Ingredients:
– 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 slices of smoked ham (thinly sliced)
– 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for an easy cleanup.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Arrange the ham slices over the dough, making sure to leave a small border along the edges.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ham.
5. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one of the long edges, as you would a jelly roll.
6. Slice the log into 1-inch sections and place the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Allow the roll-ups to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese will be quite hot.
Variations & Tips:
– For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the cheese before rolling up the dough.
– If you prefer, swap out cheddar cheese for Gruyere, Swiss, or a smoked provolone to explore different flavors.
– For a vegetarian twist, replace ham with a layer of sautéed spinach and mushrooms, but make sure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the dough.
– To make these roll-ups a bit more indulgent, brush the tops with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder before baking.
– Always let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling it out, to make it easier to handle.
– Remember, these are easily customizable, so feel free to add in your favorite ingredients! The key is to not overfill them, so they maintain their shape while baking. Enjoy!