If you are looking for a delightful, crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances creamy, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite, you will absolutely adore this Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe. These little pinwheels are not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Each roll-up combines tender deli ham wrapped around a luscious blend of cream cheese studded with briny olives, crunchy pickles, and a hint of fresh green onion. Perfect for parties, snacks, or just a fun finger food fix, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and texture that is irresistibly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect bite. Their simplicity ensures that the flavors shine without any fuss, making this a perfect go-to whenever you want effortless taste and texture.
- 8 oz. cream cheese (1 brick, softened): The creamy, smooth base that binds all the flavors together; softened cream cheese spreads easily for the perfect texture.
- ¼ cup diced olives (green or black): Adds a briny punch and a hint of saltiness that complements the richness of the cream cheese beautifully.
- ¼ cup diced dill pickles: Brings a satisfying crunch with a zesty, tangy kick that livens up each roll.
- 1 green onion (finely sliced): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color for visual appeal.
- 10 slices deli ham: The tender, salty wrap-around that holds all the goodness inside, creating a perfect handheld treat.
How to Make Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and use a hand mixer to beat it on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base that will hold the olives, pickles, and green onion together perfectly. Once smooth, add the diced olives, pickles, and sliced green onion to the bowl. Mix again on medium speed until everything is evenly combined, ensuring those tasty chunks are distributed throughout.
Step 2: Spread the Filling on Ham Slices
Lay out one slice of deli ham on a clean cutting board. Using a spatula or knife, spread a generous layer of your creamy mixture across the entire surface of the ham from edge to edge. This ensures every bite has an equal amount of that tangy, savory filling packing a flavorful punch.
Step 3: Roll into Tight Logs
Once your ham slice is fully covered with the cream cheese filling, carefully roll it up from one end to the other into a tight cylinder or log shape. Make sure the roll is snug but not overly tight to keep its shape when sliced later. Transfer the rolled ham to a plate for the next step.
Step 4: Repeat for Remaining Slices
Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining ham slices and filling until all the ingredients are used up. By doing this one slice at a time, you ensure every roll-up is as fresh and perfectly filled as the last.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Cover the plate with plastic wrap or transfer the rolls to an airtight container. Chill the rolls in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the cream cheese mixture to firm up, making the rolls easier to slice and helping the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Slice Into Pinwheels
After chilling, take the rolls out and slice each one into approximately 1-inch pieces. These perfect bite-sized pinwheels show off the colorful filling swirls and are ready for your guests or family to enjoy!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange these delightful Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe pinwheels on a dish, and watch them disappear fast. They make an excellent snack, appetizer, or party platter addition that always gets compliments.
How to Serve Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, consider sprinkling a touch of paprika or freshly chopped parsley over the plate for a splash of color and an inviting aroma. A few extra olive slices or pickle chips on the side can also add charm and hint at the flavors inside the rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with classic sides like a crisp green salad, some crunchy vegetable sticks with ranch dip, or a small bowl of mixed nuts to create a well-rounded snack or light meal. Their savory profile complements fresh, simple sides that balance richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party platter, arrange the pinwheels on a large wooden board with clusters of grapes, cherry tomatoes, and cheese cubes nearby. Or, serve them on skewers threaded with a fresh basil leaf for a fun finger-food experience that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While these roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to one month. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Reheating
Since this recipe is served cold, reheating is not necessary. Simply take the chilled roll-ups straight from the fridge for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb or chive adds an extra layer of deliciousness that pairs wonderfully with the olives and pickles.
Is there a way to make these roll-ups gluten-free?
Yes, since this recipe only uses ham and cream cheese without bread, it is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your deli ham is gluten-free and does not contain any additives with gluten.
Can I prepare these roll-ups a day ahead?
Definitely. Preparing the Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe a day in advance allows the flavors to meld even better. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until serving.
What can I substitute for green onions if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have green onions, you can substitute finely chopped chives or mild shallots for a similar fresh onion flavor and color.
Are these roll-ups kid-friendly?
Yes, they are great for kids who enjoy creamy and savory bites. Just make sure the pickles and olives are cut small enough and not too overpowering in flavor for younger palates.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese, Olives, and Pickles Recipe. It’s one of those easy recipes that bring so much joy with minimal effort, perfect for sharing with friends and family during any occasion. Once you try it, these tasty pinwheels might just become your new favorite go-to appetizer or snack for when you want something quick, delicious, and irresistibly fun to eat. Give them a whirl and watch them vanish from the plate!
Print
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 and delicious appetizer featuring creamy, flavored cream cheese combined with diced olives, pickles, and green onions, all rolled up in savory deli ham. Perfect for parties or snack time, they require no cooking and come together in just minutes.
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
Wrap
- 10 slices deli ham
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the diced olives, diced dill pickles, and finely sliced green onion, then mix again on medium speed until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the roll-ups: Lay one slice of deli ham flat on a cutting board. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly from edge to edge over the ham slice.
- Roll the ham: Starting from one edge, roll the ham slice tightly into a log shape and transfer it to a plate.
- Repeat rolling: Continue the process with the remaining ham slices until all are rolled with the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill: Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ham rolls for at least 1 hour to firm up, making them easier to slice.
- Slice the roll-ups: Remove the rolls from the fridge and slice each roll into 1-inch thick pieces to create bite-sized roll-ups.
- Serve and enjoy: Arrange the sliced ham roll-ups on a serving platter and serve chilled or at room temperature as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute flavored cream cheese such as garlic and herb or chive for added flavor.
- Try different kinds of olives like kalamata or stuffed olives for variety.
- These roll-ups can be made a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium deli ham and rinse the olives and pickles before dicing.
- Serve with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
