Ham and Pickle Roll Ups Recipe

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love These Ham Pickle Roll Ups

If you need a fast snack that feels a little fun but still keeps things simple, Ham Pickle Roll Ups are such a win. They come together in minutes, use a short ingredient list, and work for everything from after-school snacks to party trays. I love recipes like this because they do not ask for much, but they still bring big flavor.

  • Super easy to make: These ham pickle roll ups are a no-cook snack that takes just a few minutes to assemble. You do not need fancy tools or oven time, which makes them perfect for busy parents, students, and working professionals.
  • Low-carb friendly: With ham, cream cheese, and dill pickles, this snack fits well into low-carb and keto-style eating plans. If you are watching carbs, ham and pickle rollups can be a smart grab-and-go option.
  • Big flavor in a small bite: The salty ham, creamy filling, and tangy pickle create that sweet spot of savory, rich, and crunchy. It is a simple combo, but it really stands out.
  • Great for lots of occasions: These roll ups work for lunch boxes, game day trays, road trips, and quick fridge snacks. They are also easy to scale up when you need more servings.

For more simple snack ideas, you may also like easy family-friendly recipes on Kitchen Cooking. And if you are curious about the nutrition side of ham, this guide from Healthline on whether ham is healthy is a helpful read.

These Ham Pickle Roll Ups are the kind of recipe that saves the day when you need something fast, tasty, and crowd-friendly.
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Ingredients for Ham Pickle Roll Ups

Here is everything you need for this easy ham pickle roll ups recipe. I am keeping the ingredient list simple so it is easy to shop and even easier to throw together.

  • 5 slices deli ham, sliced slightly thicker than sandwich slices
  • 3 to 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 5 dill pickle spears, or 10 baby dill pickles if you want to use 2 per roll up
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Substitution tip: If you want to switch things up, try turkey instead of ham, or use whipped cream cheese for an even softer spread. For a little extra zip, you can also add a pinch of black pepper or a light sprinkle of ranch seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ham Pickle Roll Ups

These ham and pickle roll ups are all about keeping things easy. There is no cooking, no baking, and no long wait. Just a few quick steps and you have a snack that tastes like you spent a lot more time on it.

Prep time and serving info

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Chill time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: About 5 roll ups, or more if sliced into bite-sized pieces

How to make them

  1. Lay the slices of deli ham flat on a clean cutting board or work surface.
  2. Make sure the cream cheese is softened so it spreads easily. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over each slice of ham.
  4. Place one dill pickle spear at one end of each ham slice. If you are using baby dill pickles, place 2 pickles per roll up.
  5. Roll the ham tightly around the pickle, starting at the end where the pickle sits.
  6. If needed, secure each roll with a toothpick.
  7. For a party-style appetizer, chill the roll ups for 30 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

If you want a visual cue, think of it like this: ham flat, cream cheese spread, pickle placed at the edge, then a tight roll. That is really all there is to it.

For the best texture, chill the roll ups before serving so the cream cheese firms up and the slices hold together better.

If you like simple lunchbox-friendly ideas, you may also enjoy our quick make-ahead snack recipes.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Ham Pickle Roll Ups

Once you make ham pickle roll ups once, you will see how easy it is to make them your own. A few small tricks can make a big difference, especially if you are making them ahead for guests or meal prep.

Helpful tips

  • Pat the pickles dry: This keeps extra moisture from making the roll ups soggy.
  • Spread the cream cheese thinly: Too much filling can make the rolls harder to close.
  • Roll tightly: A firm roll helps the ham stay wrapped around the pickle.
  • Chill before slicing: This makes the roll ups easier to cut into neat pieces.
  • Use wider ham slices: Slightly thicker deli ham works better than very thin slices because it is less likely to tear.

Easy variations

  • Spicy version: Add a little hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the cream cheese.
  • Herby version: Mix chopped green onions or dill into the cream cheese.
  • Different meat: Swap ham for turkey, roast beef, salami, or prosciutto.
  • Extra tang: Use pickle chips or baby dills if you want a smaller bite.

If you are looking for more easy roll-up ideas, check out our turkey roll-up variations. It is a great way to keep snack time interesting without adding more work.

Nutrition Facts and Storage for Ham Pickle Roll Ups

These ham pickle roll ups are a nice fit for low-carb eating because they are filling without needing bread or crackers. They are also a handy snack when you want something salty, creamy, and satisfying.

Approximate nutrition per roll upAmount
CaloriesAbout 70 to 90
ProteinAbout 4 to 6 grams
CarbsAbout 1 to 2 grams
FatAbout 5 to 7 grams

Storage: Keep ham and pickle roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store them in a single layer so they stay neat. They do not freeze well because the cream cheese and pickles can get watery after thawing.

For a deeper look at pickle nutrition, you can also read WebMD’s guide to the health benefits of pickles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Pickle Roll Ups

How do you make ham and pickle roll ups?

Ham and pickle roll ups are simple to prepare in under 10 minutes. Lay out 10-12 thin slices of deli ham on a flat surface. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese evenly over each slice. Pat dill pickles dry with paper towels, then place one whole pickle (or a few spears) at one end of the ham. Roll the ham tightly around the pickle, starting from the end with the pickle. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Slice into 1-inch pieces for bite-sized appetizers. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to firm up. This yields 40-50 pieces, perfect for parties. Pro tip: Use a mandoline for uniform pickle slices if you prefer smaller rolls. Store extras in an airtight container.

What kind of ham works best for ham pickle roll ups?

Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal for ham pickle roll ups because it wraps easily around the pickles and cream cheese without tearing. Aim for wide, flexible slices about 1/16-inch thick—avoid thick-cut bacon-style ham. Popular choices include honey ham for subtle sweetness, smoked ham for smoky flavor, or black forest ham for a savory tang. Check the deli counter for “shingle” or “sandwich-style” slices. If using pre-packaged, opt for low-sodium varieties to balance the saltiness from pickles. This ensures neat rolls that hold together well. Experiment with Boar’s Head or similar brands for consistent quality. Each 8-10 oz package typically makes 10-12 rolls.

How long do ham pickle roll ups last in the fridge?

Ham pickle roll ups stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Keep them chilled at all times—the cream cheese firms up for better texture. For parties, make them 1 day ahead and slice just before serving. Discard if you notice excess moisture or off odors. They don’t freeze well, as thawing causes the cream cheese and pickles to release water, making them soggy. This makes them great for meal prep snacks, with about 50 calories per slice (based on standard ingredients).

How do you keep ham pickle roll ups from getting soggy?

Prevent sogginess in ham pickle roll ups by patting the pickles thoroughly dry with paper towels before assembly—this removes excess brine. Use full-fat cream cheese spread thinly as a moisture barrier between the ham and pickle. Choose firm dill pickles or spears over softer varieties. Assemble rolls tightly and chill immediately for at least 30 minutes to set the cream cheese. Avoid stacking slices in containers; lay them flat or individually wrapped. For longer storage, skip slicing until serving day. These steps keep the crunch intact for up to 4 days. If prepping for events, dry pickles in advance for efficiency.

Can you use other meats in ham pickle roll ups?

Yes, swap ham for turkey, roast beef, salami, or prosciutto in pickle roll ups—they all work great. Turkey adds a lean, mild flavor; roast beef brings heartiness; salami offers spice. Use thinly sliced deli meats that are wide and pliable, about 10-12 slices per recipe. Spread cream cheese as usual, add the pickle, and roll tightly. Taste-test combinations first, as fattier meats like salami pair well with tangy pickles. This versatility makes them keto-friendly (under 3g net carbs per roll) or gluten-free. Link to our turkey roll-up variations for more ideas. Perfect for customizing to dietary needs or using leftovers.
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Ham Pickle Roll Ups

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🥪 Salty ham wrapped around crunchy dill pickles with creamy cheese – addictive no-cook bites ready in minutes!
🥒 Keto-friendly, low-carb appetizers perfect for parties, game day, or quick snacks that everyone devours!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 25 roll ups

Ingredients

Notes

🧀 Let cream cheese soften at room temp for smooth, even spreading without tearing ham.
🥒 Dry pickles thoroughly to prevent soggy rolls and keep them crisp.
❄️ Chill assembled rolls 15-30 minutes before slicing for clean, neat pinwheels.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Keto, Low-Carb

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll up
  • Calories: 72 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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