Quick and Easy Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Quick and Easy Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Ingredients

For the Roll-Ups:

• • 3 eggs

• • A pinch of salt
  • A pinch of ground black pepper (optional)
  • 4 slices of ham (or mortadella, sausage, or your preferred meat)

• • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese that melts well)
  • 6 slices of sandwich bread (flattened)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

Additional Ingredients (Optional):

• • Powdered paprika (for added spice)
  • Toothpicks (to secure the rolls while cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. 1. Beat the eggs:
      Crack 3 eggs into a medium-sized bowl. Add a pinch of salt and, if desired, a pinch of ground black pepper for seasoning. Beat the eggs well until they are fully mixed and slightly frothy.
   2. Set aside the mixture:
      Once the eggs are well mixed, set the bowl aside. This egg mixture will be used to dip the bread rolls before frying, helping them to become golden and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham and Cheese Filling

1. 1. Chop the ham:
      Take 4 slices of ham and chop them into small squares. You can also use alternatives like mortadella, sausage, or any deli meat you prefer. For a vegetarian option, you could even substitute with cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
   2. Mix the ham and cheese:
      In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference. Mix well so the cheese and ham are evenly distributed.
   3. Season the mixture:
      If you want to add a bit of spice, sprinkle in a small amount of powdered paprika. This is optional, especially if you’re serving these to children.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Flatten the bread:
   Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each slice of bread. This will make it easier to roll them up later. You want the bread to be as flat as possible without breaking.
2. Lightly brush the bread with the egg mixture:
   To help keep the filling inside the bread during cooking, lightly brush the edges of each flattened bread slice with a bit of the beaten egg mixture. This will act as a seal when you roll them up.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Bread

1. 1. Add the filling:
      Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture in the center of each flattened bread slice. Spread it evenly across the surface, making sure not to overfill, as this can make the rolls difficult to seal.

1. Roll the bread:
   Carefully roll each slice of bread into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. To keep the rolls sealed, you can use a toothpick to hold them together while frying. Alternatively, pressing the edges firmly will also help them stay closed.

Step 5: Cook the Roll-Ups

1. 1. Heat the oil and butter:
      In a large skillet or frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat over medium-low heat until the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering.
   2. Dip the roll-ups in egg:
      One at a time, dip each bread roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. This will create a crispy golden exterior when fried.

1. Fry the roll-ups:
   Place the roll-ups in the skillet, seam-side down first to ensure they stay sealed. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs or a spatula. Cook until all sides are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 6-8 minutes in total.
2. Cook until golden brown:
   Keep turning the rolls until they are evenly golden on all sides. Ensure that the heat is low to medium, so the roll-ups cook through without burning on the outside.

Step 6: Serve the Roll-Ups

1. 1. Remove from the pan:
      Once the roll-ups are golden and crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

1. Serve warm:
   Serve the ham and cheese roll-ups while they’re still warm and gooey. These can be eaten as-is or paired with dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or even salsa. If you’re serving them at a party, consider cutting them in half for easy finger food.

Cooking Tips

• • Bread choice: Use soft sandwich bread for this recipe. Avoid using bread that is too thick or crusty, as it will be difficult to roll and fry.

• • Filling variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You could use a combination of cheese and vegetables, or even add herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor. For a sweet version, you could substitute the ham and cheese with Nutella or jam.
  • Prevent burning: Cook the roll-ups over medium-low heat to prevent the bread from burning while allowing the cheese inside to melt fully.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for best results.

Storage

• • In the refrigerator: Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
  • In the freezer: These roll-ups can also be frozen before frying. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator and fry as usual.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 2 roll-ups per person)

• • Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
  • Protein: 15g

• • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g

• • Sugars: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Calcium: 15% of the daily recommended intake

• Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake