Savory Spinach and Ham Breakfast Rolls (Print View)
Fluffy homemade rolls stuffed with ham, spinach, and melted cheese for a satisfying morning meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
04 - 1 tsp salt
05 - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
06 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 1 large egg
→ Filling
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
10 - 1 cup diced ham
11 - 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
12 - ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
13 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
14 - ¼ tsp garlic powder
→ To Finish
15 - 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
16 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy, indicating yeast activation.
02 - Whisk melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm area for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped spinach until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Press spinach in sieve or with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
05 - Combine sautéed spinach, diced ham, shredded cheese, green onions, black pepper, and garlic powder in bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
07 - Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface to 16x12-inch rectangle.
08 - Spread ham and spinach mixture evenly over dough, leaving ½-inch border around edges.
09 - Starting from long side, roll dough tightly into log. Cut into 12 equal slices using sharp knife or dough cutter.
10 - Arrange rolls cut-side up in prepared baking dish. Cover and let rise for 15–20 minutes until slightly puffed.
11 - Brush rolls generously with melted butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over top if desired.
12 - Bake for 25–30 minutes until rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough becomes impossibly soft and pillowy, almost like eating a savory cloud
- You can assemble everything the night before and wake up to freshly baked bliss
- The combination of Swiss cheese and salty ham creates that perfect breakfast flavor balance
02 -
- Squeezing every drop of moisture from the spinach prevents soggy bottoms
- Rolling the dough too thin causes filling to spill out during baking
- Use unflavored dental floss or fishing line for the cleanest slice through the log
03 -
- Use a kitchen scale to measure flour for consistent results every time
- Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for extra shine