Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Comfort of Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about the simple pleasure of a Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibes it brings from lazy weekend afternoons or the way the creamy, tangy, and savory elements come together in perfect harmony. I remember the first time I made this—what caught me was the contrast between the softness of the ham and cream cheese and the crisp pop of the baby dill pickle. It’s like a little party on your palate with every single bite.

You’ll notice how effortless this recipe feels, yet it delivers such a satisfying richness without being too heavy. It’s one of those dishes that’s great to bring to a casual gathering or whip up as a quick snack for yourself. I love how it keeps well too, so you can prepare it ahead and enjoy it throughout the day or next day without any fuss.

What makes this Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe so special is how these few simple ingredients transform into something that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh. I’m excited to walk you through it, so you’ll get to enjoy every velvety, lightly crisp, and aromatic bite just like I do.

Ingredient Guide

• 2 lbs medium-sliced deli ham: Choose Black Forest or honey ham for a smoky-sweet richness. Feel free to swap for turkey if you want a lighter touch.
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base that binds and balances the tang of the pickle—bring it to room temp for smooth spreading.
• 12 whole baby dill pickles: Firm and crunchy pickles are a must. Their briny snap contrasts beautifully with the softness of ham and cream cheese.
• Optional flavor boosts: Half a teaspoon of garlic powder or a few dashes of hot sauce add a subtle kick and depth.
• Optional fresh add-ins: Chopped fresh dill, shredded cheddar, or sliced green onions add freshness, bite, or richness—choose your favorites or combine!

Prep Before You Begin

Before you dive in, it really pays off to have your mise en place perfectly ready. I always like to soften the cream cheese first—it makes spreading so effortless. Next, patting the baby dill pickles dry is a crucial step; excess moisture is the enemy of crisp, clean roll-ups. Keep everything close by and work on a clean surface—it’ll speed the process and keep things neat.

How to Make Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe

1. Dry the pickles: Using paper towels, gently but thoroughly pat each baby dill pickle to remove all excess moisture. This step is what keeps the roll-ups from turning soggy—trust me, it makes all the difference. You’ll want the crunch to shine.
2. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and velvety. Mix in any optional flavor boosters—garlic powder or hot sauce—to your taste. If you’re going for fresh herbs or cheese, fold them in now so every bite is packed with exciting layers.
🚀

Expert Tips to Nail It

Small adjustments that make a big difference in texture, timing, and flavor so your Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe turns out reliably amazing.

3. Assemble the rolls: Lay each ham slice flat on your workspace. Spread a thin, steady layer of cream cheese mixture evenly across the ham—it should coat without overwhelming. Place a dried pickle at one end, then roll tightly to form a log. Don’t be shy about a snug roll; it holds together better and slices more neatly.
4. Chill before slicing: Place all the rolls on a plate and pop them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This chill time firms everything up, making those delicate slices clean and easy. Plus, serving them chilled really enhances the fresh, velvety mouthfeel.
5. Slice and serve: Grab a sharp knife and cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange these golden little cylinders on a serving platter. You can enjoy them chilled or let them come up to room temperature—it’s wonderful either way. I love how the aroma of dill and ham wakes up as they warm a bit.

Creative Variations for Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe

• Add a touch of honey mustard inside for a sweet tang to complement the salty ham.
• Swap baby dill pickles for pepperoncini for a spicier, slightly smoky twist.
• Mix in finely chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Use flavored cream cheese, like chive or garden vegetable, to give extra depth without extra effort.
• Top your roll-ups with a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving for a subtle smoky aroma.
• Try wrapping asparagus spears inside before rolling for a seasonal crunch and freshness.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover roll-ups tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day snacks or lunchboxes.
• Freeze: I recommend skipping freezing as the texture of the cream cheese and pickle may suffer, but if needed, freeze wrapped individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: These roll-ups are best served chilled or at room temperature—warming can make the cream cheese too soft and the pickle soggy, so keep reheating minimal or off the table.

Ham & Pickle Roll-Ups Recipe FAQs

• Can I use other meats instead of ham? Absolutely. Turkey or roast beef make excellent alternatives, but ham’s smoky-sweet flavor is a classic for a reason.
• What if I don’t have baby dill pickles? Slice larger pickles lengthwise to match a similar size, or try crunchy pickled green beans for a fun variation.
• How do I keep the roll-ups from getting soggy? Patting the pickles dry and chilling the rolls before slicing are key. Avoid prepping too far in advance without refrigeration.
• Can I make these vegan? Sure! Use vegan deli slices and dairy-free cream cheese, plus your favorite crunchy pickles or veggies.
• What’s the best way to slice roll-ups evenly? Use a sharp serrated or chef’s knife and, if chilled well, the slices come out clean without squashing the roll.

Print