Ham Roll-Ups

Ham roll-ups are one of those things you make that you don’t need a recipe for, however, I think there are so many variations with this dish that it helps to have a jumping off point or a base recipe.   This way you can make changes and try different things based on your liking.  

These ham roll ups are made with only a few simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.  You’ll need deli ham slices, cream cheese spread, mustard, and whole pickles.  These are a perfect snack, great to pack in your kid’s lunch box or a super easy appetizer for game day.  They don’t take much time to make and they are yummy!

Ingredients needed to make ham roll-ups:

Ham–  4 slices of ham.  Any kind will work I usually use smoked ham or honey ham.  If you get your ham sliced at the deli make sure it’s not paper thin.  The slice of ham needs to be able to hold the pickle and not tear.  Other lunch meats to try would be turkey, roast beef, or pastrami.  

Cream cheese– 2 tablespoons of plain cream cheese.  I prefer the kind that comes in a tub rather than the block.  You can also use the “whipped” style as well.    If you are into flavored cream cheese, I think cream cheese with onion or chive would be good.  You could also make your own and add green onions to the cream cheese and create a homemade cream cheese mixture.  Also worth noting when the cream cheese is super cold it can be difficult to spread, so it can be helpful to use room temperature cream cheese.  

Whole pickles–  2 whole pickles.  Any variety.  I use dill pickles.  The longer the better because you need it to fit the length of the ham.  In a pinch you could use the spears, you just won’t get the circular disc when cut.

Mustard– This condiment is optional as not everyone likes mustard.  But my family loves mustard!  You can use yellow mustard, dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard.  All are good options and you only need to drizzle a little bit to get great flavor.  You could also serve it on the side for dipping.    

Ritz crackers– 8 Ritz crackers. These crackers are optional, but I think they make the perfect appetizer when served on top of a cracker. 

Here’s how to make these ham pickle roll ups:

Assemble

Begin with four slices of ham.  Stacking 2 pieces of ham together and lay them on a flat surface like a cutting board.  Repeat with the other 2 slices of stacked ham. Next, spread one tablespoon of cream cheese on top of the meat.  Add a drizzle of mustard on top of the cream cheese if using.  Now, lay a pickle at one end of the ham and roll it up.  (The ham rolls around the pickle.) 

Cut & Serve

Using a sharp knife cut slices across the pickle to make round discs.  They kind of look like a cut sushi roll.  I’ll be honest it can get a little messy and the ends are always falling apart.  At any rate, if you are serving it to your kids and it is casual no big deal just include the ends, otherwise if you plan to serve these at family get-togethers and you care about presentation then I would just leave the not-so-pretty pieces off the platter.  Put the pickle roll-ups on top of the Ritz crackers and place them on a large plate or platter.  When serving to a crowd I would at least double the recipe.  

When you decide to make these easy ham roll-ups remember that any deli meat of your liking would work.  Feel free to experiment with different mustards or garnish with green olives.  These ham pickle rollups are a great party appetizer or a simple afternoon lunch.  Serve these with your favorite chips and some fruit on the side and you’ll feel completely satisfied.    

MORE RECIPES TO TRY!

Chickpea Avocado Sandwich

Easiest Slow-Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sandwich

French Dip Sandwich

Tuna Melt on English Muffin