Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for ham roll ups, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Ham – These are the “wrapper”. Choose ham slices that are thick enough to avoid tearing but thin enough to roll up. I recommend getting ones without added nitrates or nitrites. You can also swap this with other deli meats — see my variations below. And if you’ve got extra ham, you can use it to make my deviled ham salad or chef salad. Cream Cheese – I used plain cream cheese, but you can jazz it up with savory flavored ones, like garlic herb. Dairy-free cream cheese works fine as well. Dill Pickles – Try to match the length of your pickles to your ham slices. I went with whole pickles, but spears are totally fine, too. Green Onions – Feel free to skip these, but I love the added flavor and crunch. You can also substitute fresh chives.
How To Make Ham Roll Ups
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Flavor Variations
Want to change it up? Try one of my ham roll ups recipe variations:
Use softened cream cheese if you can. It spreads more easily and evenly without tearing the ham. Dry the pickles. To keep your ham roll ups from getting soggy, pat the pickles dry with a paper towel before rolling. For cleaner cuts, chill the rolls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is optional, but I usually wait to slice if I’m making them for later.
Mix Up the Cheese – Any spreadable cheese will do the trick! Try pub cheese, goat cheese, or even mascarpone. Or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy boost. Herbs & Seasonings – I’ve played with several options sprinkled over the cream cheese and love them on. Try everything bagel seasoning, ranch seasoning, smashed roasted garlic, fresh dill, or sun-dried tomatoes. Bacon & Jalapeno – For a kick, mash some crumbled cooked bacon and finely diced jalapenos into the cream cheese. Swap The Pickles – Swap the cukes in your ham roll ups with pickled asparagus or green beans, or even roasted red peppers. Swap The Deli Meat – Try roast beef, deli turkey, salami, or even prosciutto for a fancy touch.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store: Keep these ham cream cheese roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Or just cover them in plastic wrap. I don’t recommend freezing them. Meal prep: I love these for meal prep since they store so well! Make them ahead for grab-and-go snacks, an upcoming picnic or potluck, or even a simple lunch.
More Cold Appetizer Recipes
If you like my recipe for ham pickle roll ups, you might also like some of my other easy appetizers that don’t require cooking: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. I adapted this recipe from my friend, Lindsay’s Easy Gluten-Free Cookbook. 📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle and Fall Ebook Bundle! Next weekend I think I’ll make these ham roll ups for a post-workout snack! What are your go-to snacks after a workout?
