Three Cheese Ham Involtini Recipe

The Perfect Three Cheese Ham Involtini Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Savory three cheese ham involtini promises a delectable Italian-inspired culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Thin slices of ham wrap around creamy cheese fillings, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each bite offers a rich, luxurious experience that combines classic ingredients with gourmet flair.

Soft cheeses mingle with delicate ham, creating a harmonious balance of saltiness and creaminess.

Surprising and satisfying, these involtini serve as a perfect appetizer or light main course.

You will fall in love with this irresistible recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a stunning meal.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this show-stopping dish.

Why Three Cheese Ham Involtini Is a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Craft a Flavor Explosion: Dive into a taste adventure with three different cheeses creating a rich, creamy filling that transforms simple ham into a gourmet delight.
  • Master Quick Entertaining: Impress guests with a sophisticated appetizer that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous dinner parties.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add herbs to make this recipe your own, allowing endless variations to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Zero Complex Techniques: Enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish without culinary training – just mix, roll, and bake for a foolproof cooking experience that feels like a professional chef's secret.

What Goes Inside These Cheesy Ham Rolls

Main Cheese Ingredients:
  • Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling for the involtini.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a classic stretchy texture and mild flavor to the cheese mixture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Protein Base:
  • Ham Slices: Serves as the wrapper for the delicious cheese filling, creating a protein-packed appetizer.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic, Parsley: Add fresh, aromatic flavors that complement the creamy cheese mixture.
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and help bind the cheese mixture together.

How to Roll, Bake, and Serve Involtini with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F. Allow the oven to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Create Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Ham Rolls

Take each slice of ham and spread a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture directly in the center.

The filling should cover most of the ham slice.

Step 4: Roll And Secure

Carefully roll each ham slice tightly around the cheese mixture.

Ensure the filling is completely enclosed within the ham.

Step 5: Arrange In Baking Dish

Place the rolled ham involtini into a lightly greased baking dish.

Position them seam side down to prevent unrolling during cooking.

Step 6: Add Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top of the ham rolls for extra flavor and color.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is warm and the tops have a slight golden color.

Tips for Flavor-Packed, No-Fuss Involtini

  • Swap ham for prosciutto or turkey slices to create a lighter, more delicate version of the dish.
  • Ensure cheese mixture is well-blended to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Prevent rolls from unraveling by securing each with a toothpick before baking.
  • For a gluten-free option, double-check that all cheese ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or chives on top after baking to enhance the aromatic profile and provide a vibrant garnish.

Easy Cheese and Ham Combos to Try Next

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add diced sun-dried tomatoes and chopped basil to the cheese mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, kick-up-the-heat version of the original recipe.
  • Smoky Prosciutto Upgrade: Swap ham for thin prosciutto slices, incorporate smoked paprika into the cheese blend, and top with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant Italian-style appetizer.
  • Herb Garden Fusion: Blend fresh chives, dill, and tarragon into the cheese mixture, use a blend of goat and ricotta cheese for a more complex herbal undertone.

What Tastes Great with Ham Involtini

  • Complement Crisp White Wine: Pair these cheesy ham rolls with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich, creamy cheese perfectly.
  • Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the saltiness of ham and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, melted cheese.
  • Match Mediterranean Antipasti: Serve alongside marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and crusty Italian bread to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and add delightful texture variety.
  • Boost with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or chives on top to introduce a vibrant, green note that lifts the dish's overall flavor and adds visual appeal.

How to Keep Involtini Cheesy and Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover ham involtini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place involtini on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture.

Ham Involtini FAQs for Your Next Dinner Party

  • What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Deli-style thin sliced ham or prosciutto are ideal. They roll easily and provide a delicate, flavorful base for the cheese filling.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover the baking dish with foil and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, especially the cheeses, are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary needs.

  • Can I substitute the cheeses?

While the three-cheese blend creates a rich flavor, you can swap ricotta with cream cheese or use different hard cheeses like aged cheddar instead of Parmesan.

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Three Cheese Ham Involtini Recipe

Three Cheese Ham Involtini Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent three cheese ham involtini weaves Italian culinary magic into a delightful dish brimming with creamy richness. Melted cheese and savory ham roll together, promising a quick gourmet experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 slices smoked ham (thinly sliced)
  • 1.5 cups (375 milliliters) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a lightly greased baking dish for the ham rolls.
  2. Create a rich cheese mixture by thoroughly blending ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Carefully lay out each ham slice on a clean work surface, ensuring they are flat and ready for filling.
  4. Distribute a generous spoonful of the prepared cheese mixture precisely in the center of each ham slice.
  5. Roll the ham slices tightly and securely, completely encasing the cheese filling to form compact cylindrical rolls.
  6. Arrange the ham rolls in the prepared baking dish, positioning them seam side down to prevent unraveling.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle an additional layer of Parmesan cheese over the top of the rolls for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a slight golden coloration and ensuring the cheese is thoroughly warmed.

Notes

  • Select high-quality, thinly sliced ham for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the cheese mixture’s flavor profile.
  • For a low-carb option, swap ham with prosciutto or turkey slices for variety.
  • Ensure cheese mixture is well-combined and not too watery to prevent leaking during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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