Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls are a simple yet elegant snack or appetizer that never fails to impress. With buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around savory ham and gooey melted cheese, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Best of all, they’re quick to prepare, require only a handful of ingredients, and bake up beautifully golden in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Made with store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both love them.
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, breakfast bite, or lunchbox snack.
Customizable: You can swap fillings with different cheeses, meats, or even veggies.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
4–6 slices deli ham (or cooked ham)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss work well)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
Pinch of black pepper or Italian seasoning (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
- Add the Filling
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry (optional).
Layer slices of ham evenly across the pastry.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
- Roll & Slice
Starting from the longer side, roll the pastry tightly into a log.
Using a sharp knife, cut into 10–12 even slices.
- Arrange & Brush
Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Beat the egg and brush lightly over the tops to create a golden finish.
- Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the ultimate gooey cheese experience!
Tips for Success
Thaw puff pastry properly: Cold but pliable pastry is easiest to work with.
Use strong-flavored cheese: A sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère balances the richness of the pastry.
Don’t overload with filling: Too much ham or cheese can cause the rolls to burst open while baking.
Freeze ahead: You can assemble, freeze, and bake straight from frozen (just add 5 extra minutes).
Variations
Ham & Spinach Rolls: Add fresh spinach leaves before rolling.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls: Swap ham for pepperoni and add a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Breakfast Rolls: Add scrambled eggs for a heartier morning option.
Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or spinach instead of ham.
What to Serve With Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls
Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit or scrambled eggs.
Appetizers: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or marinara dipping sauce.
Lunch or Dinner: Add a side salad or bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether served at a holiday party, packed into a lunchbox, or enjoyed as a quick weekend breakfast, these golden rolls deliver warm, cheesy comfort in every bite.
