Fried Ham and Cheese Roll is a simple, budget-friendly snack or appetizer with a crisp, crunchy exterior and a warm, gooey center. This easy-to-make recipe uses everyday ingredients and is a great way to turn leftover bread and ham into a crowd-pleasing treat. Its golden, panko-crusted shell and savory filling make it especially popular with kids and ideal for parties, school lunches, or casual family meals.
This recipe is perfect when you have a loaf of bread that needs to be used soon or when you want to finish leftover ham from a holiday meal. The method is versatile: swap in different cheeses, try flavored mayonnaise, or add a strip of roasted bell pepper for sweetness and color. Pimento (or diced roasted red pepper) is optional but adds a bright contrast to the rich flavors of ham and cheese.
Tips for Making Deep Fried Ham and Cheese Rolls
- To keep the rolls from soaking up too much oil, flatten the bread thoroughly until it becomes soft and pliable. Pressing the bread thin creates a barrier that reduces oil absorption and helps the roll crisp evenly.
- Maintain a low to medium frying temperature. Too hot and the crumbs will brown before the filling heats through; too low and the rolls will absorb excess oil. Aim for a steady sizzle that yields a golden brown finish in about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Work with one roll at a time when coating in egg and panko to ensure an even, complete covering. Use a sealed bag for the crumbs to make coating quick and tidy.
- Serve the rolls within 10 minutes of frying for the best texture and flavor. They’re at their peak when the crust is crunchy and the cheese is melted.
- Customize the filling to your taste: add herbs, a thin smear of Dijon mustard, or swap panko for seasoned breadcrumbs for a different texture and flavor profile.
Try this Fried Ham and Cheese Roll recipe and enjoy a quick, satisfying snack that everyone will love. Share your results and variations—simple changes make this recipe adaptable for different occasions and preferences.
Fried Ham and Cheese Roll
10 minutes
7 minutes
17 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread
- 4 ounces ham, sliced into thick strips
- 3 ounces cheese, sliced into thick strips
- 1/4 cup pimento or roasted red pepper, optional
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups cooking oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Remove and discard the dark crusts from each slice of bread.
- Heat the cooking oil in a medium pot or deep pan to a steady low-to-medium temperature suitable for frying.
- Place one bread slice at a time inside a zipper-style plastic bag and flatten it with a rolling pin until it is thin and pliable.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the flattened bread to add moisture and flavor and to help the filling adhere.
- Lay a strip of ham, a strip of cheese, and a strip of pimento (if using) along one edge of the bread. Roll the bread tightly to encase the filling and secure the seam with a toothpick if needed.
- Dip each roll into the beaten eggs, then place the egg-coated roll into a container or bag with the Panko crumbs. Shake or press gently so the crumbs adhere evenly to the roll.
- Fry the rolls in batches in the preheated oil, maintaining low to medium heat so they cook through without burning the crumbs. Fry until all sides are golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the rolls and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them rest briefly to set the crust and finish melting the cheese inside.
- Serve the fried ham and cheese rolls whole as a snack or slice into bite-sized pieces to serve as an appetizer. Enjoy while hot for the best texture.