A great low carb snack or simple appetizer with just 3 ingredients that are my family's party favorite! These roll-ups are so fast and easy make for the pickle lovers in your family!
Today, I'm sharing my go-to party appetizer that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser: ham and pickle roll-ups.
Seriously, these are SO easy to make, and they disappear in a flash every time. Plus, with just three ingredients, they're a total budget-friendly win!
Why My Family Adores These Pickle Wraps
Somehow we have a HUGE family now with our 3 kids, their significant others, their kids and now even the inlaws from other families!
Throwing a party can be super expensive at this point, but these roll-ups are a cheap and easy way to make lots of appetizers that everyone loves!
- Low-carb goodness: This is an easy recipe for those watching their carbs or just looking for a lighter snack.
- Flavor explosion: The salty ham, tangy pickle, and creamy cheese are a match made in heaven.
- Kid-approved: Even my picky eaters gobble these up!
- Party-perfect: They look so pretty on a platter, and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Ham and Pickle Rolls Recipe (Printable Recipe Card Below)
Here are all my tips and ideas for making these tangy-creamy rolls!
Super Simple Ingredients
There are only 3 ingredients in this super easy peasy “minnesota sushi” appetizer recipe! My hubs (a Minn-a-snow-ta native) told me that funny name!
- 8 slices of ham: I prefer the rectangular deli ham slices, but any kind will work.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: This is half a block of cream cheese, make sure to get it to room temperature for easier spreading before you start assembling your pickle pinwheels. You can swap out whipped cream cheese or Neufchâtel (a kind of reduced-fat cream cheese) to lower the calories.
- 3 dill pickle spears, cut into thirds: Dill is classic, but get adventurous if you like!
Tools Needed
- Butter knife
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Toothpicks
Directions
Making these ham roll ups is so easy you can probably just follow along with the pictures (but I do have a printable recipe below!)
Prep your ham: Lay your ham slices out flat on the cutting board. Spread about half an ounce of cream cheese onto each slice. Don't be skimpy – a good layer of cream cheese is essential!
Pickle power: Cut each pickle spear into thirds, and place one piece at the narrow edge of each ham slice.
Roll it up: Carefully roll the ham slice over the pickle, tucking it in as you go. It should look like a cute little pinwheel.
Toothpick trick: Secure each roll with 4 toothpicks, spaced evenly apart. This will help them keep their shape and make them easy to grab.
Chop them up: You are going to cut between the toothpicks to make the individual pickle roll-ups.
Chill and serve: Pop those roll-ups on a tray covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. This also lets the flavors meld together even more.
Ham and Pickle Cream Cheese Rollups
A great low carb snack or appetizer with just 3 ingredients that are my family's party favorite! These roll-ups are so fast and easy make for the pickle lovers in your family!
Ingredients
- 8 slices ham (rectangle shape)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 pickle spears, cut into thirds
Instructions
Lay the slices of ham flat on a cutting board or mat, and spread ½ oz of cream cream cheese over each slice.
Cut each pickle spear into thirds, and lay one at the narrow edge of each ham slice.
Roll the ham slice up over the pickle, until it meets the other end of the slice.
Insert 4 toothpicks into the roll, and cut in between each toothpick, making 4 appetizers out of each ham roll.
Refrigerate for 1 hour, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
32Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 203mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g
Tips and tricks:
- Get creative: Try different flavors of cream cheese (chive and onion is delicious!) or add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Sometimes I spice things up with baby dills or bread and butter pickles OR swapping out the ham for roast beef!
- Make-ahead magic: These easy ham pickle roll ups can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container, so they're perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Serving suggestions: Arrange them on a platter with some grapes and crackers for a simple yet elegant appetizer spread.
- Show them off: You can serve these in cute dishes like these that I set around the house or make up a fancy serving tray with fresh dill sprinkled over them as a garnish (my peeps don't care about that, but yours might!)
The Perfect Party Appetizer Wrapup
I hope you and your loved ones enjoy these tasty ham and pickle roll-ups as much as my family does! I got this “recipe” from my mother in law… it is a midwest thing!
Let me know in the comments if you give them a try, and feel free to share your own variations!
Here are some more midwest recipes that you might like making!
- My Mom's 1980s Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- How To Make The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich EVER!
- Easy Ranch Dressing and Cream Cheese Party Dip