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Easy Ham and Cheese Sushi Rolls: Perfect Lunchbox Idea

ham and cheese sushi rolls - featured image

These quick and easy ham and cheese sushi rolls are a perfect lunchbox idea, using cream cheese as a binder instead of rice for a creamy, no-fuss roll that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 nori (seaweed) sheets
  • 4 slices deli ham (honey ham or black forest ham)
  • 4 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Swiss)
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • Optional: thinly sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, honey mustard, thin apple slices, baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare your work surface. Lay a sheet of nori shiny side down on your cutting board.
  2. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwaving for 10 seconds.
  3. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over the entire nori sheet, leaving a half-inch border at the top edge.
  4. Place a slice of ham flat on the bottom third of the nori sheet, closest to you. Top with a slice of cheese, slightly overlapping if needed. Add any optional extras now.
  5. Using your thumbs and fingers, lift the edge of the nori closest to you and fold it over the filling. Tuck gently but firmly, then continue rolling away from you, applying even pressure.
  6. When you reach the exposed border at the top, dab a tiny bit of water on the edge with your finger to seal the roll. Press gently and let it sit seam-side down for a minute.
  7. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into bite-sized pieces (about 6 to 8 pieces per roll). Wipe the knife with a damp paper towel between slices for clean cuts.
  8. Arrange the slices in a lunchbox or on a plate. Store in an airtight container for up to two days in the fridge.

Notes

For cleanest cuts, chill the roll for 5 minutes before slicing. If nori feels brittle, lightly toast it over a gas flame or in a dry pan for a few seconds. Keep rolls covered with a damp paper towel while working to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese sushi rolls, lunchbox sushi, easy sushi rolls, no-rice sushi, kid-friendly sushi, ham and cheese roll-ups