If you’re looking for a snack that combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, bringing together the smooth richness of cream cheese, the salty pop of olives, and the crisp zing of dill pickles wrapped in tender deli ham. It’s simple to make, requires no cooking, and is perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy appetizer spreads. Once you try these delightful roll ups, they’ll become your go-to easy snack whenever guests come knocking or you want a quick bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this recipe’s irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Each component is straightforward but plays a crucial role—cream cheese makes it rich and creamy, olives add that briny depth, pickles bring a refreshing crunch and zing, and deli ham wraps everything up in a protein-packed package that holds it all together.
- 8 oz. cream cheese (1 brick, softened): Use softened cream cheese for an easy spread, or try a flavored variety to switch things up.
- ¼ cup diced olives (green or black): Adds a salty punch that perfectly complements the cream cheese.
- ¼ cup diced dill pickles: Brings a bright, tangy crunch that livens up every bite.
- 1 green onion (finely sliced): Offers a subtle sharpness and fresh color to the mix.
- 10 slices deli ham: The savory wrap that holds all those delicious flavors together.
How to Make Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed until it becomes perfectly smooth. This is key for an easy spread and creamy texture. Then add the diced olives, pickles, and finely sliced green onion. Mix again until everything is evenly combined, creating a flavorful filling that’s bursting with savory and tangy notes.
Step 2: Spread on Ham Slices
Lay each slice of deli ham flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Carefully spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture across the entire slice from edge to edge. This ensures every bite will be full of that creamy, zesty goodness.
Step 3: Roll Into Tight Logs
Once spread, roll each ham slice tightly into a neat log. Rolling firmly but gently helps keep the filling inside without squeezing it out. Transfer these logs to a plate as they’re finished, line them up ready for chilling.
Step 4: Chill Before Slicing
Cover the plate with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cream cheese firm up and the flavors meld beautifully, making the roll ups easier to slice and serve later.
Step 5: Slice Into Perfect Bites
After the chilling period, take the rolls out and slice each log into 1-inch thick pieces. These bite-sized rounds are perfectly snackable and look charming on any serving platter. Arrange them with care and get ready for compliments!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately or keep chilled until it’s snack time. These ham roll ups are perfect for parties, quick snacks, or even packed lunches that need a fun twist. Dig in and savor the combination of creamy, salty, and tangy flavors all rolled into one.
How to Serve Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can take these ham roll ups from simple to stunning. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A tiny dab of paprika or a light drizzle of olive oil can add visual appeal and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll ups with crisp vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, or cucumber for a refreshing crunch. They also go wonderfully alongside a simple green salad or a light soup for an easy lunch or appetizer combo that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try placing the sliced rolls on a colorful platter with contrasting greens or edible flowers. Stack them in a pyramid or arrange them in a circular flower pattern. You can even skewer the pieces with decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go finger food at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ham roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack or party appetizer you can prep in advance.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as the texture of cream cheese and pickles can change dramatically after thawing, leading to a soggy or watery filling. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since these roll ups are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Simply remove them from the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off, and they’re ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese instead of plain?
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheeses like garlic and herb or chive can add an extra dimension of flavor and make the roll ups even more interesting. Just ensure it spreads smoothly.
What type of olives works best in this recipe?
Both green and black olives work wonderfully. Green olives provide a sharper, slightly tangier taste, while black olives add a milder, earthy flavor. Choose your favorite or even mix both for variety.
Are there any good alternatives to dill pickles?
If you want a different tang, bread-and-butter pickles or even pepperoncini can work nicely. They’ll change the flavor profile a bit, but the crunch and zestiness will remain.
Can I make the roll ups vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ham with large slices of roasted or grilled vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, though the flavor and texture will be different. You can also try using large tortilla wraps for a meat-free version.
How far in advance can I prepare these roll ups?
You can prepare and assemble the roll ups up to a day ahead. Just keep them tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about these Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe. They’re straightforward to make, pack a punch of flavor, and elegantly simple to serve. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving a delicious snack, these roll ups bring a fun, tasty twist that’s hard to beat. Give them a try—you might just find a new favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal.
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Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 30 roll ups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ham Roll Ups are a quick, no-cook appetizer featuring creamy, flavorful cream cheese mixed with olives, dill pickles, and green onions, all rolled into tender deli ham slices. Perfect for parties or snacks, they are easy to prepare and served chilled.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese (1 brick, softened, use a flavored cream cheese if you prefer)
- ¼ cup diced olives (green or black)
- ¼ cup diced dill pickles
- 1 green onion (finely sliced)
Main
- 10 slices deli ham
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then add the diced olives, diced dill pickles, and finely sliced green onion. Continue mixing on medium speed until everything is evenly combined.
- Spread the filling on ham slices: Lay a slice of deli ham flat on a clean cutting board. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly from edge to edge on the ham slice.
- Roll the ham slices: Carefully roll the ham slice tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Transfer the rolled ham to a plate.
- Repeat for all slices: Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining ham slices until all are filled and rolled.
- Chill the rolls: Cover the plate with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the rolls firm up and flavors meld.
- Slice the rolls: Remove the chilled rolls from the fridge and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized roll ups.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the sliced ham roll ups on a serving platter and enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb or chive for extra taste variations.
- Substitute olives or pickles based on your preference or omit if desired.
- Make the rolls a few hours ahead for best flavor and convenience.
- Keep the rolls chilled until serving to maintain firmness.
- These roll ups do not require cooking and are perfect for quick gatherings.
