German Baked Bread Rolls with Cheese and Ham Käsebrötchen Recipe
These are crispy bread rolls baked with cheese and ham, which in Germany are often bought in bakeries as a quick breakfast or work snack. The homemade version is even better, because you can pile on as much cheese as you like. The taste is reminiscent of a mix between grilled cheese toast and mini pizza, but on a classic white bread roll.
A classic German bakery snack in an easy homemade version, where you control the amount and type of cheese and toppings. Perfect for using up leftover rolls and turning them into something indulgent and satisfying.
Chef's tips
Don’t skimp on the topping – a generous, fairly thick layer of cheese mixture is what makes these rolls so good. If your rolls are very fresh and soft, lightly toasting the cut sides in a dry pan before topping can help keep them crisp underneath.
How to serve
Serve 1–2 rolls per person for breakfast or as a hearty snack. They are also great on a party buffet, cut into smaller pieces. Add fresh vegetables or a simple salad on the side to balance the richness.
Ingredients
- wheat bread roll - 4 pieces
- yellow cheese grated - 120 g
- ham sliced or diced - 80 g
- butter soft - 20 g
- cream 18–30% fat - 2 tablespoons
- chives finely chopped - 2 tablespoons
- mustard mild - 1 teaspoon
- black pepper freshly ground - 0.25 teaspoons
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (top and bottom heat). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Slice the rolls horizontally in half. If they are very soft inside, you can gently scoop out a little of the crumb to make room for the filling.
- Cut the ham into small cubes or thin strips. Finely chop the chives.
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheese, ham, cream, soft butter, mustard, chives and pepper. You should get a thick, sticky cheese mixture.
- Place the roll halves on the tray, cut side up. Spread a thick layer of the cheese mixture on each half, pressing it down lightly with a spoon so it adheres well.
- Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese has melted, is lightly browned at the edges and the rolls are crispy.
- After taking them out of the oven, wait 2–3 minutes so the cheese can set slightly and doesn’t burn your mouth. Serve warm.
Storage
Baked rolls taste best fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer so they become crispy again.
