Three Cheese Ham Involtini: A Delicious and Easy Italian-Inspired Recipe
Involtini, meaning “little rolls” in Italian, are a delightful way to elevate simple ingredients into a flavorful and impressive dish. This Three Cheese Ham Involtini recipe is a fantastic example of how a few quality ingredients can combine to create a culinary experience that’s both satisfying and relatively easy to prepare. Imagine tender ham slices wrapped around a creamy, cheesy filling, baked to golden perfection, and served with your favorite pasta or a fresh salad. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even as a party appetizer. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and optional flavorful sauces makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
## What Makes This Recipe Special?
There are several reasons why this Three Cheese Ham Involtini recipe stands out:
* **Flavor Explosion:** The blend of three different cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan – creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Ricotta adds creaminess and tang, mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture, and Parmesan offers a sharp, salty bite.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive presentation, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. The steps are straightforward, and the preparation time is minimal.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to your preferences. You can experiment with different types of ham, cheeses, and sauces to create your own unique variations.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The involtini look elegant and appealing, making them a great choice for entertaining guests.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the involtini ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Ham Slices:** 12-16 slices of cooked ham (about 1/4 inch thick). Prosciutto can also be used for a saltier variation.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 1 cup, whole milk ricotta cheese, drained.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Sauce:** 1-2 cups of your favorite tomato sauce, marinara sauce, pesto, or cream sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Three Cheese Ham Involtini every time:
**1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:**
* In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
* Add the lightly beaten egg, chopped parsley, and minced garlic.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
* Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
**2. Assemble the Involtini:**
* Lay a slice of ham on a clean work surface.
* Place a generous spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cheese filling onto the center of the ham slice.
* Carefully roll the ham slice around the filling, creating a small roll or involtino. Make sure the filling is securely enclosed.
* Repeat this process with the remaining ham slices and cheese filling.
**3. Prepare for Baking:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the involtini from sticking to the dish.
* Optional: Spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce (tomato, marinara, pesto, or cream sauce) on the bottom of the baking dish. This adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
**4. Bake the Involtini:**
* Arrange the assembled involtini in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down. This helps to keep them from unraveling during baking.
* Optional: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the involtini.
* Optional: Top the involtini with additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the involtini are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The ham should be lightly browned.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the involtini cool slightly before serving.
* Serve the Three Cheese Ham Involtini hot, with your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne), a side salad, or crusty bread.
* Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added freshness and visual appeal.
## Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to customize this Three Cheese Ham Involtini recipe:
* **Cheese Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Fontina, provolone, or Gruyere would all be delicious additions or substitutions. Consider the melting properties and flavor profiles of each cheese when making your choices.
* **Ham Variations:** Instead of cooked ham, you can use prosciutto, pancetta, or even thinly sliced turkey breast. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some cured meats are saltier than others.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese filling for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the filling to remove excess moisture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese filling for a subtle kick of heat.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme in the cheese filling. Fresh herbs are always preferable, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
* **Sauce Options:** The choice of sauce can significantly impact the overall flavor of the dish. Tomato sauce or marinara sauce provides a classic Italian flavor, while pesto adds a fresh, herbaceous note. A creamy Alfredo sauce can create a richer, more decadent dish. You can also try using a mushroom cream sauce or a roasted red pepper sauce.
* **Make-Ahead Instructions:** You can assemble the involtini up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the involtini from drying out. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assembled, unbaked involtini can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking. Note that the texture of the ricotta cheese may change slightly after freezing.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Ensure that the ham and any sauce you use are gluten-free. Serve the involtini with gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free side dish.
## Serving Suggestions
Three Cheese Ham Involtini is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
* **Pasta:** Serve with your favorite pasta shape tossed in a simple tomato sauce, pesto, or cream sauce.
* **Salad:** Pair with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a Caprese salad would be excellent choices.
* **Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
* **Bread:** Offer crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Appetizer:** Cut the involtini into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
Note: This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Three Cheese Ham Involtini recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s relatively quick and easy to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The creamy cheese filling, savory ham, and optional flavorful sauce create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking and experiment with different ingredients.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use different types of ham?**
A: Yes, you can use prosciutto, pancetta, or thinly sliced turkey breast instead of cooked ham. Keep in mind that some cured meats are saltier than others, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the involtini up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the involtini from drying out. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
**Q: Can I freeze the involtini?**
A: Yes, assembled, unbaked involtini can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking. Note that the texture of the ricotta cheese may change slightly after freezing.
**Q: What kind of sauce should I use?**
A: You can use your favorite tomato sauce, marinara sauce, pesto, or cream sauce. The choice of sauce can significantly impact the overall flavor of the dish.
**Q: Can I add vegetables to the filling?**
A: Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese filling. Sauté the vegetables lightly before adding them to the filling to remove excess moisture.
**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the ham and any sauce you use are gluten-free. Serve the involtini with gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free side dish.
**Q: How do I prevent the involtini from unraveling during baking?**
A: Arrange the assembled involtini in the prepared baking dish seam-side down. This helps to keep them from unraveling during baking.
**Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?**
A: Yes, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
## Conclusion
This Three Cheese Ham Involtini recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a taste of Italy. The combination of creamy cheese, savory ham, and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this delicious and versatile dish!