Ham and Pickle Roll Ups

Introduction & Inspiration

Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are a classic appetizer or snack, beloved for their simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures. They’re incredibly easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and are always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating these delicious bites, perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick and easy snack.

My inspiration came from a love of simple, flavorful appetizers that are easy to assemble. These roll-ups are perfect for those times when you need a quick and easy snack or appetizer to bring to a gathering, or when you’re just craving something savory and satisfying.

I also appreciate how adaptable this recipe is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking, use different types of ham or pickles, or add other seasonings to the cream cheese. It’s a great base recipe that you can customize to your preferences.

It’s also a perfect finger food.

Nostalgic Appeal

Ham and Pickle Roll Ups, for many, evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding them of family gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or simple, comforting snacks. They’re a classic appetizer that’s been around for generations.

The combination of ham, cream cheese, and pickles is a familiar and beloved one. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures that appeals to a wide range of palates.

This recipe taps into that sense of nostalgia and comfort, offering a way to enjoy a classic appetizer in a quick and easy way. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying as a simple snack on your own.

It’s also a good way to use leftover.

Homemade Focus

While this recipe uses some pre-made ingredients (deli ham, pickles), the focus is on assembling them in a flavorful and appealing way. We’re creating a simple but delicious ranch-seasoned cream cheese spread that elevates the entire dish.

I believe that even simple appetizers, like these roll-ups, benefit from a homemade touch. Taking the time to mix the cream cheese with ranch seasoning adds a layer of flavor that you wouldn’t get from just using plain cream cheese.

The process of spreading the cream cheese mixture on the ham, placing the pickle, and rolling it up is a simple but satisfying one. It’s about taking a few basic ingredients and transforming them into something delicious and visually appealing.

It’s a perfect snack for kids.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal for these Ham and Pickle Roll Ups is to achieve a balance of savory, tangy, creamy, and slightly salty flavors, with a satisfying combination of textures.

The deli ham provides a savory, slightly salty base.

The cream cheese adds creaminess and richness.

The ranch seasoning infuses the cream cheese with a blend of savory, herbaceous, and slightly tangy flavors.

The baby dill pickles provide a tangy, crunchy, and refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and ham.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients:

• Baby dill pickles: The star of the show! Choose whole baby dill pickles for the best texture and flavor.
• Cream cheese: Provides the creamy base for the filling. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
• Deli ham: Choose your favorite type of deli ham. Black Forest ham, honey ham, or smoked ham all work well.
• Ranch seasoning: Adds a blend of savory, herbaceous, and slightly tangy flavors to the cream cheese. You can use a store-bought ranch seasoning packet or make your own (see Tips and Variations).

Essential Equipment

Here’s a list of the equipment, that you will need:

• Medium bowl: For mixing the cream cheese and ranch seasoning.
• Cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper: For assembling the roll-ups.
• Paper towels: For patting the pickles and ham dry.
• Spatula or knife: For spreading the cream cheese mixture.
• Measuring spoons:
• Sharp knife

List of Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need, with precise measurements:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get rolling! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.

Step 2: Dry Pickles and Ham

Pat the pickles and ham slices dry with paper towels. This is important to prevent the roll-ups from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Assemble Roll-Ups

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

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

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

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

Step 4: Repeat

Continue with the remaining pickles, ham slices, and cream cheese mixture, repeating Step 3 for each roll-up.

Step 5: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the assembled roll-ups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up the cream cheese. This will make them easier to slice and serve.

Step 6: Serve Remove from the fridge. Slice or serve whole.

Enjoy these savory, tangy, and easy-to-make Ham and Pickle Roll Ups!

Troubleshooting

Here are some potential issues and how to address them:

Problem: My roll-ups are falling apart.

Solution: Make sure you’re rolling the pickles up tightly in the ham. Also, chilling the roll-ups before slicing them helps the cream cheese to firm up and hold everything together.

Problem: My cream cheese mixture is too thick.

Solution: Add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time, mixing until the cream cheese reaches a spreadable consistency. Problem: My roll-ups are too blend. Solution: Use a tasty ham.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Ham and Pickle Roll Ups:

Tip: For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, such as a good deli ham and your favorite brand of baby dill pickles.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy spreading.

Variation: Add other ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, such as:

• Chopped fresh chives or green onions
• A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
• A dash of hot sauce

Variation: Use different types of ham, such as:

• Black Forest ham
• Honey ham
• Smoked ham
• Prosciutto

Variation: Use different types of pickles, such as:

• Spicy pickles
• Sweet pickles
• Bread and butter pickles

Variation: Add a thin layer of mustard to the ham before spreading the cream cheese.

Variation: Wrap the roll-ups in lettuce leaves for an extra layer of freshness and crunch. Variation: Add some shredded cheese.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are a versatile appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As an appetizer: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game days.
• As a snack: A quick and easy option for satisfying those mid-afternoon cravings.
• As part of a lunchbox: A fun and flavorful addition to a packed lunch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Crackers
• Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
• Potato chips
• Pretzels
• A refreshing beverage, such as iced tea, lemonade, or beer

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information will vary based on specific brands and preparation. Here are general estimations.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings):

• Calories: 150-200
• Fat: 10-15g
• Saturates: 5-8g
• Protein: 8-12g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g
• Sugar: 1-2g
• Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on the ham and pickles used)

These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are relatively low in carbohydrates and a good source of protein.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s recap the recipe and address some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary: We made Ham and Pickle Roll Ups by combining softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, patting pickles and ham slices dry, spreading the cream cheese mixture on the ham, placing a pickle at one end, rolling it up tightly, and chilling (optional).

Q&A:

Q: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make these roll-ups ahead of time. Assemble them as directed, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice them just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, or provolone cheese. However, cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

Q: Can I use a different type of seasoning?

A: Yes, you can use other seasonings instead of ranch seasoning. Try Italian seasoning, garlic and herb seasoning, or even just a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Q: I’m allergic to dairy. Can I make these vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make these vegan by using vegan cream cheese and ensuring your ham substitute and ranch seasoning are plant-based. There are many excellent vegan cream cheese options available. Q: How can i store them? A: Keep it in the fridge, in airthight container.