Delicious Baked Ham And Cheese Rolls With Honey Mustard Sauce

Last winter, I hosted a small gathering on a particularly chilly evening, and I needed something warm, cozy, and crowd pleasing fast. I didn’t have time for complicated prep or fussy appetizers, but I wanted something that looked like it took effort.

That’s when I decided to experiment with a half pound of leftover ham, some Swiss cheese, and a forgotten ball of pizza dough tucked in the back of my fridge. But what really sealed the deal was the final flourish a buttery honey mustard glaze speckled with poppy seeds that added a sweet tangy crunch over the top.

Afterwards, I played with the technique, making Delicious Baked Ham And Cheese Rolls With Honey Mustard Saucethinner, thicker, baking longer, and trying different cheeses. But this version the one I’m sharing here is the sweet spot.

Short Description

Fluffy, golden rolls filled with savory ham and melted Swiss or Provolone cheese, finished with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. These baked ham and cheese rolls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or cozy meal.

Key Ingredients

• 8 large slices ham
• 1 pound pizza dough 
• 8 slices Swiss or Provolone cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

Tools Needed

• Rolling pin
• 8 x 8 inch baking dish
• Serrated knife
• Pastry brush
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowl for glaze
• Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If your pizza dough is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before working with it.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle roughly 16 x 8 inches.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

Lay the 8 slices of ham across the dough in a single, even layer. Follow with the cheese slices, also in a single layer.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting with the long edge closest to you, gently roll the dough into a tight log, keeping the filling inside. Use a serrated knife to cut the log into 9 even pieces.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake

Place the rolls, cut side up, into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden on top and the centers are fully cooked. To check doneness, gently pull back a layer in the center if it still looks doughy, add 5 more minutes.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the rolls bake, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the rolls from the oven and brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over the tops. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, until the tops are deeply golden and slightly crisp.

Step 9: Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re excellent warm, but also taste great at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with melty cheese and savory ham in every bite

That buttery honey mustard glaze is pure magic

Works as a snack, lunch, or party food

Quick to make with store bought dough

Customizable with your favorite deli meats or cheeses

Kid friendly and adult approved

No fancy ingredients or tools required

Excellent for make ahead and reheating.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Dough too cold or stiff

Solution: Let refrigerated dough rest for 20 minutes before rolling. Cold dough tears and resists stretching.

Mistake 2: Overstuffing with fillings

Solution: Stick to a single layer of ham and cheese. Too much filling can make the rolls burst or bake unevenly.

Mistake 3: Dough underbaked in the center

Solution: Check for doneness by peeling back a center roll layer. If it looks raw, bake for 5-10 minutes more before glazing.

Mistake 4: Glaze too runny or thin

Solution: Use real butter and measure your honey and mustard precisely. Stir well before brushing to evenly distribute the poppy seeds.

Mistake 5: Cutting with the wrong knife

Solution: Always use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to avoid flattening the rolls.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm as a game day appetizer or cozy snack

Pair with a bowl of tomato basil soup for a full lunch

Add a green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness

Serve family style straight from the baking dish

Offer alongside a brunch spread with fresh fruit and eggs

Cut into smaller bites for a party buffet or potluck

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating (oven): Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.

Reheating (microwave): Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 30–45 seconds.

Avoid sogginess: Reheat uncovered to restore texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes, crescent dough works well and bakes faster. Just reduce initial baking time to 25–30 minutes and check early.

2. What type of ham works best?
Thinly sliced deli ham works best. Avoid thick or very wet ham, which can make the rolls soggy.

3. Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (unbaked) overnight. Bake the next day as directed.

4. Is it okay to skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze adds incredible flavor and a beautiful finish. If needed, reduce honey for a less sweet version.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten free pizza dough and double check that your mustard and ham are gluten free as well.

Tips & Tricks

Lightly flour your hands and rolling pin to prevent sticking

Use parchment under the dough to help with rolling

Add a pinch of garlic powder to the glaze for extra flavor

Use freshly grated cheese for a better melt

Don’t skip the second bake it caramelizes the glaze perfectly

Recipe Variations

Variation 1: Turkey & Cheddar Rolls

Swap ham for 8 slices deli turkey

Use sharp cheddar cheese instead of Swiss

Glaze stays the same

Variation 2: Veggie Delight Rolls

Replace ham with thin zucchini strips and sautéed mushrooms

Use mozzarella or provolone cheese

Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the glaze

Variation 3: Spicy Jalapeño Ham Rolls

Add sliced pickled jalapeños with the ham and cheese

Use Pepper Jack cheese

Stir a dash of hot sauce into the honey mustard glaze

Variation 4: Breakfast Rolls

Add scrambled eggs and swap ham for crumbled cooked bacon

Glaze with maple syrup mixed with butter and a pinch of salt

Final Thoughts

These ham and cheese rolls bring together the comfort of soft, warm bread with the salty richness of deli ham and gooey cheese all balanced by that unforgettable honey mustard glaze. They feel a little indulgent without being over the top. And for something this simple, the payoff is big.

You can dress them up or down depending on your occasion, serve them fresh out of the oven or enjoy them cold on the go. They’re adaptable, fuss free, and ridiculously satisfying.