This Rolled bread is a savory and cheesy recipe, which is made with salty Parma ham and creamy hard-boiled eggs. It’s the perfect food for a picnic, an impressive stuffed loaf that’s great for sharing.
Rolled bread of Parma ham, nice cheese, egg and basil Ingredients
A classic Italian-inspired combination for an impressive stuffed loaf.
For the Dough:
- 1 batch of basic bread dough (approx. 500g)
For the Filling:
- 5 slices of Parma ham or prosciutto
- 8 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and roughly chopped
- 200g (7oz) cheese (a mixture of Cheddar, Fontina, or Parmesan), grated
- 2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves
- Optional: a few sun-dried tomatoes or halved olives
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Rolled bread of Parma ham, nice cheese, egg and basil
A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully savory and impressive stuffed bread.
- Make and Prove the Dough: First, make your basic bread dough and let it complete its first rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, knock the air out of the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a long rectangle, about 1cm thick. The rectangle should be roughly 1 meter (39 inches) long and about 18–20cm (7-8 inches) wide.
- Layer the Fillings: Down the center of the dough rectangle, lay out your fillings. Start with the Parma ham slices, then scatter over the chopped hard-boiled eggs, the grated cheese, the basil leaves, and any optional tomatoes or olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with a little pepper (be careful with salt, as the ham and cheese are already salty).
- Roll and Form the Ring: Carefully pull one long side of the dough up and over the filling to meet the other side, forming a long, sealed tube like a cannelloni. Pinch the seam to seal it. Now, carefully bring the two ends of the tube together to form a large doughnut or ring shape. Pinch and pat the two ends together firmly to seal the ring.
- Second Prove and Bake: Preheat your oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Carefully transfer the ring to a flour-dusted baking tin or sheet. Let it prove for another 15 minutes. After the second prove, dust the top with a little flour.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool on the pan for a while before slicing. This is fantastic served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips
For a perfect, impressive stuffed bread every time.
- How to prevent the bread from getting soggy? Make sure your ingredients are not overly wet. If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well. Sealing the seam and the ring connection firmly is also key to keeping all the delicious fillings inside.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This is the ultimate picnic bread because it’s designed to be made ahead and is delicious served at room temperature. You can bake it in the morning and take it with you in the afternoon.
- What’s the best cheese to use? The recipe is great for using up leftovers! A good melting cheese like Fontina, Cheddar, or Provolone is fantastic. A sharp, salty Parmesan adds a great flavor punch. A mix is always best.
- How do I get a perfect ring shape? After you’ve formed the long tube, gently curve it into a circle. Overlap the two ends slightly and pinch them together very firmly with your fingers to create a strong seal.
What To Serve With This Stuffed Bread
A perfect centerpiece for a picnic or light lunch.
This hearty stuffed bread is a complete meal in a slice, perfect for sharing. It’s wonderful served with:
- A simple green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette
- A side of marinara sauce for dipping
- A selection of olives and other antipasti
- A glass of a light Italian red wine
How To Store Rolled bread
This bread is fantastic for leftovers.
- Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf in foil or cling film. It will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days. It makes a fantastic lunchbox addition.
Rolled bread of Parma ham, nice cheese, egg and basil Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, absolutely. Thinly sliced salami, pepperoni, or another favorite Italian cured meat would be a great substitute for the Parma ham. You could also use cooked, crumbled sausage.
Can I make this with store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, for a fantastic shortcut, a 1lb ball of store-bought pizza dough is a perfect substitute for the homemade bread dough. Just let it come to room temperature before you roll it out.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Of course! A delicious vegetarian filling could include a layer of pesto, wilted spinach (squeezed very dry), roasted red peppers, and your favorite cheeses.
Try More Recipes:
- Roasted sweet garlic, bread and almond soup Recipe
- Navajo flatbreads Recipe
- Italian tomato and bread salad Recipe
Rolled bread of Parma ham, nice cheese, egg and basil Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy10
20
minutes35
480
kcalAn impressive and delicious savory stuffed bread, shaped into a ring and filled with Parma ham, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and fresh basil. The perfect centerpiece for a picnic or a light lunch.
Ingredients
1 batch of basic bread dough (approx. 500g)
5 slices of Parma ham
8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
200g mixed cheese (Cheddar, Fontina, etc.), grated
2 handfuls of fresh basil
Optional: sun-dried tomatoes, olives
Directions
- Prepare your bread dough and let it complete its first rise until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 180ºC/350ºF.
- On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a long rectangle (about 1m x 18cm).
- Layer the Parma ham, chopped eggs, cheese, and basil down the center of the dough.
- Roll the dough over the filling to form a long tube, pinching the seam to seal it.
- Curve the tube into a ring shape and pinch the ends firmly together to seal.
- Transfer to a floured baking tray, let it prove for 15 more minutes, then dust with flour.
- Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Using a ready-made pizza dough is a great shortcut for this recipe.
- Ensure the seam and the connection of the ring are very well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- This bread is designed to be eaten at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and packed lunches.
- Feel free to get creative with the fillings; this is a great recipe for using up leftover cheeses and cooked meats.
