Ham Rolls are a warm, comforting Southern classic, blending tender biscuit-like dough with the savory goodness of smoked ham. This recipe captures the charm of old-fashioned kitchen traditions, simple ingredients, mixed by hand, and baked to golden perfection. The balance of buttery richness and salty ham makes these rolls perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side for holiday dinners. Originating from rural home kitchens where nothing went to waste, these rolls became a beloved staple for using leftover ham. Today, they remain a nostalgic favorite, crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 6 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 lb ground smoked ham
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Step 2: Cut in Butter
- Cut in butter (or shortening) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Add Milk
- Stir in milk gradually using a knife or spoon until soft dough forms.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
- Turn dough onto a floured board. Pat and roll lightly to about ¼ inch thickness.
Step 5: Add Ham
- Sprinkle the ground smoked ham evenly over the dough.
Step 6: Form Rolls
- Roll dough tightly as for cinnamon rolls. Press lightly to seal the edge.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
- Cut into 2-inch slices. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, about 15–18 minutes.
Tips
- Substitute chopped cooked bacon for ham for a smoky twist.
- Add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese before rolling for extra flavor.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier, tender dough.
- These rolls freeze well—reheat in the oven before serving.
- Brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Ham Rolls (Eleanor Edwards) 3 c. flour ¼ c. butter 6 tsp. baking powder 1 c. milk 1 tsp. salt 1 lb. ground smoked ham Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening. Add liquid gradually, mixing with knife to make soft dough. Toss on floured board, pat and roll lightly to ¼ inch thickness. Sprinkle ground ham over dough and roll as for cinnamon rolls. Cut 2 inches thick. Bake with oven meal.
From Transcription to Instructions
We love that little scrap, but we also know a hurried card can leave you guessing, so we broke the quick note into clear steps on the site so you can see exactly when to mix, roll, sprinkle the ham and slice. Two small but helpful clarifications: the card says “cut in shortening” while the ingredients list butter, so the site simply notes either fat will work and keeps the same amounts; and the old “bake with oven meal” is unpacked into a temperature, time and a greased sheet so you won’t be wondering where or how long to bake.
Nutrition
Serving: 1rollCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg
