Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls

Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls Recipe | Delicious Homemade Snack

Region / culture: Estonia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 8-12

Introduction

Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls are a delicious and savory snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. These rolls are made with a yeast dough that is filled with ham, Parmesan cheese, and butter, creating a flavorful and satisfying treat.

History

The recipe for Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls has been passed down through generations in Estonia. This dish is a popular choice for gatherings and parties, as it is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

0.5 recipe of yeast dough (refer to the snacks category)
24 slices of ham, each measuring 3 inches square
0.25 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
4 tbsp of melted unsalted butter
2 large egg yolks, beaten with 1 tsp of milk

How to prepare

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a rectangle measuring 18 x 12 inches.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut twenty-four 3-inch squares from the dough.
3. Place one slice of ham on each square of dough. Add about 0.5 tsp of Parmesan cheese in the center of each ham square and drizzle with about 0.5 tsp of melted butter.
4. Starting at one corner, roll each square into a neat roll.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two large baking sheets with butter.
6. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheets, leaving enough space between them, and brush them with the egg mixture.
7. Allow the rolls to set for about 20 minutes.
8. Bake until the rolls turn golden brown, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Serving:
Serve hot with sauce. This recipe serves 8 to 12 people.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of herbs or spices to the filling for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough evenly to ensure that each roll is the same size.

- Be generous with the filling to ensure that each roll is packed with flavor.

- Brushing the rolls with an egg mixture before baking will give them a golden brown color and a shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls hot with a side of sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough evenly

- Filling and rolling the dough neatly

- Baking until golden brown

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey or chicken slices instead of ham for a lighter option.

- Substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gouda.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and butter) and gluten (yeast dough), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls are a balanced snack option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls are a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling and a golden brown crust, these rolls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a cold winter day in Estonia, and my dear friend Helga invited me over for a cup of tea. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. Helga had a big smile on her face as she pulled a tray of golden brown rolls out of the oven.

"These are Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls," she said proudly. "A traditional recipe passed down from my grandmother. Would you like to try one?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a bite of the warm, flaky roll. The combination of salty ham and gooey cheese melted in my mouth, and I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious treats myself.

Helga graciously shared her family recipe with me, explaining each step in detail. She told me how her grandmother used to make these rolls for special occasions, like Christmas and Easter, and how they were always a hit with her family and friends.

I took notes as Helga spoke, making sure to write down every ingredient and measurement. I was determined to master this recipe and carry on the tradition in my own home.

The following weekend, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The dough came together beautifully, rising and expanding like a fluffy cloud. I rolled it out and layered on the ham and cheese, just like Helga had shown me.

As the rolls baked in the oven, the familiar aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of that day at Helga's house. When they were done, I eagerly pulled them out and took a bite. They were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew I had successfully recreated Helga's family recipe.

I continued to make Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who showed interest. Each time I made them, I thought of Helga and her warm kitchen, and I felt grateful to have learned such a special recipe from a dear friend.

Years passed, and I continued to make these rolls, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of herbs or a dash of garlic for extra flavor. Each batch was a labor of love, made with care and attention to detail.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit and asked me to teach her how to make Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls. I was overjoyed to pass on the recipe to her, just as Helga had done for me all those years ago.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I watched with pride as my granddaughter rolled out the dough and layered on the ham and cheese. She had a natural talent for cooking, and I knew she would carry on the tradition with grace and skill.

When the rolls were finally done baking, we sat down together to enjoy them, just like Helga and I had done so many years ago. My heart was full as I watched my granddaughter savor each bite, knowing that she would one day pass this recipe on to her own children.

And so, the tradition continued, linking generations together through the shared love of food and family. I knew that as long as we kept making Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls, our memories and stories would live on, preserved in each delicious bite.