If you need a quick appetizer, these are really easy to prepare and will be a huge hit with the whole family. They are perfect for game day, baby showers, cocktail parties, or any fun get-together with friends.
I grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest, and pickle roll-ups were always a part of our holiday snacks. It’s one of those snacks that you think, who in the world first tried this? I’m glad they did, though!
What Are Pickle Roll Ups?
Pickle roll-ups are a quick and delicious appetizer that both adults and kids enjoy as a snack. You only need cream cheese, ham, and pickles to make the basic pickle rollup recipe. However, I added one more seasoning to make these rolls even tastier.
For more finger food recipes, be sure to check out my easy appetizer recipes. The Creamy Crab Pinwheels, Easy Cold Appetizers Finger Food Party Recipes, and Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches are my reader’s favorites.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of these pickle rollups is they only need a few everyday grocery items.
- Cheese: Room-temperature regular cream cheese is best. To warm cream cheese to room temperature, simply place the wrapped cream cheese block in its packaging on the countertop for about 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave it in 10-second intervals until it reaches room temperature.
- Meat: I personally prefer using thinly sliced deli ham for my pickle roll-ups. It’s easy to work with and adds a delicious flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese and pickles. If you prefer, you could substitute the ham for turkey.
- Seasoning: For a simple way to season the cream cheese, I use ranch dressing powder mix. The powder gives a delicious creamy and herby taste to the filling of the ham roll-up.
What Kind of Pickles For Pickle Roll Ups
When making pickle rollups, I recommend using whole dill pickles as they offer a tangy and slightly sour taste that complements the cream cheese and ham perfectly. It’s best to use medium-sized pickles instead of the small Gerkin type to make slicing easier. You can use fresh dill pickles or jared pickles. If you want some heat to the appetizer, make these with sweet & spicy pickles.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Instructions For Making Pickle Roll Ups
- First, take the cream cheese out of the box and let it sit on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to soften. This will make the cheese mixture easier to spread.
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with ranch seasoning mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Next, cut both ends of the pickles and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Lay the ham slices flat on a cutting board and pat them dry too.
- Using a knife or spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slices of ham. Be sure the cream cheese spread is all the way up to the edges of the ham.
- Place a pickle at one end of a ham slice and roll it up tightly. Use a toothpick to hold it together if needed.
- Cut the rolled-up ham into 3/4-inch pieces and place them on a serving platter in an even layer. Continue rolling and cutting the rest of the roll-ups.
Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days before serving.
Tips For Making The Perfect Pickle Roll Ups
- Make sure to pat the pickles and ham slices dry before spreading the cream cheese mixture. This will help the cheese stick better and prevent the roll-ups from becoming soggy.
- Refrigerate the roll-ups for a couple of hours before serving. This will firm up the cream cheese and help them stay together when serving.
Serving Pickle Roll Ups At A Party
To make it easier for guests to pick up their roll-ups, use decorative toothpicks to hold the roll-ups together.
Have a variety of condiment dips in small bowls near the tray. Good dips to serve would be a variety of sweet or spicy mustards or horseradish for guests to go with their ham roll-ups.
I Want To Answer Your Questions & Hear Your Comments
Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.
Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 16 ounces dill pickles, whole with ends trimmed. medium size fresh packed or in jar
- ½ pound ham, deli style thinly sliced
Instructions
- First, take the cream cheese out of the box and let it sit on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes to soften. This will make the cheese mixture easier to spread.8 ounces cream cheese
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with ranch seasoning mix until it’s smooth and creamy.3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- Next, cut both ends of the pickles and pat them dry with a paper towel.16 ounces dill pickles
- Lay the ham slices flat on a cutting board and pat them dry too.½ pound ham
- Using a knife or spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slices of ham. Be sure the cream cheese spread is all the way up to the edges of the ham.
- Place a pickle at the edge of a ham slice and roll it up tightly. Use a toothpick to hold it together if needed.
- Cut the rolled-up ham into 3/4-inch pieces and place them on a serving platter in an even layer. Continue rolling and cutting the rest of the roll-ups.
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days before serving.
Notes
- make sure to pat the pickles and ham slices dry before spreading the cream cheese mixture. This will help the cheese stick better and prevent the roll-ups from becoming soggy.
- refrigerate the roll-ups for at least a couple of hours before serving. This will firm up the cream cheese and help them stay together when serving.