Mouthwatering Baked Ham And Cheese Rolls With Honey Mustard Sauce

Last winter, we got snowed in for three whole days. The roads were quiet, schools were closed, and the kids were bundled up in layers of mismatched socks, begging for hot cocoa every hour. By day two, cabin fever had set in, and I knew I needed to whip up something more exciting than reheated soup or leftover pasta.

The pantry wasn’t exactly overflowing, but tucked in the fridge was some pizza dough I’d made earlier in the week, a few slices of ham, and just enough cheese to make something special.

That’s when these baked ham and cheese rolls came to life. The smell of dough rising in the oven, mingling with the salty ham and melty cheese, made the whole house feel warmer. By the time I brushed the honey mustard glaze over the top, my kitchen smelled like a bakery-meets-deli in the best way possible.

We pulled the pan out, let it cool just enough not to scorch our fingers, and then tore into the rolls while the snow kept falling outside. It was the kind of simple, soul-soothing food that makes you forget about the weather, the laundry pile, or anything else tugging at your attention.

Short Description

Soft, golden pizza dough rolled with ham and cheese, baked until melty, then brushed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or cozy weekends at home.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 large slices ham
• 8 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

Tools Needed

• 8×8 baking dish
• Rolling pin
• Serrated knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Pastry brush

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If refrigerated, remove pizza dough from the fridge about 20 minutes before starting so it softens and becomes easier to roll. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 16×8 inches. Don’t stress about exact measurements—just make sure it’s large enough to layer your ham and cheese.

Step 3: Layer Ham and Cheese
Lay the ham slices evenly over the dough in a single layer, then add the cheese slices on top. Make sure they don’t overlap too much, or the rolls may bake unevenly.

Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting at the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log. Using a serrated knife, slice into 9 equal pieces. Arrange them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the rolls are golden and cooked through. Check the center of a roll by gently pulling back a layer to ensure it’s not doughy.

Step 6: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
While the rolls bake, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Whisk in Dijon mustard, honey, and poppy seeds until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish
Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the baked rolls. Return them to the oven for another 10 minutes, until deep golden brown and shiny.

Step 8: Serve
Let the rolls cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Heaven: Warm, cheesy, and golden, these rolls are pure comfort in every bite.

Quick Prep: With ready-made pizza dough, most of the work is already done.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks—these disappear fast.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Customizable: Switch up the cheese or meat to suit your taste.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dough too sticky? Add a little flour, 1 tbsp at a time, while rolling.

Rolls baking unevenly? Rotate the dish halfway through baking.

Doughy center? Bake longer until the center layers are fully set—cover with foil if the tops brown too quickly.

Glaze pooling at the bottom? Brush lightly in layers rather than dumping it on all at once.

Rolls sticking to the pan? Always grease the dish generously with spray or butter.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Pair with tomato soup or creamy potato soup for extra comfort.

Slice them smaller and serve buffet-style at parties.

Add fresh fruit on the side for a lighter brunch option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to keep them crisp.

Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.

Freeze unbaked rolls tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! It will be softer and lighter, but still delicious.

2. What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack add great flavor.

3. Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Yes, assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.

4. Do I have to use poppy seeds in the glaze?
Not at all, they add texture, but you can skip them if you prefer.

5. How do I keep the rolls from unrolling in the oven?
Roll the log tightly and place the slices close together in the dish so they support one another.

Tips & Tricks

Use room-temperature dough for easier rolling and less shrinkage.

A serrated knife makes cleaner cuts without squishing the rolls.

For extra golden tops, brush a little egg wash before baking, then add glaze later.

Double the glaze recipe if you like extra saucy rolls.

Recipe Variations

Turkey and Cheddar Rolls: Swap ham for deli turkey and Swiss for cheddar. Follow the same steps for a milder flavor.

Spicy Pepper Jack Rolls: Use pepper jack cheese and add a few jalapeño slices inside before rolling. Bake as directed.

Vegetarian Spinach and Feta Rolls: Replace ham with sautéed spinach and crumbled feta. Bake the same way for a Mediterranean twist.

Breakfast Rolls: Layer scrambled eggs and bacon with cheese before rolling. Serve with hot sauce for brunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s a kind of magic in recipes like this—simple ingredients turning into something that feels indulgent and homemade. On that snowy weekend, these rolls became more than just food; they were the centerpiece of our family’s day, something we gathered around and shared with laughter.

Since then, I’ve baked them for game nights, birthday parties, and even a quiet lunch on a busy weekday. Every time, they’ve delivered that same cozy satisfaction. If you’re looking for a recipe that works just as well for feeding a crowd as it does for lifting your mood on a quiet afternoon, these ham and cheese rolls might just become your new tradition.