When my weekend plans suddenly shifted from a cozy morning at home to a bustling brunch with friends, I needed a recipe that combined ease with irresistible flavor. That's when I decided to whip up these Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls, a delightful surprise that has become a staple in my kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with savory ham and vibrant spinach fills the house, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes everyone gravitate toward the kitchen.
These rolls aren't just a feast for the senses; they're also simple to prepare, so you can enjoy the process—no restaurant reservations required. With each batch rising to golden perfection, they effortlessly transform breakfast into a special occasion. Whether you're starting your day off right or brunching with friends, these rolls are versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Get ready to savor homemade goodness that not only beats takeout but also brings smiles all around!
Why You'll Love This Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls
- These Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- The delightful combination of flavors from the savory ham, fresh spinach, and warm bread creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone coming back for more.
- Their versatility means you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences, making them suitable for any occasion.
- Plus, their golden, fluffy appearance makes them a gorgeous centerpiece for your breakfast table that is sure to impress your guests.<br />
Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls Ingredients
A deliciously easy recipe awaits you!
For the Dough
- Warm milk – Essential for activating the yeast and creating a tender dough.
- Active dry yeast – Provides the lift needed for fluffy rolls.
- Granulated sugar – Feeds the yeast for a nice rise.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of the rolls, giving them structure.
For the Filling
- Large eggs – Creates a creamy texture and rich flavor in the filling.
- Milk or cream – Adds moisture for a lovely, velvety scramble.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the mixture to taste.
- Cooked ham – Brings a savory element that complements the spinach.
- Fresh spinach – Adds vibrant color and nutritious value to the filling.
- Butter or olive oil – Used for sautéing the spinach, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack) – Consider this for an extra gooey surprise in your rolls!
- Beaten egg – For brushing on top, ensuring a beautiful golden finish.
- Milk or water – To mix with the egg for a glossy finish on the rolls before baking.
Get ready to create a batch of Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls that not only taste divine but also look absolutely stunning!
How to Make Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures your rolls will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
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Warm the milk to 105-115°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy—this temperature activates the yeast beautifully without killing it.
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Combine the yeast and sugar with the warm milk, stirring gently. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
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Mix in the melted butter and salt into the milk mixture. This will enrich your dough and enhance the flavor profile.
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Incorporate 3 ½ cups of flour gradually, mixing until smooth and elastic. Knead for 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer or manually for 8-10 minutes until soft.
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Let rise the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it doubles in size, creating that wonderful texture.
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Whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl while the dough is rising, prepping your delicious filling.
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Heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, bringing out its vibrant flavor.
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Add the egg mixture to the skillet with the spinach. Scramble until just set, ensuring a perfectly creamy filling for your rolls.
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Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. This helps degas the dough, making for an ideal texture.
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Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc about 4-5 inches in diameter for easy filling.
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Spoon some of the spinach and egg mixture into the center of each disc, adding diced ham for a savory touch.
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Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal your flavorful filling inside, creating cute little packages.
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Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, so they puff up nicely.
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Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg mixture, if you’re using it. This will give them a delightful shiny finish when baked.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
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Cool them on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to let them rest.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving for extra flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls
Room Temperature: Store your rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and soft, ready for a quick breakfast or snack.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, place the rolls in the fridge, wrapped tightly. They’ll stay good for up to 5 days—just reheat them gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Make Ahead Options
These Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls are perfect for busy mornings and can be prepped in advance to save you time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead by letting it rise, then cover and refrigerate it. The filling can also be made up to 3 days in advance; simply sauté the spinach and scramble the eggs, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and filling. This way, your rolls will be just as delicious, with a fresh, fluffy texture that makes breakfast feel special!
Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls and let your taste buds guide the way.
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Vegetarian: Omit the ham and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a hearty, meatless filling.
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Cheesy Delight: Add a generous handful of your favorite cheese to the filling mixture for a melty, gooey surprise in every bite. This brings a wonderful creaminess that complements the spinach beautifully.
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Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like dill or chives into the egg mixture for an aromatic twist. A touch of fresh herbs awakens the senses and brightens the flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling for those who crave heat. It adds a delightful warmth that enhances the overall taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts with the filling for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spinach and ham.
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Whole Wheat Twist: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a heartier, fiber-rich dough. This wholesome substitution adds a unique flavor and nutritional boost to your breakfast rolls.
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Sweet Option: Try a dash of cinnamon and a few chopped apples in place of the ham and spinach for a sweet breakfast alternative. This unexpected combination turns these rolls into a delightful morning treat, perfect for a brunch spread.
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Savory Pesto: Swap the butter for pesto in the filling for a burst of herby flavor. This savory twist lends a sophisticated touch that transforms your rolls into a gourmet delight.
What to Serve with Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls?
Elevate your brunch experience by thoughtfully pairing dishes that enhance the delightful flavors of these rolls.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing medley of greens tossed with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the rolls, providing a burst of freshness. It’s the ideal way to add some crunch and color to your meal.
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Fruit Platter: Bright, seasonal fruits such as berries, melon, and citrus bring a sweet contrast that complements the savory flavor of the rolls. This colorful addition not only looks beautiful but also introduces fun textures.
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Sweet Potato Hash: Roasted sweet potatoes mixed with bell peppers and onions create a hearty side that adds a touch of sweetness. The warmth of this dish harmonizes perfectly with the comforting flavors of the rolls.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: This classic pairing offers a warm, velvety dip for the rolls, creating a cozy feel. The acidity from the tomatoes cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite.
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Herbed Yogurt Dip: A tangy dip made with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs brings a zesty flavor boost. It pairs wonderfully, adding complexity to each taste and encouraging everyone to go back for seconds.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A fizzy, refreshing drink with a hint of tartness beautifully contrasts the warmth of the rolls, making it a delightful sipper as you enjoy your brunch.
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Chocolate Croissant: If you want to indulge, finish with a light and flaky chocolate croissant for dessert. Its buttery richness alongside the soft rolls creates a heavenly experience!
Let your creativity flow with these pairings, making your meal truly unforgettable.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls, ensure the milk is at the right temperature between 105-115°F to activate the yeast effectively.
- If your dough doesn't rise properly, it may be due to water that is too hot or too cold, so always use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes in a stand mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand, to develop gluten for a perfect texture.
- Allow the rolls to rise for 30-45 minutes after shaping to achieve a nice fluffy texture before baking.
Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of spinach should I use for the filling?
I recommend using fresh spinach as it wilts beautifully and gives a vibrant flavor to your rolls. Look for spinach that’s bright green with no dark spots—this indicates freshness. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before use!
How long can I store Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls?
Your delicious rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, store them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 5 days. Just remember to warm them up gently before enjoying!
Can I freeze these breakfast rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze your Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls, let them cool completely after baking. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
My dough didn’t rise properly! What went wrong?
The most common reason for dough not rising is the temperature of the liquid used to activate the yeast. Ensure your milk is within the 105-115°F range—too hot and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it may not activate. If your dough is too dry, you might need to add a little more flour or moisture during kneading.
Are there any dietary considerations for these rolls?
If you’re concerned about allergies or special dietary needs, keep in mind that this recipe contains eggs and dairy. For a dairy-free option, you could use plant-based milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. Vegetarian options can easily be made by omitting the ham and perhaps adding more veggies or some cooked mushrooms instead.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before by allowing it to rise in the fridge, then shaping the rolls in the morning for a fresh bake. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead and reheat them for breakfast; either way, they’re bound to be a hit!
Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Warm the milk to 105-115°F.
- Combine the yeast and sugar with the warm milk, stir, and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in melted butter and salt into the milk mixture.
- Incorporate 3 ½ cups of flour gradually, mixing until smooth and elastic, knead for 5-7 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a lightly oiled bowl for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it doubles in size.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet and sauté the spinach until wilted.
- Add the egg mixture to the skillet with spinach and scramble until just set.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape into balls.
- Flatten each ball into a disc about 4-5 inches for easy filling.
- Spoon the spinach and egg mixture into the center of each disc, adding diced ham.
- Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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