National Dish Austria: Ham Rolls (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Ham Rolls, a much-loved little classic from the Austrian table that turns the simplest of ingredients into something rather special. Tender slices of ham are wrapped around a creamy filling of soft cheese and fresh herbs, giving you a bite that is savoury, smooth and irresistibly moreish. Whether you fancy a quick nibble in the afternoon or an elegant appetiser for a celebration, these little rolls are guaranteed to win over a crowd.
About Ham Rolls
Ham Rolls are a popular and traditional dish from Austrian cooking, treasured for the way they combine a few good ingredients into a real treat. At their heart sits tender ham wrapped around a creamy mixture of cheese and fresh herbs. The pairing of hearty, savoury flavour with a soft, creamy texture is what makes them such a delight. Served as a casual snack or as a refined starter at festive gatherings, they go down a treat with just about everyone.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g ham (such as cooked ham or Serrano)
- 100 g cream cheese
- 50 g grated cheese (such as Emmental or Gouda)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a few drops of lemon juice
Shopping for the ingredients
To make truly delicious ham rolls, it pays to pick out fresh, good-quality ingredients. Pop into your local supermarket or a specialist delicatessen to track down the best ham you can find. Make sure the cream cheese and the grated cheese are of good quality too, as they have a big say in the final flavour of the dish. Fresh herbs are well worth seeking out, since they lend the rolls a lovely aromatic note. For more savoury inspiration along these lines, take a look at a classic Brettljause platter.
Preparing the dish
Getting your ham rolls ready is wonderfully straightforward and takes only a few steps. First, combine the filling of cream cheese, grated cheese and your chosen herbs until evenly blended. To achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture, you can use a fork or a hand blender. Don’t forget to season the mixture with salt, pepper and perhaps a little lemon juice to bring all the flavours into focus.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the filling ingredients together well and season to taste.
- Lay the slices of ham out on a clean plate.
- Spread a little of the cheese-and-herb mixture onto each slice of ham.
- Carefully roll up each slice of ham, starting from the shorter side.
- Arrange the rolls on a plate and chill until ready to serve, if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ham rolls are easy to prepare in a gluten-free and lactose-free form. For the gluten-free option, simply choose a gluten-free ham and make sure the cheese you use is lactose-free as well. There are plenty of lactose-free cream cheese varieties on the market that work beautifully in these rolls. These small adjustments mean everyone can enjoy this tasty snack without having to give up on a single ingredient.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of the ham rolls, you can swap the ham for plant-based sliced deli meat. The cream cheese can be replaced with a plant-based alternative, for example one made from nuts or tofu. This version can be every bit as delicious and aromatic. Feel free to enhance the filling with smoked paprika or nutritional yeast to mimic that cheesy savour.
More tips and tricks
To get perfectly formed ham rolls, take care to slice the ham evenly and thinly. You can also prepare the rolls in all sorts of variations — filling them with mustard or a punchy pesto, for instance. A simple twist is to add vegetables to the filling, which brings a fresh note to each bite. Do experiment with different cheeses and herbs; there are really no limits to your creativity. If you love that ham-and-cheese combination, you might also enjoy a Schinken Kaese Toast.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The ham rolls are highly versatile and easy to tailor to personal preference. If you fancy a little more heat, stir some chilli flakes or pepper into the cheese mixture. For a fruity touch, you might add finely chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Let your imagination run free and shape the rolls entirely to suit your own taste.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not in the mood for ham, you could just as easily use smoked salmon or chicken breast, both of which sit happily alongside the cheese-and-herb filling. Vegans can try smoked tofu in place of the ham, or a range of plant-based spreads. The possibilities are almost endless, giving you the freedom to explore new flavour combinations. Experiment with regional or seasonal ingredients to create your very own take on the ham rolls, much as you might with crisp little Gabelbissen.
Drink pairing ideas
A great many drinks suit the ham rolls and bring out their flavour beautifully. A crisp white wine, such as a Grüner Veltliner, pairs ideally with the savoury rolls. A rosé or a light beer can also round off the aromas wonderfully. For an alcohol-free option, a refreshing fruit smoothie or an ice-cold herbal tea makes a fine way to complete the experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
So that the ham rolls look as good as they taste, you can arrange them with a little flair. Serve them on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh herbs or salad leaves. Adding small bowls of dips, such as mustard or a yoghurt sauce, lifts the presentation further still. Let your creativity flow and put together an inviting buffet for your guests — a baked treat like Gebackener Camembert makes a lovely companion on the spread.
A bit of history
The ham rolls are closely tied to the varied world of Austrian cuisine, which brings together tradition and regional character. This dish is a wonderful way to celebrate a love of hearty, flavourful ingredients. Originally conceived as a simple, fuss-free bite for festive occasions, they have grown over the years into a popular snack that no household likes to be without. Every country has its own version, a lovely reminder of the cultural diversity of the world’s kitchens.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ham Rolls
In short, ham rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that cut a fine figure both as a quick snack and at special occasions. With fresh ingredients and a few creative variations, the rolls are easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. Their quick preparation and fantastic flavour make them a perfect treat for young and old alike. Give this recipe a go and let Austrian cooking win you over.
