These Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups are a delightful fusion of savory flavors wrapped in golden, crispy goodness. Inspired by the classic ham and cheese toastie, but with a playful brunch twist, these hand-held bites are perfect for weekend mornings or anytime snacking.
Flattened bread rolls up around melty cheese and thin slices of ham, then dipped in egg and pan-fried to perfection — giving you the crisp of French toast and the gooey richness of a grilled cheese. Serve them hot and melty for an irresistibly comforting start to your day!
Full Recipe:
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6 slices fresh sandwich bread (white or wholemeal)
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2 small slices of ham (approx. 50g / 1.5 oz), sliced into strips
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3 slices of melting cheese (Jarlsberg, Tasty, Cheddar, Gruyere, or Mozzarella), each cut into 4 strips — or 3/4 cup grated
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1 egg (large)
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2 tbsp milk (full cream or low fat)
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1 tbsp butter
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Optional: Cut crusts off the bread.
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Flatten each slice with a rolling pin until thin.
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Lay out ham in a thin strip along one edge of the bread.
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Add cheese (either two strips or a line of grated cheese) on top of the ham.
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Roll up the bread tightly, seam-side down.
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In a shallow dish, whisk egg, milk, and salt together.
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Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
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Dip each roll in the egg mixture, coating completely.
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Place in pan seam-side down. Cook for 45 seconds–1 minute per side, turning to brown all four sides evenly.
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Remove and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 263 kcal | Servings: 3
A Delicious Fusion: Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups
There’s something deeply comforting about classic combinations. One such iconic duo is ham and cheese — savory, salty, gooey, and satisfying. But what if we could wrap that classic in a warm, golden shell of French toast, transforming it into a crispy, hand-held delight perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even snack time? That’s exactly what Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups bring to the table — a fun, kid-friendly, and downright delicious twist on two household favorites: grilled cheese sandwiches and French toast.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish stands out because it marries convenience with indulgence. Traditional French toast is made by dipping slices of bread in an egg mixture and frying them until golden. It’s a staple in many homes, especially for breakfast and brunch. Meanwhile, ham and cheese toasties (or grilled ham and cheese sandwiches) are loved globally for their savory, melty satisfaction. By combining the concepts — stuffing sandwich bread with ham and cheese, rolling it up, then French-toasting it — we get the best of both worlds.
The roll-up format is particularly appealing. It turns a sit-down meal into a finger food experience, making it ideal for both casual mornings at home and party platters. There’s no need for utensils, and the presentation is charming and approachable, especially for kids.
Customizable for Every Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. While the original version uses white sandwich bread, the concept adapts easily to various types of bread. Wholemeal or wholegrain bread can offer a more nutritious version. Gluten-free bread works just as well for those with dietary restrictions.
Cheese is another element that allows for customization. Jarlsberg provides a lovely balance of creaminess and sharpness, but cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss can all be used based on preference or availability. A sharper cheese adds more flavor punch, while mild cheeses melt beautifully.
Ham can be swapped for turkey slices, bacon, or even smoked salmon for an upscale brunch offering. Vegetarians can omit the meat altogether and add spinach, grilled mushrooms, or tomato slices for a meatless version that still delivers big on flavor.
Perfect for Any Time of Day
Although these roll ups are ideal for breakfast, they’re not confined to morning hours. They work beautifully as a midday snack, packed lunch, or even a party appetizer. Served with a side of mustard, aioli, or a simple tomato-based dip, they can become an elegant finger food for gatherings.
For brunch spreads, their bite-sized form allows them to sit comfortably alongside pastries, eggs, fruit platters, and salads. They’re just the kind of savory balance needed among sweeter brunch options like muffins or pancakes.
What makes them even more convenient is how quickly they come together — about 15 minutes from start to finish. This makes them an excellent option when time is short but you still want something homemade and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly and Fun
These roll ups are especially popular with kids. They resemble something between a grilled cheese and a French toast stick, both of which are typically hits with younger eaters. You can involve children in the prep process too — from flattening the bread to helping roll up the filling. It’s a fun, hands-on way to engage little ones in the kitchen.
You can even cut the roll ups into smaller pieces after cooking to make snack-size portions for lunchboxes. They’re less messy than traditional sandwiches and pack all the flavor into compact bites.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Options
A standout feature of this recipe is how well it accommodates make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the roll ups and even give them a quick dip in the egg mixture ahead of time — say, the night before — and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply give them another brief dip in the egg, pan-fry, and serve.
This is especially helpful for busy mornings or when preparing food for a crowd. Having a stack of roll ups prepped and ready allows you to cook a batch quickly without fuss.
While they’re best enjoyed fresh and hot, the roll ups can also be reheated gently in a pan or air fryer for a second life. Some people even enjoy them cold or at room temperature, especially if packed in lunchboxes or picnics.
Tips for Perfect Roll Ups Every Time
The key to success in this recipe lies in using fresh, soft bread. While stale bread is often preferred for traditional French toast because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart, in this case, you need the flexibility and stickiness of fresh bread. Fresh bread flattens easily and rolls without cracking, and it also adheres to itself, helping seal the roll without toothpicks or extra effort.
Another tip is to avoid overstuffing the roll ups. It’s tempting to load them with cheese or thick slices of ham, but this can make them harder to roll or fry evenly. A modest amount of filling creates a perfect balance between crisp outer bread and warm, melty interior.
When frying, turning the rolls every 45 seconds to a minute ensures even browning on all sides and helps them maintain their cylindrical shape. Don’t rush the cooking — the goal is to crisp each side to a golden brown while gently heating the center.
Pairing Suggestions and Side Ideas
Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups are quite filling on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. For breakfast or brunch, serve with:
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A side salad with light vinaigrette
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Scrambled eggs or poached eggs
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Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
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A creamy dip like honey mustard or chipotle mayo
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Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach
If serving as part of a party platter or appetizer tray, consider offering dipping sauces and placing them on skewers for easy access. They also go well with sparkling drinks, light cocktails, or mocktails like citrus spritzes or iced teas.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
What sets these roll ups apart from other brunch or breakfast options is their combination of comfort, convenience, and creativity. They transform simple ingredients — bread, ham, cheese, and egg — into something unexpected and delightful. You don’t need any special tools or fancy ingredients. It’s kitchen simplicity at its finest, yet the result feels restaurant-worthy.
This is also a recipe that invites reinvention. Once you try the basic version, it’s easy to start imagining all the variations you could create: spicy versions with jalapeños, Italian-inspired rolls with pesto and provolone, or breakfast-style rolls with scrambled eggs inside.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Brunch Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor, Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups are a must-try. They’re incredibly versatile, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding kids, brunch guests, or just yourself on a busy weekday morning, these roll ups deliver big satisfaction with minimal effort. Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and bursting with classic comfort — they’re everything we love about ham and cheese, wrapped in the golden hug of French toast.
Add them to your breakfast rotation, or serve them as a surprise party snack — either way, they’re bound to bring smiles to the table.