Introduction
When I’m in the mood for something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, these Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls with Honey Mustard Glaze never disappoint. Imagine pillowy soft rolls stuffed with savory slices of ham and gooey melted cheese, all sealed together with a buttery honey mustard glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive on the table but takes minimal effort—my kind of magic in the kitchen.
What really seals the deal for me is the aroma. That buttery, tangy-sweet glaze starts to caramelize in the oven, creating the kind of mouthwatering scent that draws everyone to the kitchen. These rolls are an all-occasion favorite in my house. I first made them for a weekend brunch, but now they’re on constant rotation for everything from game-day snacking to quick weeknight dinners. They come together in minutes, can be prepped ahead, and always earn rave reviews.
And the beauty? These rolls are easy to customize—switch up the cheese, layer in extras like scrambled eggs or sautéed mushrooms, and make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, you’re going to love how fast these bake up and how fast they disappear.
Let’s get these in the oven and fill your kitchen with the smell of buttery, golden-baked goodness. You’ll never look at a ham sandwich the same way again.
Perfect For:
- Brunches, holiday mornings, and weekend breakfasts
- Game day appetizers or tailgate food
- Quick dinners with minimal cleanup
- Potluck parties and picnics
- Meal prep and make-ahead lunches
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet & Savory Flavor Combo: The honey mustard glaze ties everything together beautifully.
- Perfectly Melty & Gooey Inside: Every bite has the ultimate cheese pull.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: Just layer, brush, and bake.
- Ideal for Sharing: A tray of these never lasts long.
- Great for Any Occasion: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Preparation & Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories: ~290 per roll
Ingredients:
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls or dinner rolls
- 12 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese, halved
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (optional)
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights:
- Hawaiian Rolls: Their sweetness plays perfectly with the glaze.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham works best for even layering.
- Swiss or Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly and adds bold flavor.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Sweet, tangy, and buttery—it’s the showstopper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally without separating them individually.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a light layer of mayonnaise (optional) on the bottom half. Layer ham and cheese evenly. Replace the top half of rolls.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Brush and Bake: Place the assembled rolls in a baking dish. Brush the glaze generously over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into individual rolls. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with tomato soup or creamy potato soup.
- Add a green salad or fruit salad for a fresh touch.
- Serve alongside crispy potato wedges or chips.
- Make it a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs.
- Drizzle with extra honey mustard for dipping.
Additional Tips:
- For crispier bottoms, place rolls directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Use shredded cheese for a more gooey texture.
- Let rolls sit 5 minutes after baking before slicing.
- You can prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate.
- Double the glaze if you love extra flavor!
Recipe Variations:
- Turkey & Gouda Rolls
- Looking to change up the flavor profile? Swap out the ham for thinly sliced turkey breast and layer in some smoked Gouda. The turkey brings a lighter, leaner feel, while the Gouda adds a rich, nutty flavor with just the right melt. These are perfect for lunch boxes or holiday brunch spreads.
- Spicy Ham Rolls
- Turn up the heat with a bold twist! Use pepper jack cheese for extra zip, and stir a bit of sriracha or hot honey into your butter glaze before baking. It adds a fiery-sweet kick that balances beautifully with the savory ham and melty cheese. Ideal for spice lovers and game day snacks.
- Vegetarian Version
- Skip the meat entirely and fill your rolls with a delicious combo of sautéed mushrooms, garlicky spinach, and your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Swiss. Add a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or oregano for depth. These rolls are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for vegetarians or Meatless Monday.
- Pesto Ham Rolls
- Add a fresh, herby burst of flavor by spreading a thin layer of basil pesto under the ham before rolling. It brings brightness and a touch of garlic that pairs beautifully with the salty ham and gooey cheese. Serve with a side of marinara or even a balsamic glaze for dipping.
- Breakfast Style
- Turn your rolls into a morning favorite by layering in soft scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and a slice of cheddar or American cheese. Bake as usual and serve warm — they’re great for brunch, breakfast meal prep, or an on-the-go start to the day.
Storage & Freezing:
Refrigerator
After baking, let the rolls cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with foil or plastic wrap to lock in moisture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat them using dry heat (like the oven or air fryer) to restore that perfect texture.
Freezer
These rolls freeze beautifully and make an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks, brunches, or parties. Once cooled, wrap each roll individually in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label with the date so you can track freshness.
Reheat
Whether you’re pulling from the fridge or freezer, here are your best reheating methods for warm, cheesy perfection:
- From the Refrigerator:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover rolls loosely with foil, and bake for 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for 30–45 seconds. Place a damp paper towel on top to prevent the bread from drying out.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F for 4–5 minutes to crisp up the tops and re-melt the cheese.
- From the Freezer:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating the next day.
- Reheat using the oven, microwave, or air fryer instructions above, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure the center is hot.
Pro Tip: If reheating several rolls at once in the oven, arrange them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and brush a little melted butter on top for extra softness and shine.
Equipment Needed:
- Serrated knife
- Baking dish (9×13 works well)
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Foil or parchment paper
FAQs (People Also Ask):
What cheese works best for baked ham rolls?
Swiss is classic for its nutty flavor, but cheddar, provolone, or Havarti work beautifully too.
Can I make these ham and cheese rolls the night before?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep baked ham and cheese rolls from getting soggy?
Use a parchment-lined baking sheet or toast the bottom halves slightly before assembly.
Can I substitute other meats in these baked rolls?
Absolutely—turkey, roast beef, or even crispy bacon all work well.
Are ham and cheese rolls freezer friendly?
Yes. Cool them completely, wrap in foil, and freeze. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
External Links:
- USDA – Safe Handling of Ham Products
- Mayo Clinic – Cheese and Sodium Content Guide
- Pros and Cons of Processed Meats
Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls with Honey Mustard Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 package 12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls or dinner rolls
- 12 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese halved
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise optional
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally without separating them individually.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a light layer of mayonnaise (optional) on the bottom half. Layer ham and cheese evenly. Replace the top half of rolls.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Brush and Bake: Place the assembled rolls in a baking dish. Brush the glaze generously over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into individual rolls. Serve warm.
Notes
Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls with Honey Mustard Glaze – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse soft dinner rolls, crescent dough, or pizza dough—just make sure it’s pliable enough to roll without tearing.
Layer thinly sliced ham and shredded or sliced Swiss (or cheddar) for even coverage and easy rolling.
Tightly roll up the dough to lock in the filling, then slice with a serrated knife for clean edges.
Brush generously with the honey mustard glaze before baking to infuse the rolls with sweet, tangy flavor.
Bake until golden and bubbly—if the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Serving Suggestions
Serve warm straight from the oven as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or easy dinner.
Pair with extra honey mustard or a creamy Dijon dip on the side.
Add a simple green salad or roasted veggies to make it a full meal.
Great addition to brunch spreads or holiday potlucks.
Slice smaller for finger food or larger for sandwich-style servings. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Assemble rolls and store in the fridge (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add glaze just before baking.
Refrigerator: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Brush with extra glaze for fresh-from-the-oven flavor. Tasty Variations to Try
Turkey & Swiss: Swap ham for turkey and use Dijon mustard in the glaze for a deli-style twist.
Breakfast Roll-Ups: Add scrambled eggs and bacon bits for a savory morning option.
Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños inside the rolls.
Veggie-Friendly: Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a meatless version.
Sweet & Savory: Add a thin layer of apricot or fig jam under the ham for a hint of fruitiness.
Conclusion
These Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls with Honey Mustard Glaze are the definition of comforting, fuss-free food that delivers on flavor every time. Whether you’re pulling them from the oven on a lazy Sunday morning or serving them at your next party, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
What I love most about Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls with Honey Mustard Glaze is how versatile and reliable they are. You can dress them up with gourmet cheeses and herbs or keep it simple and classic—either way, you’ve got a hit. The sweetness of the honey, the tang of the mustard, and the salty richness of ham all tucked into soft golden rolls? That’s pure comfort food, my friend.
So go ahead—grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the simple pleasure of pulling these warm, cheesy rolls straight from the pan. And when you do, include me in your post. I want to see your glazed roll masterpiece!