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Easy Ham and Cheese Sushi Rolls: Best Lunchbox Idea

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These easy ham and cheese sushi rolls are a quick, kid-friendly lunchbox solution made with simple ingredients like ham, cheese, cream cheese, and sushi rice. They come together in under 20 minutes and are perfect for meal prep, picky eaters, and on-the-go lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice)
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 8 slices deli ham (black forest or honey ham)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or Swiss, provolone, pepper jack)
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed sheets for sushi)
  • Soy sauce (low-sodium, for dipping, optional)
  • Pickled ginger (for serving, optional)
  • Sesame seeds (white or black, for rolling, optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a rice cooker or pot, add water, and cook according to instructions. If using a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
  2. While the rice cooks, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir until sugar dissolves. When rice is done, transfer to a large bowl. Pour vinegar mixture over rice and fold in using a slicing motion. Fan the rice with a piece of cardboard or a book to cool it quickly.
  3. Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on the mat. Fill a small bowl with water and a splash of vinegar. Wet your hands before touching the rice.
  4. Grab about ¾ cup of rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch strip at the top edge bare. The rice layer should be about ¼ inch thick.
  5. Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese in a thin line across the center of the rice. Layer 2 slices of ham on top of the cream cheese, then place half a slice of cheddar cheese over the ham.
  6. Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge of the nori closest to you and fold it over the filling. Tuck gently with your fingers, then continue rolling away from you, applying even pressure. When you reach the bare strip of nori at the top, dab it with a little water to seal the roll. Squeeze the mat gently around the roll to shape it.
  7. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 6 to 8 pieces. Wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between cuts. Arrange pieces on a plate or pack into lunchboxes. Optionally, roll edges in sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy spreading. Wet your knife between cuts for clean slices. Let rolls rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and check ham labels. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days with a slightly damp paper towel over the rolls. Freeze un-sliced rolls for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese sushi rolls, easy sushi recipe, lunchbox ideas, kid-friendly sushi, ham and cheese roll ups, quick lunch, meal prep sushi

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