Contents hide

2 What cheese goes best with ham?

3 Is ham healthy to eat?

4 What can you do with Swiss cheese?

5 Tips and tricks for the best roll up

6 Serving suggestions

7 Make-ahead tips

8 Storage and reheating tips

9 Ham and Swiss Ranch Roll Up

This Ham and Swiss Roll Up is made with French bread dough, layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese on top. It is a lot like a Stromboli, but with an easy shortcut that makes it perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, lunches, or a fun appetizer tray. Slice it warm from the oven and you get that golden bread on the outside with gooey, cheesy goodness tucked inside. Simple, filling, and totally comforting.

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If you love ham and cheese sandwiches, this is a baked version that feels a little more special without being fussy. The French bread dough gives it a soft, chewy bite, while the Parmesan on top adds a salty, golden finish. You can serve it as the main dish with a salad, cut it into smaller pieces for finger food, or tuck leftovers into lunchboxes the next day.

A few slices of the ham and swiss roll up up front with the rest of the loaf behind it.

Fun facts about ham and Swiss cheese

Ham and Swiss are such a classic pair because they balance each other so well. Ham brings saltiness and a little sweetness, especially if you use honey ham, while Swiss cheese melts smoothly and adds a mild nutty flavor. Swiss cheese is also known for those familiar holes, which are formed during the cheesemaking process. When it melts into the bread dough, it gives this roll up a cozy deli-style flavor that works for both kids and adults.

Another fun thing about this recipe is how flexible it is. Think of the roll up as a blank canvas. Add mustard for tang, ranch for creaminess, bacon for smoky crunch, or green onions for a little freshness. You can keep it simple with just ham and Swiss, or dress it up depending on what you already have in the fridge.

What cheese goes best with ham?

My personal 2 favs are cheddar and Swiss. However, Muenster and Mozzarella are pretty decent. As you can tell, I chose the Swiss for the Ham and Swiss Roll up.

If you want a stronger flavor, try sharp cheddar. If you want an extra melty roll up, mozzarella is a great choice. If you like a nuttier taste, Swiss or Gruyère are both delicious with ham. For a kid-friendly version, mild cheddar or American cheese will make it extra creamy.

Overhead view of the sliced ham and swiss roll up on a wooden cutting board.

Is ham healthy to eat?

It does have a good amount of protein and some beneficial nutrients. But anything processed, like ham, is not good to eat on a regular basis. Processed foods increase your risk of certain cancers.

For this recipe, I like to think of ham as an occasional comfort-food ingredient instead of an everyday food. You can also make the roll up a little lighter by using a modest layer of ham, choosing lower-sodium deli ham, adding green onions or other vegetables, and serving it with a fresh side dish.

What can you do with Swiss cheese?

Other than this awesome recipe for Ham and Swiss Roll Up, here are a couple other ideas/recipes…

A few slices of the ham and swiss roll up with the rest of the loaf behind them.

Tips and tricks for the best roll up

Leave a border. Keep the filling about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the edges so the dough seals without cheese spilling everywhere.
Do not overfill it. A little restraint keeps the roll tight and helps the center bake evenly.
Place it seam-side down. This helps hold everything together while it bakes.
Cut small slits on top. The vents let steam escape and help prevent the dough from bursting.
Let it rest before slicing. Give it a few minutes after baking so the cheese can settle and the slices hold together better.

Serving suggestions

Serve the Ham and Swiss Roll Up warm, sliced into thick pieces for dinner or thinner pieces for party snacks. It is great with honey mustard, Dijon mustard, ranch, or a small bowl of marinara for dipping. For a full meal, add a simple green salad, coleslaw, tomato soup, roasted vegetables, or fruit on the side. For game day, slice it into appetizer-size pieces and set it out with toothpicks and a couple of sauces.

Make-ahead tips

You can prep most of this roll up ahead of time. Layer and roll it, then cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. If the dough is very cold when it goes into the oven, it may need a few extra minutes. For the best texture, wait to brush or sprinkle the top until right before baking.

Storage and reheating tips

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the oven or toaster oven is the best choice because it helps bring back the crisp outside. Warm slices at 350°F until heated through. The microwave works too, but the bread will be softer. If packing leftovers for lunch, let the roll up cool completely first so condensation does not make the bread soggy.

ITEMS/INGREDIENTS USED IN RECIPE – If you are interested in any of the items I may have used (or are similar to the items I used) in making this recipe, I have listed some of them below. NOTE: These links are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from the sale of certain item. This does not affect your price, it remains the same.

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Rock on!

~Bobbi

A few slices of the ham and swiss roll up in front with the rest of the loaf behind it.

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