These Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bread Rolls are a delightful blend of fluffy, homemade bread filled with savory ham and gooey cheese, all topped with a golden egg wash and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a casual dinner, these rolls are comforting, satisfying, and easy to share. The recipe is simple enough for beginners and guarantees bakery-quality results at home. Plus, the combination of a soft dough and flavorful filling is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Milk: 250 ml (about 1 cup)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh yeast: 18 g (or 6 g dry yeast)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil: 60 ml (about ¼ cup)
• Flour: 400 g (about 3 ¼ cups)

For the Filling:

• Tomato sauce: 200 g (about ¾ cup)
• Ham: 450 g (such as “Rublevsky” ham), thinly sliced or diced
• Cheese: 300 g (about 1 ½ cups), grated (mozzarella or your choice)

For the Egg Wash:

• Egg yolk: 1
• Milk: 1 tablespoon

For Topping:

• Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk to about 100°F (37°C) — it should be warm but not hot. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and yeast to the milk, stirring well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, showing that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients with dry: Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it’s sticky, but the dough should remain soft and pliable.
5. First rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Prepare the ingredients: While the dough is rising, get your filling ingredients ready. Thinly slice or dice the ham, grate the cheese, and set aside the tomato sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air.
2. Divide and shape: Divide the dough into 8–10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten each ball into a circle, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Add filling: Spoon a small amount of tomato sauce onto the center of each dough circle. Add a few pieces of ham and a sprinkle of cheese on top.
4. Seal and roll: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching tightly to seal and form a ball or roll. Make sure there are no openings, so the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
5. Arrange on baking tray: Place each roll, seam-side down, on a parchment-lined baking tray. Leave a little space between each roll for expansion.

Step 4: Add the Egg Wash and Topping

1. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk.
2. Brush and sprinkle: Brush the egg wash generously over each roll. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the rolls: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. If the tops brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking until done.
3. Cool slightly: Allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Roll)

• Calories: ~275 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture will be denser. You can also try using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain some fluffiness.

2. What other fillings can I try?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a variety of cheeses like cheddar or gouda.

3. Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, the cheese with vegan cheese, and skip the egg wash or use a non-dairy milk wash instead.

4. Can I freeze the rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking (after shaping and adding the egg wash) or after they’re fully baked. When ready to enjoy, bake frozen rolls at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.