Elevate your snack and appetizer game with the deliciousness of Ham and Pickle Roll Ups! These delicious wrapped pickles are made with three simple ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that's sure to please. Rediscover the timeless joy of uncomplicated snacking with ham and pickle rolls with cream cheese. Enjoy the recipe that brings together a classic trio in a delightful new way.
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What makes ham and pickle roll ups the perfect classic recipe?
Way before folks were counting carbs, breadless meat roll ups were the 'it' party appetizers. Just how many extra-wide ties and peasant tops these juicy bites ruined, we'll never know, but we do know that, despite making somewhat questionable fashion choices, the folks in the 70s had good taste when it came to food.
Sometimes called Rednec, Midwest, or Minnesota Sushi because of their similarity in appearance to the Japanese dish, the ingredient list of ham, pickles, and cream cheese may seem odd at first, but don't get scared off. Once combined, the result is a rich and savory snack with the perfect amount of zing.
Anyone who enjoys a good ham sandwich with a hearty pickle on the side will love these roll ups.
Why you'll love this recipe
Carbs aren't exactly evil, but eating too many isn't the best way to stay healthy. These ham and dill pickle roll ups are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly to boot.
But at the end of the day, their uniqueness, no-hassle preparation, minimal prep time, and the numerous ways you can customize the taste make these Ham Pickle Rollups a must-try recipe.
Ham and pickle midwest sushi ingredients
To make these vintage appetizers, you'll need:
- Deli-style ham
- Cream cheese
- Pickles
Ingredient Notes
Any deli-style ham will work for this ham roll ups recipe, but most people prefer Black Forest, Virginia, tavern-style, or honey ham.
So, whole pickles or pickle spears? Folks make them both ways, and it comes down to preference. Whole pickles make thicker rolls that may be a bit too tangy for some people. However, the strongly flavored ham or cream cheese can overwhelm the taste of pickle spears.
Regular or whipped cream cheese? Either will work. Whipped doesn't need to be softened before spreading it.
If you are concerned about carbs, go with dill or salt-cured pickles that are naturally lower in sugar. But feel free to choose your favorite style and preferred pickle brands.
How to make ham and pickle roll ups
To prepare ham pickle roll ups:
- Place the cream cheese on the counter to come up to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, blot as much moisture from the slices of ham as you can with a paper towel.
- Lay a slice of ham on your work surface and spread a thin layer of softened cream evenly across the entire
- Dry the pickle with paper towels and place it just below the middle of the cream cheese-covered slice of ham.
- Roll the ham slice around the pickle. The cream cheese will help the ham stick to the pickle.
- Cut the roll up into three-quarters of an inch rounds and secure each round with a toothpick.
- Place the pickle wraps on a serving tray. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it if not serving immediately.
Recipe variations
Besides using different pickles and types of ham, there are a lot of ways to customize these cream cheese roll ups. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use different deli meat. Roast beef, corned beef, and turkey are excellent options.
- Go with a flavored cream cheese. Scallion, chive, or dill cream cheese are all tasty varieties of cream cheese spread. Or stir in some dry ranch seasoning into the cream cheese.
- Add bacon bits. Sprinkle some bacon bits on top of the cream cheese before adding the pickle.
- Skip the pickle. Not a pickle person? Replace it with a cucumber spear, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts.
- Replace the cream cheese with another cheesy spread. Boursin cheese, Laughing Cow, and Pimento Cheese will all add new flavors to the dish.
What to serve with ham and dill pickle roll ups?
A platter of Redneck Sushi is a standout appetizer on its own, roll ups pair well with most of your other favorites.
Since they are both tangy and creamy, roll ups pair exceptionally well with fried, spicy food, like hot wings and jalapeno poppers.
You can also keep things old school with more nostalgic hors d'oeuvres such as 7-Layer Salad or 24-Hour Fruit Salad.
If you don't feel like cooking, bowls of mixed nuts and a variety of olives add a bit of class and are as easy as opening a jar.
How store ham and dill pickle roll ups
Put the roll ups in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.
How long do they last?
Moisture is the enemy of these pinwheels and can ruin the roll ups. But if you did a good job drying the ham and pickles, any leftovers can last two to three days in the fridge. However, if you are planning to serve them to guests, try limiting the fridge time to only a few hours for the best taste.
More Vintage Appetizer Recipes
Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 dill pickle spears
Instructions
- Place the ham on a cutting board and blot off any excess moisture.
- Spread the cream cheese over each slice of ham and top with a dill pickle spear.
- Roll up the ham, slice into bite-size pieces, and fasten with a toothpick.
Marc says
I haven't had these in a long time. Thank you!