20-Minute Ham and Cheese Pizza Dough Roll Ups

Here is my go-to recipe for ham and cheese pizza dough roll ups, with soft pizza dough wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese, then baked until golden brown.

These roll ups are a huge hit in my house, especially with the kids. I like to make a big batch because they disappear so fast, and they’re perfect for lunch boxes or quick snacks. Who doesn’t love pizza in a handheld form?

What Kind of Pizza Dough Should I Use?

Store-bought pizza dough is your best friend for this recipe, and you can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores or even ask your local pizzeria if they sell their dough. If you can find rectangular-shaped dough, that’s perfect for rolling, but round dough works just fine too – you’ll just need to gently stretch it into more of a rectangle shape. Fresh dough from the deli counter tends to be easier to work with than the pre-packaged tubes, but both will get the job done. Make sure to let your dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling if it’s been refrigerated, as this makes it much easier to stretch without tearing.

Options for Substitutions

This simple recipe is great for using up what you have on hand, so here are some easy swaps:

• Pizza dough: If you can’t find rectangular pizza dough, regular round dough works fine – just roll it into a rectangle shape. You can also use puff pastry or even crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
• Ham: Turkey, salami, or prosciutto make great substitutes. If using prosciutto, you’ll need fewer slices since it’s more flavorful. Leftover cooked chicken or bacon work too.
• Mozzarella/Gruyere/Fontina/Provolone: Any good melting cheese will do the trick here. Cheddar, Swiss, or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can work. Stick with about 1/2 cup total, whatever cheese you choose.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese can replace parmesan, or you can use more of your main cheese if that’s all you have. Pre-grated works in a pinch, but freshly grated melts better.
• Olive oil: Melted butter gives these roll-ups a richer flavor, or you can use any neutral cooking oil you have on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when making pizza dough roll ups is not letting the store-bought dough come to room temperature first, which makes it nearly impossible to roll without tearing – take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it.

Another common error is overstuffing the dough with too much filling, which causes the roll ups to burst open during baking, so stick to thin layers of ham and cheese rather than piling it on thick.

Don’t skip brushing the dough with olive oil before adding your fillings, as this creates a barrier that prevents the dough from getting soggy, and make sure to seal the edges well by pinching them together firmly.

Finally, resist the urge to slice them immediately after baking – let them cool for 5-10 minutes so the cheese sets up and you get clean, neat slices instead of a melted mess.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Pizza Dough Roll Ups?

These roll ups are perfect as an appetizer or light meal, and they pair really well with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance out all that cheesy goodness. I love serving them with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping – the tangy tomato sauce especially complements the ham and cheese flavors. If you’re making these for a party or game day, they go great alongside other finger foods like veggie sticks with ranch or a charcuterie board. For a more filling meal, try them with a bowl of minestrone soup or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These ham and cheese roll ups taste best when they’re fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. They’re great for lunch boxes or a quick snack later. Just keep in mind they might lose a bit of their crispy exterior after storing.

Freeze: You can freeze these roll ups for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. I like to freeze them individually first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag so they don’t stick together.

Warm Up: To bring back that crispy goodness, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-8 minutes if they’re from the fridge, or 10-12 minutes if frozen. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The microwave works too, but they won’t be as crispy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	20-27 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 1 prepared rectangular pizza dough (Pillsbury is a good option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (good quality for flavor)
• 8 to 10 thin slices cooked ham (such as deli ham, sliced thin)
• 1/2 cup shredded firm cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking and to make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Roll-Ups

• 1 prepared rectangular pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 to 10 thin slices cooked ham
• 1/2 cup shredded firm cheese (mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, or provolone)

Unroll the prepared rectangular pizza dough onto a work surface.

Brush the surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Arrange the thin slices of cooked ham evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the shredded firm cheese on top.

Try to distribute the cheese and ham so every bite is flavorful.

I like to use Gruyère for a slightly nutty taste, but mozzarella or provolone work great, too.

Step 3: Shape and Top the Rolls

• pizza roll log assembled in Step 2
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Starting from the long edge, roll up the topped dough into a tight log.

Cut the roll into 1/2-inch slices.

Arrange the slices, cut side down, on the prepared cookie sheet from Step 1.

Brush the tops with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake the roll-ups in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until they are golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

For a little extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or cracked black pepper over the hot rolls before serving.