Ham and Cheese Stuffed Bread Roll – Perfect for Lunchboxes
Last weekend, inspired by Anna Olson, I baked this delicious ham and cheese stuffed bread roll alongside a hearty goulash. This loaf is essentially a ready-made sandwich—ideal for packing into lunchboxes for work or school. Instead of ham, you can also use thinly sliced leftover roast meat.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🍞 Rise Time: 1-1.5 hours
🔥 Bake Time: 30-35 min
🍽️ Yields: 1 loaf
🥄 Ingredients
Dough:
- 220 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 packet dry yeast (3.5 g)
- 1 tsp honey
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Olive oil for greasing the pan
Filling:
- 6 thin slices ham
- 150 g shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or gouda)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: oregano, rosemary for seasoning
👩🍳 Instructions
- 🍞 Prepare the Dough:
Place all dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order listed and select the kneading and rising program.
If you don’t have a bread machine: dissolve yeast and honey in warm water. Add remaining ingredients and knead by hand until the dough is elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover and let rise in a warm place for at least 1 hour. - 🥓 Prepare the Filling:
Lightly fry the ham slices in a dry pan until just starting to crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. - 🔄 Shape the Roll:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular sheet. Evenly arrange the ham slices on top, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham. Season with black pepper and optional herbs like oregano or rosemary.
Fold the long edges of the dough inward, then roll tightly from one short end to form a loaf. - 🍽️ Final Proof:
Grease a 12×30 cm loaf pan with olive oil. Place the rolled dough inside. Cover the pan with a plastic bag and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place. - 🔥 Bake:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top. - ❄️ Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool covered with a towel before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips
- Use your favorite cheese for varied flavor and meltiness.
- The loaf freezes well — slice and freeze portions for quick snacks.
- Add herbs or spices in the filling to customize the taste.
🎉 Perfect For
- Lunchboxes for work or school
- Picnics and casual gatherings
- Quick meals with minimal prep
📝 Final Thoughts
This ham and cheese stuffed bread roll is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a homemade sandwich anytime. The soft, fluffy bread combined with savory ham and melted cheese makes for a satisfying and portable meal perfect for busy days.