As a mom of three, I’m always trying to come up with breakfasts that everyone will actually eat — and trust me, that’s not easy!
One child wants something savory, another prefers something cheesy, and the youngest just wants anything that looks fun. That’s why these Ham and Cheese Toast Roll Ups have become such a lifesaver in my kitchen.
They’re simple, satisfying, and a total hit with all three kids. I love how they’re made with just a few everyday ingredients — white bread, ham, cheese, and eggs.
The best part? Everyone cleans their plate without a single complaint.
I usually keep them classic — just dipped in egg and air-fried until golden — but if you want to switch things up, you can make them French-toast style by whisking a splash of milk, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract into the egg mixture.
Why You‘ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can make these toast roll ups in just 20 minutes with everyday ingredients.
- Crispy and cheesy: The outer layer turns beautifully golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and full of melted cheese.
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks: Great for busy mornings, lunch boxes, or a cozy brunch spread.
- No special equipment needed: Make them in an air fryer, oven, or even a frying pan.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- White bread – Use soft white bread about 1 cm thick. I like to flatten it with a rolling pin before rolling to make it easier to shape and to get that extra crispiness after cooking.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – The classic choice for that stretchy, melty cheese pull. You can use any mild melting cheese such as cheddar or gouda if you prefer, but mozzarella gives the best texture.
- Ham – Choose pure meat ham for a stronger, more savory flavor. Avoid processed ham with too much starch, as it can turn rubbery when cooked. I like to slice mine into thin strips so it layers neatly inside the bread.
- Eggs – Beaten eggs are used to coat the toast rolls before cooking. You can mix in a splash of milk, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract for a softer, French-toast-like texture
- Cooking oil – A light spray of neutral vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower) helps the toast turn evenly golden and crisp. I recommend using an air fryer spray bottle for even coating.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Toast Roll Ups
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes)
Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread evenly — about 1.5× its original size and around 0.5 cm thick. This makes wrapping easier and ensures a crispier texture when baked or air-fried.
Cut the ham into thin strips (about 0.5 cm wide).
Beat the eggs in a bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls (5 minutes)
Place one slice of flattened bread on your work surface.
On one end, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and add a few ham strips.
Starting from the filled end, roll the bread tightly toward the other side to form a compact log.
Use toothpicks to secure both ends so they don’t unravel while cooking.
Step 3: Coat and Cook (10 minutes)
Air fryer method:
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3 minutes.
Dip each toast roll into the beaten eggs, coating all sides evenly (avoid excess dripping).
Place the rolls in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
Cook at 180°C for 10 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Oven:
Preheat to 180°C (356°F). Place rolls on a lined baking tray, brush or spray with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Frying pan:
Brush a nonstick pan with a thin layer of oil and cook the rolls over medium heat. Rotate to brown all sides evenly, then pour in any leftover egg mixture and cook until set.
Tips & Tricks
- Roll tightly: Flattening the bread and rolling it snugly keeps the filling from leaking and helps the rolls hold their shape.
- For extra crispiness: Raise the temperature to 190°C (374°F) during the last 2 minutes for a more golden crust.
- Serve immediately: These taste best when freshly made — crisp outside and melty inside.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, seal them and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 3 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave for 1 minute to melt the cheese again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls in advance and store them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Just coat them in egg right before cooking.
Can I freeze toast roll ups?
Yes, but I recommend freezing them before cooking. Lay them on a tray to freeze individually, then store them in an airtight bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
Quick & Cheesy Ham Toast Rolls – Kid-Friendly Breakfast Recipe
Ingredients
For the Roll Ups
- 4 slices white bread
- 80 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ham sticks approx. 150g total
- 2 eggs
For Cooking
- Neutral cooking oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread evenly — about 1.5× its original size and around 0.5 cm thick. This makes wrapping easier and ensures a crispier texture when baked or air-fried.
- Cut the ham into thin strips (about 0.5 cm wide).
- Beat the eggs in a bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls (5 minutes)
- Place one slice of flattened bread on your work surface.
- On one end, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and add a few ham strips.
- Starting from the filled end, roll the bread tightly toward the other side to form a compact log.
- Use toothpicks to secure both ends so they don't unravel while cooking.
Step 3: Coat and Cook (10 minutes)
- Air fryer method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 3 minutes.
- Dip each toast roll into the beaten eggs, coating all sides evenly (avoid excess dripping).
- Place the rolls in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook at 180°C for 10 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
- Alternative Cooking Methods
- Oven:
- Preheat to 180°C (356°F). Place rolls on a lined baking tray, brush or spray with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Frying pan:
- Brush a nonstick pan with a thin layer of oil and cook the rolls over medium heat. Rotate to brown all sides evenly, then pour in any leftover egg mixture and cook until set.
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