Three Cheese Ham Involtini Recipe

Experience a low-carb twist on classic stuffed pasta with these delicious Three Cheese Ham Involtini, affectionately called "Hamelloni". By replacing traditional pasta with thin slices of smoked ham, this recipe boosts protein while keeping the dish satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cups sliced brown or white mushrooms
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 4 slices smoked ham
• cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for topping

Filling

• 12 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• ounce finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (approximately cup packed)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and gather all ingredients.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add mushrooms, diced onion, and a generous pinch of salt. Saut occasionally until the mushrooms turn golden and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create a small space in the center of the skillet, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Season with black pepper, cayenne, and additional salt if needed.

Step 4: Transfer the sauted vegetables to a baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, grated Monterey Jack, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Divide the cheese filling evenly among the slices of ham. Roll each slice into a neat tube.

Step 7: Place the rolled ham on top of the vegetable base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through. Avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy.

Step 9: Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Top with your favorite sauce, similar to baked cannelloni, for added flavor.
• Swap smoked ham with smoked turkey for a lighter variation.
• Use mozzarella instead of Monterey Jack cheese for a milder taste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 381
• Total Fat: 26g (33% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (61% DV)
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24% DV)
• Sodium: 1164mg (51% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 13g (5% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Protein: 25g (49% DV)
• Potassium: 468mg (10% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Adjust according to your dietary needs.