These Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups are the definition of finger-friendly comfort food. Imagine the gooey melt of cheese wrapped in golden, buttery French toast, balanced with the savory punch of ham — it’s a whole new way to brunch. Not only are they incredibly quick to make, but they’re also perfect for kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re prepping for a lazy Sunday breakfast or need a clever idea for brunch with friends, these roll ups will win hearts. They’re crisp on the outside, gooey in the middle, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you can prep them in advance, making mornings even easier!
Full Recipe:
6 slices fresh white sandwich bread
3 slices melting cheese (Jarlsberg, cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere), each cut into 4 strips OR 3/4 cup grated cheese
2 small slices of ham (around 50g)
1 large egg
2 tbsp milk (full cream or low fat)
1 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Optional: Trim crusts from bread slices.
Use a rolling pin to flatten each bread slice.
Lay a strip of ham along the bottom edge of each slice.
Place two strips of cheese (or a pinch of grated cheese) on top of the ham.
Roll the bread tightly from the bottom up and place seam-side down.
In a shallow dish, whisk egg, milk, and salt with a fork.
Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Dip each roll up in the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Place roll ups seam-side down in the skillet.
Cook each side for 45 seconds to 1 minute, turning to brown all four sides.
Serve hot and melty!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 263 kcal | Servings: 3 servings
A New Take on a Classic Comfort: Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups
Ham and Cheese French Toast Roll Ups bring together the heartiness of a savory sandwich and the indulgent texture of French toast in a clever, handheld form. Whether you’re looking for an elevated breakfast idea, a kid-friendly brunch solution, or simply something to shake up your routine mornings, this recipe is a game-changer. With their crisp exterior and warm, melty center, these roll-ups are destined to become a household favorite.
But what makes them so special? In this article, we’ll dive into the inspiration behind this dish, why it works so well, the versatility it offers, how to serve and store it, and what makes it so appealing to both home cooks and seasoned foodies.
Why Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Just Make Sense
Ham and cheese is a timeless combo. From classic croque-monsieurs in France to toasted sandwiches served worldwide, these two ingredients have long been celebrated for their complementary flavors. The salty richness of ham balances beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese. Wrapping these ingredients inside soft bread and dipping them in an egg mixture takes this familiar duo to another level.
The genius of this recipe lies in its form. Instead of a traditional sandwich or layered bake, the ingredients are rolled, dipped, and pan-fried like French toast. The result is a compact, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside breakfast or snack you can eat with your hands. There’s something so satisfying about finger food that delivers all the comforts of a hot, savory meal.
Where This Recipe Came From
While sweet French toast roll-ups have taken over Pinterest boards and breakfast menus—usually filled with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit—savory versions remain rare. That’s what makes this recipe stand out. It flips the expectation on its head. Instead of sugar and syrup, you get cheese pulls and the satisfying chew of cured meat.
This recipe was popularized by Nagi from RecipeTin Eats, a respected home cook known for practical, delicious food. She realized that while sweet versions of French toast roll ups are everywhere, savory versions, especially with ham and cheese, were noticeably absent. So, she created her own—and it’s now making waves for all the right reasons.
What Makes These Roll Ups So Irresistible?
There are several layers to the appeal of these Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups:
Texture: The exterior is beautifully crisp from the pan-frying process, while the inside remains tender and melty.
Flavor: The savory notes from the ham and cheese combined with the slight richness of egg-dipped bread deliver comfort in every bite.
Convenience: These roll-ups are ready in about 15 minutes and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
Portability: Unlike traditional French toast, which requires a plate and fork, these roll-ups can be held in one hand. That makes them great for breakfast on the go or for packing into lunchboxes.
Great for Kids and Adults Alike
If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a lifesaver. Kids love the rolled shape, the finger-food nature, and, of course, the melted cheese. Adults will appreciate how they taste like grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches with a touch of brunch flair. You can even make a few different varieties—some with ham, some without—to suit dietary preferences and tastes.
These roll-ups are also highly customizable. Swap out the ham for turkey, bacon, or smoked salmon. Replace the cheese with your favorite melty blend like provolone, gouda, or mozzarella. Add in herbs, mustard, or a thin layer of pesto for an extra flavor kick. The core technique remains the same while allowing you to get creative with the fillings.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Friendly
One of the most surprising perks of this recipe is its make-ahead capability. You can roll and dip them in egg mixture the night before, store them in the fridge, and cook them fresh in the morning. This is a lifesaver if you’re hosting brunch or have early risers in the house.
Meal prepping for school or work lunches? These roll ups reheat well in a toaster oven or on a skillet. Just avoid the microwave, which can turn them soggy. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days for best results.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These roll-ups are satisfying on their own but also play well with other sides. Here are a few ideas to serve them as part of a fuller meal:
Brunch Platter: Serve with scrambled eggs, sautéed greens, and fruit for a balanced brunch board.
Dipping Sauce: Pair with a warm marinara, honey mustard, or herbed aioli for dipping.
Breakfast for Dinner: Add a side salad or roasted potatoes for a savory, satisfying dinner option.
Lunchbox Additions: Include a few roll-ups with sliced veggies, a small fruit salad, and a yogurt for a complete lunchbox.
You can also pair them with drinks like a classic mimosa for brunch, fresh-squeezed orange juice for breakfast, or even a bold coffee to complement the cheesy richness.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Bread: Unlike typical French toast, which calls for stale bread, this recipe benefits from soft, fresh slices that roll and seal easily.
Pick the Right Cheese: Stick to cheeses that melt well—cheddar, mozzarella, and Jarlsberg are all excellent choices.
Keep the Heat Moderate: Don’t blast the pan on high heat. A medium heat ensures even browning without burning.
Seal Tight: Roll the bread tightly to ensure it doesn’t unroll during cooking. The egg wash helps it hold its shape.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe caters to a wide audience:
Busy Parents looking for a fun and quick breakfast for kids.
Brunch Hosts who want a make-ahead option with wow-factor.
Students and Singles in need of a no-fuss, satisfying solo meal.
Food Creators looking to impress on Instagram or TikTok—because the cheese pull moment is made for social media.
Health & Nutrition Considerations
Each roll-up comes in around 260 calories, making it a relatively balanced breakfast when enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can opt for whole grain bread, use lower-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of butter. For a lower sodium version, choose low-sodium deli ham and cheeses. You can also load them up with a thin layer of spinach or swap in roasted veggies for added fiber.
Want to make it vegetarian? Just remove the ham and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Conclusion: A Fun, Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
The Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups are proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something delightfully surprising. They embody everything we love about comfort food: crispy textures, melty cheese, savory satisfaction, and zero fuss. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, feeding a brunch crowd, or simply craving something indulgent yet easy, this dish delivers.
Its adaptability makes it stand out—change up the fillings, play with flavors, serve it in creative ways. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll be dreaming up all the variations you can.
So, the next time you’re staring down a loaf of bread and wondering what to make, skip the predictable toast and treat yourself to a savory spin on French toast. Ham & Cheese French Toast Roll Ups might just become your new morning obsession.