Pickle Roll Ups
Pickle Roll Ups take just three simple ingredients to make and are the perfect little bites of goodness. Make them for an easy appetizer, game day snack, or fun finger food for movie night. If you’re a pickle lover, this is about to become your new favorite recipe.
Pickle roll-ups are always a hit, no matter when they’re served. I’ve made them for game day, holiday parties, and even as an afternoon snack. Some people refer to them as “Midwest sushi,” which is just hilarious. There are actually quite a few different names for them depending on where you live.
The recipe card below shows you how easy these pickle roll ups are to make, and trust me when I say you’ll have the recipe memorized after making them once. The first batch always goes quickly, so it’s a good thing they’re so easy!
Be sure to try my Dill Pickle Chicken Salad and these Easy Refrigerator Pickles for two other must-make options.
Ingredients
- Ham – You can buy a few slices of deli ham, or any kind of ham will work.
- Pickle spears – I prefer to use dill pickles, but you can use any kind for these pickle rolls. You can even use my homemade Easy Refrigerator Pickles.
- Cream cheese – This needs to be softened for easier spreading.
- Seasoning – Optional. It’s fun to add in different flavors such as Everything bagel seasoning or ranch seasoning.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Pickle Roll Ups
Step One: Lay the slices of ham flat. If they are wet, you can pat them dry with a paper towel. Spread the cream cheese over the pieces of ham. You do want a thick layer of cream cheese.
Step Two: Place the dill pickle spear onto the ham slice, near one of the edges. Sprinkle on seasoning, if using.
Step Three: Roll and then let sit. You can put them in the fridge as a roll to firm up before slicing.
Step Four: Remove, and then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step Five: Flip the cream cheese roll ups so that they’re facing up and everyone can see the pickle inside, and serve.
Top Tip💡
Drying the pickles before assembling the roll ups makes a big difference. Too much pickle juice can make them slippery and harder to roll, and can also make the finished appetizer watery.
Substitutions
- Cream cheese – Regular, light, or whipped cream cheese will work. I actually like whipped cream cheese because it’s so easy to spread. Dairy-free or vegan cream cheese can work, if needed, as long as it spreads easily.
- Pickles – For different flavors, use different types of pickles. I love using dill pickles to make these delicious pickle roll ups, but you can also use sweet pickles or even hot and spicy.
Variations
- Deli meat – Ham is the classic choice, but you can use thinly sliced turkey, roast beef, or corned beef.
- Ranch – Sprinkle a little ranch seasoning (like this Ranch Dip Mix) over the cream cheese before adding the pickle.
- Bagel seasoning – Everything Bagel seasoning on the cream cheese before rolling gives a lot of flavor.
- Fresh herbs – A little fresh dill or finely chopped chives is an easy way to add more flavor.
- Spicy – Use spicy pickles or mix a little hot sauce into the cream cheese.
- Vegetables – You can use other pickled vegetables in the roll ups or add some julienned vegetables, like peppers, for more color and flavor.
See these Ham Roll Ups for another super easy appetizer recipe.
Equipment
You really don’t need much for this recipe. A butter knife or small spatula works for spreading the cream cheese, and you’ll want a sharp knife for cutting the rolls into bite-sized pieces.
Storage
Store leftover pickle roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I prefer them within the first couple of days when the ham and pickles have the best texture.
I don’t recommend freezing them. The cream cheese and pickles can both change texture once frozen and thawed.
Common Questions
Absolutely. I actually think they’re better after they’ve had some time to chill. You can make the rolls a few hours ahead, refrigerate them, and slice them shortly before serving.
If you are worried about them getting soggy, you can pat some of the pickle juice off the pickle spears before rolling them up in the ham. This way, it eliminates any excess pickle juice from coming off and out of the roll, which should help with the overall texture.
Roll them fairly tightly and refrigerate them before slicing. Chilling firms up the cream cheese and makes the rolls much easier to cut. If needed, you can secure them with toothpicks for serving.
You’ll hear quite a few names for them, including pickle wraps, ham and pickle roll ups, and even Midwest or Minnesota sushi. Whatever you call them, it’s basically the same delicious combination of ham, cream cheese, and pickles.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Joy Filled Eats
Pickle Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 5 slices ham (pat dry, if wet)
- 5 pickle spears (pat dry)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- seasoning optional
Instructions
- Take your cream cheese and spread it across all the edges of your sliced ham.
- Add a pickle spear to each. Add seasoning, if using.
- Roll up tightly.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Like what you see? Follow me on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
