If you are searching for a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that never fails to impress, this Ham Roll Ups Recipe is your new best friend. These little bites are packed with creamy, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped perfectly in tender slices of ham, making them a hit at parties, brunches, or even as a quick snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients and no cooking involved, these roll ups come together quickly while delivering a mouthwatering result that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ham Roll Ups Recipe plays a special role, combining smooth creaminess, briny zest, and fresh crunch to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. The simplicity of these ingredients also means you likely have many of them on hand already.
- 8 oz. cream cheese: Softened to spread easily, this forms a rich and creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- ¼ cup diced olives: Choose green or black for a salty pop that brightens each bite.
- ¼ cup diced dill pickles: Adds a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 1 green onion: Finely sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a hint of color and sharpness.
- 10 slices deli ham: Acts as the flavorful and tender wrapper that holds the whole roll up.
How to Make Ham Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer until it’s fluffy and smooth. This creates a spreadable base that’s light but rich. Next, add in your diced olives, dill pickles, and finely sliced green onion. Mix everything together until the flavors are evenly distributed and you get a colorful, tasty filling that’s packed with a little bit of everything.
Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Lay out a slice of deli ham on your cutting board. Using a butter knife or spatula, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire slice from edge to edge. This ensures every bite is loaded with flavor and the roll ups will hold together neatly after rolling.
Step 3: Roll It Up Tightly
Carefully roll the ham slice into a tight log, making sure to keep the filling snug inside. A tight roll means better presentation and easier slicing later on. Place each finished roll on a plate as you go.
Step 4: Chill the Rolls
Once all the ham slices are rolled, cover the plate with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cream cheese set, making it easier to slice the rolls into uniform pieces without losing their shape.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After chilling, use a sharp knife to slice the rolls into one-inch pieces. Lay them out on a serving platter and get ready for the compliments to roll in as everyone enjoys these tasty, easy-to-eat Ham Roll Ups.
How to Serve Ham Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Ham Roll Ups look irresistible, add garnishes like fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and added flavor. A small dollop of mustard or a tiny pickle spear on top of each piece can also elevate the presentation and provide another flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This Ham Roll Ups Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh crisp veggies such as cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks. A simple green salad or a bowl of mixed nuts can also complement the creamy, savory rolls perfectly during any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your roll ups on a beautiful platter lined with lettuce leaves or kale. You can also serve them in small ramekins with toothpicks for easy grabbing at your next party. If you want to take it up a notch, create a themed platter with complementary cheeses and crackers alongside your roll ups for a sophisticated appetizer board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store any uneaten ham roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them excellent for next-day snacks or quick additions to a lunchbox.
Freezing
Because these roll ups rely on fresh cream cheese and deli ham, freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and taste negatively. For the best quality, enjoy them fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
Since this Ham Roll Ups Recipe is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine fully.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cream cheese for this Ham Roll Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheese such as garlic & herb or chive varieties can add an extra layer of flavor, but be mindful of balancing the other ingredients to avoid overpowering the filling.
What if I don’t have olives or pickles?
If olives or pickles aren’t available, chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can be a delicious alternative to add texture and tanginess to the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the deli ham for large slices of roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or use a vegetarian deli meat alternative to keep the same rolling technique and cream cheese filling.
How far in advance can I prepare these Ham Roll Ups?
You can prepare and roll up the ham slices up to a day in advance. Just be sure to keep them covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the roll ups without squishing them?
Use a sharp serrated knife and slice slowly with a gentle sawing motion. Chilling the rolls first is key to firm up the filling and help keep the shape intact while cutting.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about whipping up this Ham Roll Ups Recipe whenever you need a quick, flavorful bite that everyone loves. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly flexible to suit your taste or occasion. Give it a try soon—once you taste that creamy, savory filling wrapped in ham, you’ll be hooked just like me!
Print
Ham Roll Ups 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
Delicious and easy Ham Roll Ups featuring cream cheese mixed with olives, pickles, and green onions, wrapped in deli ham slices. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these no-cook roll ups are simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
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 Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add diced olives, diced dill pickles, and finely sliced green onion, then mix again on medium speed until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Spread the Mixture on Ham: Lay one slice of deli ham flat on a clean cutting board. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly from edge to edge of the ham slice.
- Roll the Ham: Carefully roll the ham slice into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. Transfer the roll to a plate.
- Repeat Rolling: Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining ham slices until all are rolled.
- Chill: Cover the plate with the rolled ham and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and rolls to firm up.
- Slice the Rolls: Remove from the refrigerator and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized roll ups.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced roll ups on a serving platter and enjoy immediately as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute plain cream cheese with flavored varieties like garlic and herb or garden vegetable for extra flavor.
- Using firm deli ham slices works best for easy rolling without tearing.
- Chilling the rolls is important to help the cream cheese firm up and hold its shape when sliced.
- These roll ups can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers or shredded cheese to customize filling.
