Tasty Ham Cheese Rolls

These mouthwatering ham and cheese spirals have become my favorite crowd-pleasing snack that always gets folks talking. When flaky pizza crust wraps around those delicate ham slices and gooey Swiss cheese, you get these irresistible little bites that vanish in seconds at any get-together.

I whipped these spirals up for a sudden sports viewing party when I needed something fast and filling. They disappeared so fast I had to throw together another batch before we even reached halftime.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: This adaptable foundation gives you that wonderful flaky bite. Grocery store versions work great though homemade adds something special if you've got spare time.
• Thin ham slices: Go for good deli meat cut extra thin for the right texture. Both honey and black forest varieties work beautifully here.
• Swiss cheese: The traditional ham partner that melts just right. Pick thinly sliced pieces for even melting that won't take over the flavor.
• Butter: Forms the luxurious base for your topping. Grab unsalted to keep control of the salt levels.
• Dijon mustard: Brings that refined zip that cuts through the richness. French types typically offer the most pleasant flavor notes.
• Worcestershire sauce: This flavor-boosting ingredient brings depth to every bite. You just need a dash for magic.
• Minced onions: You can skip them but they add lovely savory undertones throughout your sauce.
• Poppy seeds: Not mandatory but they give a nice crunch contrast and make everything look prettier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Heat your oven to 350°F and get your dish ready by smearing butter all over or using parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup's a breeze.

Roll out the dough:

Unwrap your pizza dough onto a clean board while keeping its rectangle shape intact. Push the edges out gently for an even surface, watching for spots that might tear.

Layer ham and cheese:

Lay out ham pieces across the whole dough surface but leave tiny edges uncovered. Next, put your Swiss cheese over the ham making sure it's spread evenly so every bite tastes the same.

Create and slice the roll:

Beginning at the shorter side, carefully roll everything into a snug log, using your fingers to keep it uniform and tight. This stops gaps when baking. Cut your log down the middle, then split each half again with a sharp toothed knife using gentle back-and-forth motions. Then cut each chunk into three even pieces to make 12 spirals.

First bake:

Put your spirals cut-side up in your dish with tiny gaps between them for growing room. Bake them for 15 minutes until they start getting gold-colored but aren't fully done yet.

Prepare the sauce:

While they're cooking, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced onions and poppy seeds in a small bowl until everything blends together nicely. Your sauce should look smooth and smell amazing.

Finish baking:

Take your partly-baked spirals out and brush your sauce mix over the tops, making sure you cover all the visible parts. Put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden shade and cook right through.

Rest and serve:

Let your spirals sit in the pan about 5 minutes so the cheese firms up a bit which makes serving easier. Then move them to your serving plate and enjoy them while they're still warm.

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The buttery Dijon coating that goes on during baking is honestly my favorite part. It transforms basic ingredients into something truly memorable. My nephew calls these his "fancy pizza rolls" and now begs for them whenever the family gets together.

Make-Ahead Options

These spirals work wonderfully for planning ahead. You can get the whole roll ready up to a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just wrap the cut spirals tightly in your baking dish with plastic wrap until you're ready to cook them. The dough actually slices cleaner when it's cold, which makes this great for parties. If you're baking straight from the fridge, just add about 3-5 extra minutes to your cooking time.

Creative Variations

The ham and Swiss combo tastes amazing, but this basic method works with tons of other fillings too. Give turkey and provolone a try for something lighter, or go with pepperoni and mozzarella for an Italian feel. Plant-based options are great as well - spinach and feta make a tasty Greek version, while roasted red peppers with goat cheese offer fancy flavors. You can also play with the sauce by adding honey to make it sweeter or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

These spirals really stand out when served with other finger foods and some fresh veggies and dip. For a full meal, add a simple green salad with tangy dressing to cut through the richness. They're also perfect for lunch boxes since they taste good at room temperature. Want to make them look extra special? Arrange them on a wooden board with some fresh herbs and a little dish of extra sauce for dipping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is crescent dough a good swap for pizza dough?

Absolutely! Crescent dough will give you a softer, slightly fluffier texture.

→ What cheeses work well here?

Swiss is classic, but provolone or cheddar can bring a nice twist if you'd prefer.

→ Can I prep these rolls ahead of time?

Sure thing! Assemble them, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve.

→ How do I stop the rolls from undoing in the oven?

Roll them tightly, and pack them close together on your baking tray to help them hold during baking.

→ What if I don’t like poppy seeds?

No problem, skip them! The butter sauce tastes great on its own.