Ham Cheese Broccoli Spirals

This spiral stuffed roll recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers big flavor in bite-sized form. The combination of savory ham, fresh broccoli, and melty cheese creates perfect party bites that disappear fast at gatherings.

I first made these rolls for a neighborhood potluck when I needed something quick but impressive. They disappeared faster than any other dish on the table, and now they're my go-to recipe whenever friends drop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Provides the perfect base that puffs up beautifully around the fillings
• Cream cheese: Creates a rich foundation that helps bind everything together
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the rolls develop a golden exterior
• Chopped ham: Delivers savory protein that pairs perfectly with the cheese
• Broccoli: Brings color and nutrition while adding a slight crunch
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that perfect cheese pull when serving warm
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty complexity and helps create a crispy exterior
• Green onions: Provide a mild aromatic flavor that brightens the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Surface:

Roll out the refrigerated dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 x 16 inches on a lightly floured surface. Take your time to ensure even thickness throughout for consistent cooking.

Create The Filling Base:

Mix softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth with no lumps. This mixture creates the perfect spreadable base that will help all other ingredients adhere to the dough.

Apply The Cream Cheese Layer:

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges bare to help with sealing.

Layer Your Fillings:

Distribute the chopped ham evenly across the cream cheese layer, followed by the finely chopped broccoli, both shredded cheeses, and finally the green onions. Press gently to help ingredients adhere to the cream cheese base.

Roll Into A Log:

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, applying gentle pressure as you go to keep the filling in place. When you reach the end, pinch the seam firmly to seal.

Slice And Arrange:

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into twelve equal pieces, each about one inch thick. Place the rolls cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for expansion.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly. The dough should feel firm to the touch when properly baked.

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The cream cheese mixture is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. My mother taught me this technique years ago, explaining that the cream cheese not only adds flavor but creates a moisture barrier that prevents the dough from becoming soggy when filled with vegetables. Every time I make these rolls, I think of her kitchen wisdom.

Make Ahead Options

These spiral rolls work beautifully as a make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize day-of preparation. For even more convenience, you can slice the rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Clever Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Instead of ham, try using cooked ground sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even pepperoni for a pizza-inspired version. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables. The broccoli can be swapped for spinach, roasted red peppers, or corn kernels. For the cheese, experiment with pepper jack for heat, smoked gouda for richness, or mozzarella for that classic stretchy cheese pull. The recipe adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

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Serving Suggestions

These spiral rolls are at their best when served warm from the oven, when the cheese is still gooey and the exterior is crisp. For a casual gathering, serve them on their own as finger food. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. They also make excellent companions to soups, particularly tomato or vegetable varieties. If serving as part of a brunch spread, consider adding a fruit platter to balance the savory flavors with something sweet and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully. Just ensure it's rolled to approximately the same dimensions (12 x 16 inches) for proper filling distribution and cooking time.

→ Can I prepare these spiral rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since they'll be starting cold.

→ What can I substitute for broccoli?

Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced zucchini all work well as broccoli substitutes. Just make sure to chop them finely and, for watery vegetables like zucchini, consider sautéing briefly to remove excess moisture before adding.

→ Can these spiral rolls be frozen?

Yes, these freeze beautifully! Either freeze before baking (after slicing) or after baking once cooled. If freezing unbaked rolls, freeze them separately first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

→ How do I know when the spiral rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when the dough is lightly golden brown around the edges and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The centers should feel set when lightly pressed, not doughy. If browning too quickly but not done inside, cover loosely with foil.

→ What can I serve with these spiral rolls?

These versatile rolls pair wonderfully with soup, salad, or marinara dipping sauce. They make excellent appetizers on their own, or can be served as a side with a main course. For brunch, they complement fruit platters and egg dishes beautifully.