You know those days where you’re staring into the fridge, wanting something hot, savory, and satisfying, but you absolutely do not want to cook a whole meal? As a busy parent who also navigates a low carb lifestyle, this is my daily lunchtime dilemma. The classic ham and cheese sandwich was out, but the craving for that warm, melty combination was very much in. I started playing around with the simplest ingredients I had; deli ham and cheese sticks; and discovered something magical. With just one skillet and five minutes, you can transform them into these irresistible **Hot Ham & Cheese Roll Ups**. They’re my secret weapon for a lightning fast lunch, a protein packed snack, or even a clever appetizer that everyone, keto or not, will absolutely love.
Let’s talk about the deliciousness you’re about to create. The first bite gives you a **salty, savory punch** from the smoked ham, which gets beautifully seared and slightly crisped in the hot butter. Then, you hit the warm, **stretchy, mild mozzarella** center that becomes perfectly soft without turning into a complete meltdown. The texture is the perfect contrast: a **slightly crisp, buttery exterior** giving way to a **cheesy, tender core**. It’s the essence of a hot ham and cheese sandwich, deconstructed and reimagined into a fun, handheld, and utterly low carb delight.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Roll Ups
- Dry Your Ham: If your deli ham seems particularly wet or packaged in liquid, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before wrapping. This ensures a better sear and helps the ham stick to the cheese.
- Secure the Seal: After wrapping the ham around the cheese stick, place it in the hot skillet with the seam side down first. This will help “seal” the roll up as it cooks, preventing it from unraveling.
- Medium Low is the Way to Go: Don’t crank the heat too high! Cooking over a steady medium low heat allows the cheese to warm through and become melty without the ham burning before the inside is ready. Patience yields the perfect golden brown color.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll ups (wrap the cheese in ham) up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then cook directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The best way to **reheat** is in a dry skillet over low heat to re crisp the ham. The microwave will work in a pinch but will make the ham chewy.
- Freezing Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled or cooked roll ups, as the texture of the ham and cheese can become watery and rubbery upon thawing. This recipe is so quick, it’s best made fresh!
Step by Step Instructions
1Prep Your Ingredients: Lay out 12 slices of smoked deli ham and 12 mozzarella cheese sticks. If your ham slices are small, cut the cheese sticks in half crosswise to create shorter logs.
2Assemble the Roll Ups: Place one cheese stick (or half) at the edge of a ham slice. Roll it up tightly, ensuring the ham completely covers the cheese. Repeat with all pieces.
3Heat the Skillet: Place 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non stick skillet. Melt it over low medium heat, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
4Cook to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the roll ups in the skillet, seam side down. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then use tongs to gently roll them to a new side. Continue cooking and rolling until the ham is browned and slightly crispy on all sides and the cheese is soft and warm (about 8-10 minutes total).
5Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot roll ups to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess butter. Let them cool for just a minute (the cheese will be very hot!) before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten Free & Dairy Modifications: This recipe is naturally gluten free. For a dairy free version, use your favorite vegan mozzarella style cheese stick. Be aware that melting properties will vary.
- Cheese Swaps: Mozzarella is ideal for its mild flavor and excellent melt. Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese sticks work wonderfully for a sharper taste. For a kick, try pepper jack cheese sticks.
- Ham Alternatives: Any thinly sliced, large cut deli meat works! Try roasted turkey, chicken, pastrami, or salami for a different flavor profile. For a lower sodium option, look for reduced sodium ham.
- Add Ins: Before rolling, add a thin spread of Dijon mustard, a slice of dill pickle, a spoonful of sauerkraut, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These roll ups are a complete protein packed snack on their own! For a simple lunch plate, serve them with **dill pickle spears, crisp raw veggies** (like cucumber slices and bell pepper strips), and a side of **zesty mustard or creamy, sugar free ranch** for dipping. They also make a fantastic appetizer for game day or parties; just spear each one with a toothpick. Pair them with an **ice cold sparkling water, a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, or a light beer** if not strictly keto.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I make these in an air fryer or oven?
- A: Yes! For the air fryer, spray the basket with oil, place roll ups in a single layer, and cook at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway. For the oven, bake on a parchment lined sheet at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Both methods yield a slightly less crispy but still delicious result.
- Q: My cheese is oozing out everywhere while cooking. What did I do wrong?
- A: This usually means the heat is too high, melting the cheese too quickly before the ham seals. Cook over lower heat and ensure you start with the seam side down to create an initial seal. Also, avoid over stuffing; make sure the ham fully encloses the cheese.
- Q: How do I calculate the net carbs for this?
- A: The net carbs are incredibly low, coming almost exclusively from the ham. Check the nutrition label on your specific package of deli ham. A typical slice has 0-1g of carbs. Each mozzarella stick has about 1g. So, one roll up is generally **1-2g net carbs**.
Recommended Equipment
- 10 or 12 Inch Non Stick Skillet: A good non stick surface is crucial for easy turning and clean release without needing excessive butter.
- Kitchen Tongs: The perfect tool for gently rolling and turning the roll ups in the hot skillet without piercing them.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For easily cutting cheese sticks in half if your ham slices are smaller.
5 Minute Keto Hot Ham & Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 12 slices thin sliced smoked deli ham
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- If your ham slices are small, cut the cheese sticks in half crosswise.
- Place one cheese stick at the edge of a ham slice and roll up tightly. Repeat with all ham and cheese.
- Melt butter in a large non stick skillet over medium low heat.
- Place roll ups in the skillet, seam side down. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Using tongs, gently roll them to a new side. Continue cooking and turning until the ham is crispy and browned on all sides and the cheese is warm and soft (about 8-10 minutes total).
- Transfer to a plate, let cool for 1 minute, and serve immediately.
