Estonian Ham and Cheese Rolls

These baked rolls combine the texture of fresh, yeasty bread dough with the savory taste of thick-cut ham for a delicious, filling treat. They are best eaten warm and crisp from the oven and can be topped by a wide variety of salty, creamy, or spicy sauces for additional flavors. For the best taste and texture, use high-quality cuts of meat.

Recipe Servings: 8–12

Prep Time
20 minutes
+ 2 hours resting
add
Cook Time
40 minutes
equal
Total Time
3 hours
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

    Dough:
    • ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
    • 2½ Tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
    • ½ package active dry yeast
    • ⅛ cup (30 ml) lukewarm water
    • ¾ Tbsp (9 g) sugar
    • 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, well beaten
    • ⅓ tsp (1.5 g) salt
    • 2 cups (240 g) flour
    Rolls:
    • 24 slices of ham, each 3 in (7.6 cm) square
    • ¼ cup (22 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
    • 4 Tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
    • 2 large egg yolks
    • 1 tsp (5 ml) milk

    Directions

    1. Dough:
      In a saucepan set over medium high heat, combine milk and butter and bring to a boil, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
    2. In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and water and stir until the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add the milk mixture, beaten eggs, and salt to the bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon.
    4. Stir in the flour, one cup (120 g) at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
    5. Transfer the dough to a flour-covered surface and knead it until it has become smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
    6. Place the dough in a buttered bowl and dot it with additional butter then cover the dough with a cotton cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours until it has about doubled in size.
    7. Punch down dough and knead a second time.
    8. Rolls:
      On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough.
    9. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 24 3–inch (7.6 cm) squares.
    10. Assemble the rolls by placing one slice of ham on each dough square, followed by about ½ teaspoon (2.5g) grated Parmesan cheese.
    11. Drizzle each square with butter before rolling into a narrow cylindrical shape.
    12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease two large baking sheets.
    13. Arrange the rolls on baking sheets, spaced well apart.
    14. In a small bowl beat together the egg and milk then brush this on the rolls.
    15. Let rolls set for about 20 minutes.
    16. Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.

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