Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls Recipe
These Spinach Ham Breakfast Rolls are soft, fluffy dough filled with a savory mixture of scrambled eggs, fresh spinach, and diced ham. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch, these rolls are baked to golden perfection and can be enhanced with melty cheese and a glossy egg wash for a beautiful finish.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
For Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to 105-115°F in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. This temperature activates the yeast without killing it.
- Proof the Yeast: Add yeast and sugar to the warm milk. Stir gently and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, making sure the yeast is active.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Once foamy, stir in melted butter and salt, ensuring butter is cooled so as not to kill the yeast.
- Gradually Add Flour: Add 3 ½ cups flour gradually to the wet ingredients. Mix with dough hook on low speed or by hand using a wooden spoon.
- Knead the Dough: Knead for 5-7 minutes with mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand until dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Add flour by tablespoons if dough is too sticky.
- First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Whisk eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat butter or olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, avoiding overcooking.
- Scramble Eggs: Pour egg mixture into skillet with spinach. Cook and scramble until just set but still moist. Add cheese if using and allow it to melt slightly.
- Punch Down Dough: Once risen, gently punch down dough to release air. Turn onto floured surface.
- Divide and Shape Dough: Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Assemble Rolls: Flatten each ball into a 4-5 inch disc. Spoon spinach and egg mixture and diced ham onto center.
- Seal Rolls: Pinch edges to seal filling inside, forming round rolls with tight seams.
- Second Rise: Place rolls seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat Oven & Egg Wash (Optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with egg wash if desired.
- Bake: Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 200-210°F).
- Cool and Serve: Let rolls rest a few minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for best results; expired yeast may not proof properly.
- All-purpose flour amount may vary based on humidity, adjust dough texture accordingly.
- To avoid soggy rolls, do not overcook spinach and eggs before filling.
- Egg wash is optional but gives a nice glossy, golden crust.
- Variations: Substitute ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or different cheese blends.
- Frozen spinach can be used if thawed fully and water squeezed out.
- Dough rising times may vary depending on ambient temperature.
Keywords: spinach breakfast rolls, ham breakfast rolls, savory breakfast rolls, homemade breakfast rolls, baked breakfast rolls, egg rolls with ham and spinach