Pickle Roll Ups
Tender, crisp dill pickles wrapped in velvety cream cheese and savory ham—how can you resist that? Pickle roll ups are the unlikely star of the appetizer table, combining crunch and creaminess in each delightful bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just need a quick snack on a Wednesday, these tasty morsels promise to hit the spot. Plus, they’re uncomplicated to whip up, making them a foolproof choice for the busiest of kitchens.
I first stumbled upon pickle roll ups during a summer cookout years ago. I watched as friends devoured tray after tray, and I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of curiosity and enthusiasm. The combination of flavors—tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and flavorful ham—was nothing short of magical! Ever since that day, pickle roll ups have held a special place in my heart (and my recipe book). I invite you to enjoy this flavorful adventure and serve these bites to family and friends; they’re bound to become a favorite you can return to time and again!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these ready to go in a flash.
- Irresistible Flavor: The tangy dill pickles blend beautifully with the cream cheese and savory ham for an unforgettable taste experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These roll ups not only taste great, but they also look fun and vibrant on any platter.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacks, parties, or a tasty addition to a charcuterie board.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable; consider using turkey or veggie-friendly alternatives to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (24-ounce) jar whole dill pickles: Choose crunchy, whole dill pickles for that signature tang and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try spicy or garlic dill pickles for an added kick.
- 8 ounces block cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that rich and creamy base for the roll ups. Make sure to use block style; spreadable cream cheese won’t give the same structure.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder infuses a mellow garlic flavor throughout the dipping sauce. Fresh garlic can also be used for a bolder taste.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a subtle depth without overpowering the other flavors. Shallots serve well as a fresh alternative if you’re looking for something different.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: Fresh dill enhances the dill flavor of the pickles. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill will work in a pinch—just use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham: Deli ham acts as the delightful wrap for the pickles. Feel free to experiment with different varieties—smoked, honey-glazed, or even turkey ham for a lighter version.
How to Make Pickle Roll Ups
- Prepare the Pickles: Start by trimming the ends off the whole dill pickles to ensure they fit nicely in their wraps. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps to avoid sogginess later.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Use a handheld mixer to beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy—you’ll want a nice, spreadable consistency.
- Prepare the Ham: Cut the deli ham to fit your pickles. Lay out each slice and pat it dry using paper towels; this helps to keep the roll ups from becoming overly wet.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Use a spatula or an offset spatula to spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the ham slices. Then, place the pickle at one end of the ham and roll it up tightly. Be sure to place each roll seam-side down in an airtight container as you go.
- Chill: To allow the flavors to meld together, refrigerate the roll ups for at least 2 hours. You can prepare them a day in advance for even better taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pickle roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. These delights are best enjoyed cold, but feel free to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. If you have some left after a party (which rarely happens!), you can freeze the roll ups for up to three months. Just remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, so for best results, savor them fresh!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Sogginess: Be diligent about patting the pickles and ham dry before assembling; extra moisture can make your roll ups soggy.
- Align Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing—it makes spreading much easier.
- Roll Tightly: The tighter you roll, the better your roll ups will hold together. A loose wrap may come undone when cut.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different flavors of cream cheese, such as chive or jalapeño, for an exciting twist!
- Make Ahead: Preparing these the day before is not only convenient; it allows flavors to deepen and develop beautifully.
It’s hard to beat the straightforward appeal of pickle roll ups. They come together quickly, requiring minimal ingredients, and offer big-time flavor in each bite. Whether you’re diving into your first bite or sharing them with loved ones at a gathering, you’ll find your taste buds truly delighted. Don’t hesitate to play around with your favorite ingredients, as there are countless combinations to explore.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other meats besides deli ham?
How long can I keep leftover pickle roll ups?
What can I serve with pickle roll ups?
Can I make pickle roll ups in advance?
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Pickle Roll Ups
Pickle Roll Ups are a delightful blend of flavors with cream cheese, deli ham, and fresh dill. This easy recipe is perfect for quick snacks or appetizers, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts!
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 10 minutes
- Yield 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) jar whole dill pickles
- 8 ounces block cream cheese (1 box)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- ½ lb thinly sliced deli ham
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the pickles and dry them with paper towels.
- Beat cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh dill together using a handheld mixer.
- Cut ham to fit the pickles, and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the ham with a spatula.
- Roll the pickle in the ham and place seam-side down in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Notes
For extra flavor, experiment with different herbs or spices in the cream cheese mixture.
Ensure the pickles are thoroughly dried for easier rolling with the ham.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
