Ham Roll-Ups

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 07/9/21
Ham Roll-Ups

The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni
Prep: 9 mins
Cook: 1 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 64 pinwheels
Yield: 64 pinwheels
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
18 Calories
1g Fat
0g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 64
Amount per serving
Calories 18
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 141mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 38mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Ham roll-ups are an easy, three-ingredient pinwheel-shaped appetizer, or one-bite savory snack, that's made from sliced deli ham, your favorite spreadable cheese, and pickle spears. They're a party favorite especially in the Midwest.

These pinwheels can be prepared the night before an event and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure you don't skip the step of blotting dry the pickle spears with paper towels. This will help keep the pinwheels from getting soggy.

Yes, you can make the roll-ups in advance. Preparing them the night before can save you time on the day of your event. No more panicking as your guests arrive! Just make sure not to cut the pinwheels into pieces until just before you're ready to serve them.

Ingredients

  • 16 slices deli ham, about 1 pound

  • 8 ounces whipped cream cheese

  • 16 pickle spears

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  2. Working in batches, place slices of deli ham on a flat surface.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  3. Spread whipped cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the ham slices.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  4. Pat the pickle spears dry with paper towels.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  5. Place one of the pickle spears crosswise on the short edge of the ham slice and roll tightly.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  6. Repeat with the remaining ham, cream cheese, and pickles. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate.

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  7. When you're ready to serve, slice into 1-inch bite-sized pieces (4 pieces per roll).

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

  8. Place on a serving platter and insert a toothpick into the center of each ham roll. Share and enjoy!

    Ham Roll-Ups

    Kristina Vanni

Ham Roll Variations

Ham rolls are a blank slate for creativity and delicious variations. Just follow the basic ratios for the ham and spreadable cheese to really get creative. Here are a few ideas to try:

  • French country ham and Boursin herbed cheese.
  • Black forest ham and garden vegetable-whipped cream cheese.
  • Honey ham and jalapeño-whipped cream cheese.
  • Smoked ham with chive-and-onion-whipped cream cheese.

Ham Roll Tips

Ham roll ups work best when a whipped cream cheese or other spreadable cheese is used. Since whipped cream cheese is softer, it can be spread over the surface of thinly-sliced ham slice without tearing the meat.

How to Store Ham Rolls

Ham rolls do not freeze well, but they can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. These cream cheese pinwheels are good for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.