Estonia 
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
+ 2 hours resting
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
3 hours
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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. - In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and water and stir until the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the milk mixture, beaten eggs, and salt to the bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the flour, one cup (120 g) at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
- 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.
- 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.
- Punch down dough and knead a second time.
- Rolls:
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough. - With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 24 3–inch (7.6 cm) squares.
- Assemble the rolls by placing one slice of ham on each dough square, followed by about ½ teaspoon (2.5g) grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle each square with butter before rolling into a narrow cylindrical shape.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease two large baking sheets.
- Arrange the rolls on baking sheets, spaced well apart.
- In a small bowl beat together the egg and milk then brush this on the rolls.
- Let rolls set for about 20 minutes.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
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