Kathy'S Favorite Ham And Cheese Broccoli Rolls
Kathy's Favorite Ham and Cheese Broccoli Rolls combine tender broccoli, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. These versatile rolls make a delightful appetizer or main dish, appealing to both kids and adults with their cheesy, ham-filled goodness and mild, tangy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen broccoli spears or florets ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks in juice
- 1 (8 to 10 oz.) package lean ham slices ⓘ
- 5 slices fat-free Swiss processed cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg yolk ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Drain pineapple chunks to measure 1/2 cup juice.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, prepared horseradish, prepared mustard, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Add milk all at once and cook, stirring, until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir for an additional minute.
- Combine egg yolk with pineapple juice.
- Gradually add half of the hot mixture to the egg yolk, then return all to the saucepan.
- Cook and stir over low heat until the mixture is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain wraps instead of traditional dough for the rolls. You can also substitute the lean ham with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or leftover broccoli works well in this recipe. Adjust the amount of horseradish according to your preferred spice level, and feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These ham and cheese broccoli rolls make an excellent appetizer or light meal. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced plate. They pair beautifully with Shrimp Rolls for a delightful spread. For a comforting side, consider serving them with Macaroni With Ham-Broccoli. A light dipping sauce or ranch dressing can enhance the flavors further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help retain their crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick option, but be cautious not to overheat, as the texture may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Favorite Ham And Cheese Broccoli Rolls contains roughly 552 calories, with 26g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1187mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh broccoli! Just steam or blanch it until tender before adding it to the recipe. Fresh broccoli may offer a slightly different texture but will still work wonderfully in these rolls.
What can I do if I don't have Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese on hand, you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda. Each will bring its own flavor profile, but they will still melt nicely and complement the ham and broccoli.
How can I make these rolls vegetarian?
To make these rolls vegetarian, simply omit the ham and replace it with a plant-based protein like hummus or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. This will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).