Savory Ham & Cheese Pretzel Rolls: Soft, Golden, Irresistible

These soft, buttery ham and cheese pretzel rolls are simple to make and perfect for meals on the go or enjoyed warm from the oven.

If you want a sandwich that’s a little different from the usual, these ham and cheese pretzel rolls are a delicious choice.

Soft, buttery, and easy to assemble, these pretzel rolls work wonderfully for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or warm snack-time treats. They’re flexible too — swap the ham or cheddar for other meats and cheeses to suit your taste.

The family loved these rolls. They’re especially convenient for evenings when you’re out and about and need something portable, and any leftovers make a great lunch the next day.

What makes pretzel rolls different?

Pretzel rolls get their characteristic dark color and rich flavor from an extra step before baking: a quick dip in an alkaline solution. Traditional pretzels use lye for that deep flavor and sheen, but at home we usually use a baking soda solution to get a similar effect.

For filled rolls like these, fully boiling the dough (as you would with soft pretzels) would cause the filling to leak. Instead, we briefly dunk the finished rolls in a baking soda wash to achieve that familiar pretzel flavor without losing the ham and cheese.

Can ham and cheese pretzel rolls be frozen?

Yes — these rolls freeze very well. I like to bake a big batch and freeze extras so lunches and quick meals are ready whenever needed.

Cool the baked rolls completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Reheat from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator before warming; they reheat nicely and are still tasty cold.

More sandwich ideas

• Ham, Egg and Cheese Pretzel Rolls
• Pretzel Dogs
• Instant Pot Greek Pork Wraps
• Pesto Chicken Pizza Rolls
• Hawaiian Sliders

Yield: 12 rolls

Ham and Cheese Pretzel Rolls

Soft, buttery ham and cheese pretzel rolls — easy to make and ideal for warm sandwiches or grab-and-go meals.

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
12 minutes

Rise Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 42 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cups very warm water

For the rolls:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slices ham (thin-sliced deli style)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• coarse or kosher salt for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, or in a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, 1 tablespoon melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 cups very warm water.
2. Knead the dough for 5–6 minutes by machine or 10–12 minutes by hand, until soft and smooth. If it’s too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add warm water a tablespoon at a time.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise for 30–60 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
5. On a lightly oiled surface, roll the dough into an 18×16-inch rectangle.
6. Cut the dough into twelve 6×4-inch rectangles.
7. Place a folded slice of ham in the center of each rectangle, leaving about 1 inch of space along the long sides. Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar over each ham piece.
8. Cut 1-inch diagonal strips along both long edges and fold them alternately over the filling to form a braided roll. Pinch the ends to seal. Repeat for all pieces.
9. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk the 1/2 cup warm water with 2 tablespoons baking soda until dissolved. Re-whisk between dips as the soda settles quickly.
10. Dip each braided roll in the baking soda solution to coat, then place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse or kosher salt.
11. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
12. Brush the hot rolls with the remaining melted butter as soon as they come from the oven.
13. Serve warm. Rolls are best fresh but reheat well and can be enjoyed cold. Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container or zip-top bag for future meals.

Notes

Recipe adapted from a soft pretzel bites method to suit filled rolls.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 roll

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 373
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 1590mg
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 24g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients used and may vary.

I’ve also shared this Ham and Cheese Pretzel Roll recipe on Food Fanatic.