Ham and cheese rolls
Delicious ham and cheese rolls: the perfect snack for any occasion
When it comes to quick and delicious snacks, ham and cheese rolls are always a wise choice. These fluffy and flavorful rolls can be served warm or cold, making them ideal for a school or office lunch pack. Let's embark together on preparing this simple yet exceptionally tasty recipe!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 150 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 50 g butter (melted but not hot)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g pressed ham (sliced)
- 200 g cheese (cubed or sliced)
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
- Chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Cumin (optional, for added flavor)
A short story about rolls:
Ham and cheese rolls have a rich history, being a popular appetizer in many culinary cultures. They are often associated with social gatherings, parties, or even family meals. Their versatility allows for various fillings, from meat to vegetables, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by gently warming the milk until it is warm but not hot. Add the sugar and crumbled fresh yeast, stirring gently. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes until the yeast starts to foam. This step is essential to activate the yeast and ensure good dough rise.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with salt and melted butter. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly before adding it to avoid killing the yeast. Add half of the milk-yeast mixture and the egg yolk. Mix well, then add the remaining milk and start kneading the dough.
3. Kneading: Continue kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. This kneading process is crucial for developing gluten, which will make the rolls fluffy.
4. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until it doubles in size. You can place it in a warm spot in the kitchen or leave it in the turned-off oven with the door open.
5. Shaping the rolls: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle. Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Place a slice of ham and a few cheese cubes on each piece.
6. Rolling and placing: Roll each piece with the filling and place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them as they will expand during baking.
7. Second rise: Let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes, covering them with a towel. This step will give them an even fluffier texture.
8. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly beat the egg white with a fork and brush each roll with it. If desired, sprinkle chili flakes and cumin for extra flavor.
9. Baking: Bake the rolls for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving suggestions:
Ham and cheese rolls are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a yogurt dip or a fresh salad for a healthy lunch. You can also place them in a basket with other snacks, such as fresh vegetables or cheeses, for a varied meal.
Tips and variations:
- You can experiment with different types of ham or cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.
- Add fresh herbs to the dough or filling for extra flavor.
- If you want a richer dough, replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Nutritional benefits:
These rolls are a good source of protein from the ham and cheese, but they also contain carbohydrates from the flour, providing energy. The egg yolk adds healthy fats and vitamins.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about a quarter of the amount of fresh yeast (about 7 g) and mix it with the flour.
2. How can I store the rolls?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven to bring them back to life.
3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, baked rolls can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them directly.
These ham and cheese rolls are not only easy to prepare but also versatile and delicious. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a quick snack, they are sure to be appreciated by everyone who tastes them. Enjoy!
Ingredients: - 500 g flour - 25 g fresh yeast - 150 ml milk - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 yolk - 50 g butter - 1 teaspoon salt - 200 g pressed ham - 200 g cheese* 1 egg white* chili flakes* cumin
