Ham and Pickle Roll Ups

Introduction & Inspiration

These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are a ridiculously easy and delicious appetizer or snack! I’m always on the lookout for quick, simple recipes. Especially those that can be made ahead of time.

The inspiration for this recipe came from a classic combination of flavors: ham, pickles, and cream cheese. It’s a trio that just works so well together. Tangy, salty, and creamy.

I wanted to create a finger food that was both satisfying and visually appealing. These roll-ups are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a quick snack at home.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different types of ham, pickles, and seasonings. The possibilities are endless.

Nostalgic Appeal

Ham and Pickle Roll Ups have a certain retro charm that evokes a sense of nostalgia. They remind me of potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday parties from my childhood. Simple, and classic.

These roll-ups are a modern twist on that classic concept. They’re a way to enjoy those familiar flavors in a new and fun way. It is a perfect combination.

There’s something inherently comforting about simple, familiar foods. These roll-ups are a perfect example of that. They’re easy to make.

They’re a dish that’s sure to please a crowd. They’re a reminder of simpler times and good food shared with loved ones. Always a favorite.

Homemade Focus (with a shortcut!)

While these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups aren’t entirely “homemade” in the traditional sense (we’re using pre-made deli ham and pickles), the assembly and the flavor combination are what make them special. And the cream cheese mixture is homemade. So it still counts!

I’m a big believer in using shortcuts when they make sense. And in this case, using pre-sliced deli ham and baby dill pickles saves a lot of time and effort. Without sacrificing flavor.

The focus here is on the combination of flavors and textures. And on creating a quick and easy appetizer that anyone can make. Even with limited time.

It’s a reminder that “homemade” doesn’t always have to mean starting from scratch. It’s about putting your own personal touch on a dish. And making it your own.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal of these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups is to achieve a perfect balance of salty, tangy, creamy, and savory notes. It’s a simple combination, but it’s incredibly satisfying.

The deli ham provides the saltiness and a savory, meaty flavor. The baby dill pickles provide the tanginess and a satisfying crunch. A welcome contrast.

The cream cheese provides the creaminess and binds everything together. The ranch seasoning adds a layer of savory, herbaceous flavor that complements the ham and pickles perfectly.

The overall effect is a bite-sized appetizer that’s both flavorful and addictive. You’ll find yourself reaching for one after another. They are delicious.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the simple yet effective ingredients that make these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups so good. First, we have the baby dill pickles. These provide the signature tanginess and crunch.

You can use any type of baby dill pickle you prefer. Whole baby dills, or even pickle spears cut into smaller pieces, will work.

Next, we have cream cheese. This provides the creamy base that binds everything together. And adds a rich, tangy flavor.

Deli ham provides the saltiness and a savory, meaty flavor. You can use any type of deli ham you like, such as Black Forest ham, honey ham, or smoked ham.

Finally, ranch seasoning adds a layer of savory, herbaceous flavor. You can use a pre-made ranch seasoning packet, or make your own blend using dried herbs and spices.

Essential Equipment

You won’t need any fancy equipment to make these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do:

A medium bowl for mixing the cream cheese and ranch seasoning.

A cutting board or baking sheet (covered with parchment paper) as a clean surface for assembling the roll-ups.

A knife or spatula for spreading the cream cheese mixture.

Paper towels for patting the pickles and ham slices dry.

That’s it! This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal equipment. It’s perfect for those who don’t have a lot of kitchen tools.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements, for easy reference:

• 8 whole baby dill pickles
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 8 slices deli ham
• 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning

Easy to remember!

Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. It will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some delicious Ham and Pickle Roll Ups? Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and ranch seasoning.

Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

2. Dry the Pickles and Ham:

Pat the baby dill pickles and ham slices dry with paper towels. This will help the cream cheese adhere better and prevent the roll-ups from becoming soggy.

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:

Lay out a slice of ham on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Spread 1/8 of the cream cheese mixture (roughly 1-2 tablespoons) evenly over the entire slice of ham, making sure to get all the way to the edges.

Place one baby dill pickle at one end of the ham slice.

Roll the pickle up tightly in the ham, starting from the end with the pickle.

4. Repeat and Refrigerate:

Continue with the remaining pickles, ham slices, and cream cheese mixture.

Once all the roll-ups are assembled, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up the cream cheese. This will make them easier to slice and serve.

5. Serve: Remove from fridge, and serve. You can slice them.

Enjoy your easy and delicious Ham and Pickle Roll Ups!

Troubleshooting

Even with a super simple recipe, things can sometimes happen. Here are a few potential issues and how to fix them:

Problem: The cream cheese is too hard to spread.

Solution: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a bit before mixing it with the ranch seasoning. You can also microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

Problem: The roll-ups are falling apart.

Solution: Make sure you’re rolling the pickles up tightly in the ham. You can also use toothpicks to secure the roll-ups if needed.

Problem: The roll-ups are soggy.

Solution: Make sure you’re patting the pickles and ham slices dry with paper towels before assembling the roll-ups. Excess moisture can make them soggy.

Problem: Not enough flavor. Solution: Make sure to use enough Ranch.

Problem: The roll ups are too big. Solution: You can cut the pickles.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups:

Tip: For easier spreading, use softened cream cheese.

Tip: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a combination of dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Tip: To add a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.

Variation: Use different types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles, sweet gherkins, or spicy pickles.

Variation: Use different types of deli meat, such as turkey, roast beef, or salami.

Variation: Add other ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, such as chopped chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or crumbled bacon.

Variation: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the ham before adding the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Variation: Instead of rolling the pickles, dice and mix with ham and cream cheese.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve them cold, straight from the refrigerator.

Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread, alongside other finger foods like cheese and crackers, vegetables and dip, or mini quiches.

Serve them as a snack for game day, movie night, or a casual get-together.

Pairing Suggestions: These roll-ups pair well with a variety of beverages.

A crisp, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

A light-bodied beer, such as a lager or pilsner.

Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Iced tea or lemonade.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per roll-up (depending on the specific ingredients used):

• Calories: Approximately 80-100
• Protein: 4-6 grams
• Fat: 6-8 grams (mostly from the cream cheese and ham)
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram

This is just an estimate. These roll-ups are a relatively low-carbohydrate snack.

They’re a good source of protein. But they are also relatively high in fat and sodium, so enjoy them in moderation.

The nutritional content will vary depending on the specific brands of ham, pickles, and cream cheese you use.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s recap this easy and delicious Ham and Pickle Roll Ups journey! Here’s a quick summary:

Summary: These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are a quick and easy appetizer or snack made with just four ingredients: baby dill pickles, cream cheese, deli ham, and ranch seasoning. They’re assembled by spreading seasoned cream cheese on ham slices, rolling them up with a pickle, and refrigerating until firm.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes, these roll-ups can be made ahead of time. In fact, they’re even better when they’ve had some time to chill in the refrigerator, as this allows the flavors to meld and the cream cheese to firm up. You can make them up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: Can I freeze these roll-ups?

A: I don’t recommend freezing these roll-ups, as the texture of the cream cheese and pickles may change upon thawing. They’re best enjoyed fresh.

Q: My cream cheese is too stiff, what can I do? A: Let it come to room temperature.

Q: Can I use light cream cheese? A: Yes, you can.

Q: Can I make them vegetarian? A: Absolutely. Use a vegetarian ham substitute.