Brazilian Ham and Cheese Rolls

Learn how to make soft homemade Brazilian ham and cheese rolls, a bakery-style baked snack made with fluffy bread dough and a simple savory filling. This version is perfect for an easy snack, party tray, lunchbox, make-ahead freezer batch or even small-batch selling.

The result is soft bread wrapped around a simple, flavorful filling, the kind of warm savory roll that disappears fast from the table.

If you enjoy baked savory snacks, try our homemade potato bread and easy ham and cheese sandwich roll-ups too. Both are great for snack time.

What are Brazilian ham and cheese rolls?

These ham and cheese rolls are baked savory snacks made with soft bread dough and an easy filling. They are popular in Brazilian-style bakeries, parties and quick snacks because they are practical, flavorful and tender inside.

Why you will love this recipe

• Soft, light dough that is easy to handle.
• Classic ham and cheese filling everyone loves.
• Great for parties, snacks or freezing.
• Budget-friendly recipe made with simple ingredients.
• Easy to customize with different fillings.

Ingredients for ham and cheese rolls

The ingredients create a classic bread dough base that is soft, light and easy to work with. The mix of liquid and fat helps create a moist, elastic texture, while yeast gives the dough its rise and airy structure. The ham and cheese filling adds a balanced savory flavor and creamy bite.

• Eggs: help give the dough structure and keep it soft after baking.
• Sugar: helps activate the yeast, balances the flavor and encourages light browning.
• Salt: enhances flavor and helps control fermentation for a balanced dough.
• Yeast: makes the dough rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
• Oil: adds softness and helps keep the baked dough from drying out. You can use melted butter instead.
• Milk: hydrates the dough and improves texture for a softer, richer result.
• All-purpose flour: forms the structure of the dough and develops the gluten needed for elasticity.
• Deli ham: adds savory flavor and makes the filling quick and easy. You can swap it for shredded chicken or turkey.
• Cheese: melts in the oven and adds creaminess. Use mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack or your favorite melting cheese.
• Oregano: adds aroma and an herby finish. You can replace it with Italian seasoning.

See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact amounts

How to prepare the dough for ham and cheese rolls

Choose a good-quality all-purpose flour and whisk or sift it before using to prevent lumps. Use warm milk too, since it helps the yeast activate and supports an even rise.

How to make ham and cheese rolls

Before you start these ham and cheese rolls, check the recipe card for exact amounts and technical details.

1. Prepare the liquid base: mix the eggs, sugar, salt, yeast, oil and warm milk until smooth.

2. Add the flour: add the flour gradually, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

3. Knead the dough: knead well for about 10 minutes to build elasticity and structure.

4. Let it rise: cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size.

5. Roll and fill: divide the dough, roll it out with a rolling pin and spread the ham, cheese and oregano evenly.

6. Shape and cut: roll up the dough, shape the logs and place them on a prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake until golden: brush with egg yolk and bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until evenly golden.

8. Finish and serve: remove from the oven and transfer to a plate before serving warm.

Tip: serve the rolls warm so the cheese stays creamy and the flavor is even better.

Ham and cheese roll variations

These ham and cheese rolls are very versatile and can be adapted without losing the dough's soft texture. Small changes in the filling can completely change the flavor, making the recipe work for different occasions. You can create richer, lighter or even sweet versions depending on your taste and what you have on hand.

• With chicken and cream cheese: replace the ham with shredded chicken and add cream cheese for a moist, mild filling.
• With smoked sausage and cheese: use thinly sliced smoked sausage instead of ham for a bolder, slightly smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian version: fill with cheese, tomato and fresh herbs for a lighter, aromatic and balanced roll.
• Sweet version: use guava paste and cheese instead of the savory filling for a sweet, creamy contrast.

Tools for making ham and cheese rolls

To make ham and cheese rolls efficiently, a few basic tools help organize each step. Using the right equipment makes the dough easier to handle and helps the rolls bake more evenly, giving you a more consistent texture and shape.

• Large mixing bowl: used to mix the ingredients and give the dough enough room to come together.
• Spoon or spatula: helps combine the wet and dry ingredients evenly at the start.
• Rolling pin: essential for rolling the dough evenly to the right thickness for filling.
• Knife or pastry cutter: used to divide the dough and cut the rolls to the size you want.
• Baking sheet: holds the rolls before baking and helps them cook evenly.
• Parchment paper or nonstick baking mat: keeps the dough from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Pastry brush: used to apply the egg yolk for a golden, glossy finish.
• Oven: bakes the rolls, allowing the dough to rise and cook evenly.

How to store ham and cheese rolls

Store the ham and cheese rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days and reheat to bring back the texture. Another option is to freeze them for up to 3 months and warm them directly in the oven before serving.

Tips for perfect ham and cheese rolls

A few small details make a big difference when preparing ham and cheese rolls. Simple techniques help keep the dough light, well structured and soft, so you avoid common mistakes and get a more even, golden and flavorful result.

• Use warm milk: gently warm the milk before mixing so the yeast activates well and the dough rises efficiently.
• Add flour gradually: mix it in little by little to avoid a heavy dough that is hard to work with.
• Respect the rising time: let the dough rise until doubled for a lighter, airier texture.
• Preheat the oven properly: turn the oven on before baking so the rolls rise and bake evenly.
• Brush with egg yolk gently: apply a light layer before baking for a golden color and a more attractive finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

More recipes

Recipe

Brazilian Bakery-Style Ham and Cheese Rolls

Mara Rodrigues

Learn how to make soft Brazilian bakery-style ham and cheese rolls with fluffy homemade dough. An easy, budget-friendly and delicious snack recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Baking Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Snack

Cuisine Brazilian, Portuguese-Inspired

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pastry cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or nonstick baking mat
• Pastry brush
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon instant dry yeast for bread dough
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk warm
• 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more if needed for kneading
• Deli ham to taste
• Mozzarella cheese to taste
• Dried oregano to taste
• 1 egg yolk for brushing

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, salt, yeast, oil and warm milk until smooth. This mixture forms the base of the dough and helps the ingredients come together more easily.
• Add the flour gradually, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Adding it little by little helps you control the texture without making the dough heavy.
• Knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This builds structure and helps create a fluffier roll.
• Cover and let rise until doubled in size. This fermentation makes the dough lighter and airier.
• Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and fill it with ham, cheese and oregano. Spreading the filling evenly gives each roll a good balance of flavor and texture.
• Roll up the dough, cut into portions and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Shaping them well helps them hold their form as they bake.
• Brush the tops with egg yolk and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden. The egg yolk gives the rolls a glossy finish and the hot oven helps them bake evenly.
• Remove from the oven and serve while still warm. The dough stays softer and the filling tastes best this way.

Keyword bakery-style savory rolls, Brazilian ham and cheese rolls, homemade ham and cheese rolls, stuffed bread dough