Ham, cheese, and pink bechamel sauce rolls

Delicious rolls with ham, cheese, and pink béchamel sauce

If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe, you've come to the right place! These rolls with ham and cheese, covered with a pink béchamel sauce, are the perfect choice for a quick dinner or to impress your guests. Using leftover lasagna sheets, you can transform a common ingredient into something truly special. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the rolls:
- 10 lasagna sheets (slightly larger than your palm)
- 10 slices of ham (the same number as the lasagna sheets)
- 10 slices of cheese (the same as the lasagna sheets)
- 100 g grated parmesan (for sprinkling on top)

For the pink béchamel sauce:
- 30 g flour
- 30 g butter
- 400 ml milk
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato passata
- Salt, pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg

Step 1: Preparing the lasagna sheets

The first step is to prepare the lasagna sheets. Boil them in salted water for 2 minutes, just enough to soften, but not so much that they disintegrate. Cook them just right, then remove and transfer them immediately to a bowl of cold water. This will stop the cooking process and keep the pleasant texture of the sheets. Once cooled, place them on baking paper to let excess water drain.

Step 2: Preparing the pink béchamel sauce

While the lasagna sheets are cooling, you can prepare the béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Let it cook for a few minutes until it becomes slightly golden, but be careful not to burn it.

Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Once you've incorporated all the milk, add the tomato passata. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and add nutmeg for a hint of flavor. Finally, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the rolls

Now comes the fun part! Take a lasagna sheet and sprinkle some grated parmesan on it. Then, place a slice of ham and one of cheese. Roll the sheet tightly into a roll. Repeat this process with all the lasagna sheets until they are all filled.

Step 4: Baking the rolls

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Choose a baking dish (I used a 20 cm square one, ideal for this recipe) and add a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom. Place the rolls side by side, then cover them with the remaining béchamel sauce. Don't forget to sprinkle grated parmesan on top for a delicious crust!

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls become golden and appetizing. After removing them from the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes, making them easier to cut.

Step 5: Serving

Serve the rolls warm, perhaps with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables on the side. These rolls are also excellent cold, so don't hesitate to enjoy them the next day!

Practical tips

- Ingredient variations: If you want to experiment, you can also add vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or spinach. You can also use mozzarella cheese instead of cheese for a more elastic texture.
- Storage: These rolls can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, so you can prepare a larger batch and enjoy them in the following days.
- Suitable drinks: These rolls pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or natural tomato juice.

Nutritional benefits

These rolls are not only delicious but also nutritious. The milk in the béchamel sauce provides calcium, while the ham and cheese are excellent sources of protein. Nutmeg, besides adding flavor, can also provide digestive benefits, making it a useful spice in dishes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat lasagna sheets?
Yes, you can use whole wheat lasagna sheets for a healthier version of this dish.

2. What can I do if I don't have tomato passata?
You can use tomato sauce or even ketchup, but choose the additive-free versions for a better taste.

3. Can the rolls be frozen?
Yes, the rolls can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

These rolls with ham, cheese, and pink béchamel sauce are a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I invite you to let these flavors carry you away and discover the joy of cooking! Bon appétit!