the Pizza Dough: Starting from one of the longer edges of the rectangle, carefully and tightly roll up the pizza dough like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it closed. Ensure you roll it tightly to create compact pizza rolls.
7. Slice into Rolls: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get approximately 18-24 rolls, depending on the size of your rectangle and the thickness of your slices.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pizza rolls, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll. This allows for even baking and prevents them from sticking together.
9. Optional Toppings (Sprinkle Now): If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pizza rolls with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal.
10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of your rolls.
11. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts: A Bite-Sized Look at the Goodness

These cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham are a delicious treat, and like any good snack, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional content. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serving size: 2 pizza rolls):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Protein: 10-12 grams
• Fat: 12-15 grams

Please note: These are estimated values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, the size of the rolls, and serving size. For more accurate nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time: Quick, Easy, and Ready in a Flash

The beauty of these cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham is their quick and easy preparation! Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes rolling out the dough, preparing the filling, and assembling the rolls).
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (Baking time in the oven).
• Total Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a batch of these delicious pizza rolls ready to enjoy in under an hour, making them perfect for a weeknight snack or a last-minute party appetizer.

How to Serve: Pizza Rolls for Every Occasion

These versatile pizza rolls are fantastic for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your cheesy, hammy creations:

• Classic Appetizer: Serve them warm on a platter with a side of extra pizza sauce, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.
• Party Food Superstar: These are perfect for game day parties, birthday celebrations, or casual get-togethers. Arrange them on a serving tray and watch them disappear!
• Kid-Friendly Meal: Kids absolutely love these! Serve them with a side of carrot sticks, celery sticks, or a small salad for a balanced and fun meal.
• Lunchbox Treat: Once cooled, these pizza rolls make a great addition to lunchboxes. They are easy to eat and hold their flavor well.
• Snack Attack Savior: Keep a batch in the refrigerator for quick and satisfying snacks throughout the week. Reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven for warm, cheesy goodness.
• Pizza Roll Bar: For a fun and interactive party idea, set up a pizza roll bar! Provide different fillings like pepperoni, sausage, olives, mushrooms, and various dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their own pizza rolls.

Additional Tips for Pizza Roll Perfection

Want to take your cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the cheese and ham, overfilling can make the rolls difficult to roll and they may burst open during baking. Stick to a moderate and even layer of filling.
• Seal the Seam Tightly: Make sure to pinch the seam of the rolled dough firmly to prevent the rolls from unrolling during baking. The egg wash helps with sealing, but a good pinch is crucial.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your pizza rolls will be significantly enhanced by using good quality pizza sauce, cheese, and ham. Opt for brands you enjoy and that have good flavor.
• Customize Your Fillings: Get creative with your fillings! Try adding pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach to your pizza rolls for different flavor combinations.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkle some on top before baking for a touch of heat. You can also use a spicy pizza sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: These pizza rolls freeze beautifully! Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the pizza rolls dry and the cheese rubbery. Bake them just until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Experiment with Doughs: Try using different types of pizza dough, such as whole wheat dough, sourdough dough, or even crescent roll dough for a different texture and flavor profile. Crescent roll dough will create a flakier, more buttery pizza roll.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheese Stuffed Pizza Rolls with Ham

Have questions about making these delicious cheese stuffed pizza rolls? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you along the way:

Q1: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will work wonderfully and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Just make sure your dough is properly proofed and easy to roll out.

Q2: Can I make these pizza rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizza rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage (see tip above).

Q3: What are some good dipping sauces to serve with pizza rolls?
A: Classic pizza sauce or marinara sauce is always a great choice. Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, pesto mayo, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are also delicious options.

Q4: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely.

Q5: Can I make vegetarian pizza rolls?
A: Definitely! Simply omit the ham and add extra cheese or other vegetarian fillings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, spinach, or roasted vegetables.

Q6: How do I reheat leftover pizza rolls?
A: You can reheat leftover pizza rolls in the microwave for a quick option, but for best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Q7: My pizza rolls are cracking when I roll them. What am I doing wrong?
A: This could be because your dough is too cold or too dry. Make sure to let your dough come to room temperature before rolling. If it still cracks, lightly dampen your hands with water while rolling to add a bit of moisture. Also, rolling too thin can cause cracking.

Q8: Can I bake these pizza rolls in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air frying is a great way to cook pizza rolls! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

These cheese stuffed pizza rolls with ham are more than just a snack; they are a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the cheesy, hammy goodness of homemade pizza rolls!

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