Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
It was my sister Pam who introduced our family to these easy Ham and Pickle Roll Ups, and I’ve been making them ever since! This is a tasty ham and dill pickle appetizer that’s super low in carbs, but even kids will gobble them up.
PIN Ham and Pickle Roll Ups to make them later!
Since my sister Pam introduced our family to these easy and low-carb Ham and Pickle Roll Ups they’ve made an appearance at nearly every family holiday celebration and have become a popular recipe on Kalyn’s Kitchen as well, thanks Pam! And these tasty appetizer bites with ham, cream cheese, and pickles are also a perfect option if you’re looking for something that’s low in carbs for game-day fare.
Pam first had the tasty ham and dill pickle bites as a store sample, and now in my family even the non-dieters will chow down on them for Super Bowl party food or an appetizer before a holiday meal.
What ingredients do you need?
(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)
- dill pickles
- deli ham slices
- cream cheese
Can you make the Ham and Pickle Roll Ups dairy-free?
If you’d like to make a version of this recipe that’s dairy-free and even lower in calories, you can skip the cream cheese or use some type of non-dairy spread.
What kind of ham do I use for the Ham and Pickle Roll Ups?
I like to use thinly-sliced deli ham for this recipe, the kind that comes in plastic packages is perfect.
Want more variations for a roll up appetizer?
Through the years lots of other variations have popped into my head, so check after the main recipe for more options for this recipe. And apparently there are endless ideas for similar little roller up appetizer bites like this; check the comments to see what other readers have suggested. And if your family has a fun version of this, please share that in a comment as well!
Want more low-carb appetizer recipes?
Check out 50+ Low-Carb and Keto Appetizer Recipes or 25+ Low-Carb Holiday Side Dishes, Appetizers, and Salads for more tasty ideas for appetizers that are low in carbs!
How to make Ham and Pickle Roll Ups:
(This is only a summary of the steps for the recipe; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)
- Start by cutting dill pickles lengthwise into fourths or sixths, depending on how big the pickles are.
- I had baby dills, so I bought smaller slices of ham so match the size of the pickles. If I was using my favorite dill pickles, I’d just cut them in crosswise slices.
- The only part of this recipe that’s remotely labor-intensive is spreading the cream cheese on the ham, and if you let it sit out and get soft it’s pretty easy. Spread lightly or the extra will seep out when you cut the ham!
- Put a dill pickle spear on each ham slice, preparing to roll them up. (If the ham was a lot wider than the pickle spear, I’d trim it before I rolled it up.)
- Roll the ham slice around the pickle spear.
- Then put toothpicks in each roll, aligning them where you want to cut the ham. (With bigger ham slices you can get up to 5 of these from a piece of ham, but with the smaller ham I only cut 3.)
- Cut the rolls so each piece has a toothpick in it, arrange on a plate, and serve.
- You can also make them without cream cheese if you have guests who can’t do dairy or you want to reduce the carbs and calories even more.
More Low-Carb Appetizer Options:
- Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts
- Deviled Eggs with Green Olives
- Sheila’s Low-Carb Shrimp Dip
- Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Cocktail Sauce
- Cucumber Guacamole Appetizer Bites
Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
Easy Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are made with ham slices spread with cream cheese and then wrapped around a sliver of dill pickle, and the variations are endless!
Ingredients
- 2 large dill pickles
- 8 thin deli ham slices
- 3 T cream cheese
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you make these. (Or buy whipped cream cheese to make this.)
- Cut dill pickles lengthwise into fourths or sixths, depending on how thick the pickles are. You need as many cut pickle spears as you have ham slices.
- Spread each slice of ham with a very thin layer of cream cheese. (I used about 1 tsp. cream cheese on each ham slice. The ham doesn't need to be completely covered with cream cheese.)
- Put a dill pickle on the edge of each ham slice and trim the ham if it's very much bigger than the dill pickle spear. Roll up the ham around the dill pickle, then place toothpicks where you want each piece to be cut. Cut into pieces so that each piece has a toothpick.
- Arrange on plate and serve.
Notes
Other Ideas That Might be Fun:
-You can make dairy-free Ham and Dill Pickle Bites by omitting the cream cheese.
-For a spicier appetizer, mix some Green Tabasco Sauce into the cream cheese.
-For a sweeter flavor combination, try some Sugar Free Apricot Preserves or cranberry sauce mixed into the cream cheese.
-Try a flavored cream cheese (like pineapple) for a different twist.
-If you like mustard, try a very thin swipe of mustard on top of the cream cheese.
-Serve the Ham and Dill Pickle bites with a mayo-mustard dipping sauce.
Nutritional information is based on a serving size of four pieces.
This recipe came from my sister Pam, who first tasted these as a store sample.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 53Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 17mgSodium 700mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by the Recipe Plug-In I am using. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, since many variables affect those calculations.
Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
Ham and Pickle Roll Ups made with ham without added sugar will be suitable for low-carb eating plans, including Keto. When they’re made with lean ham and reduced-fat cream cheese, they would be great for any phase of the original South Beach Diet.
Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Appetizers for more appetizer ideas like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.
Historical Notes for this Recipe:
My family discovered these tasty ham and pickle appetizers in 2011 and we’ve been making them ever since! The recipe was last updated with more information in 2023.
123 Comments on “Ham and Pickle Roll Ups”
I think these would be great adding ranch seasoning and sour cream to the cream cheese. Maybe even add some shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
I think there are so many good variations for this recipe!
Hi! I always loved making these and will switch out the meats for packaged turkey or beef slices and prosciutto is amazing as well! Switch up the flavor of cream cheese and the flavors of pickles.
However, the best switch I have done is chopping the pickles and meat up and thinning the cream cheese and mix it all in together! Serve with crusty bread, tortilla chips, crackers….YUMMIEST
That does sound like a tasty spread, thanks for sharing!
These are yummy. I use the best ham deli meat available and dry the crisp pickle spears well. Your suggestion to lightly spread cream cheese but evenly as possible is important. I chill them before slicing. Makes for a cleaner slice
Sounds like you have mastered the recipe. So glad you are enjoying it!
I make these with turkey, garden veggie cream cheese and the baby dills. It is one of my favorite snacks. Thanks for all the other ideas.
I like the sound of that!
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My mother used to make these all the time. My lazy version is to chop the pickles, meat, green onion, add minced garlic, horseradish and a bit of Sriracha to the cream cheese and mix it all together to make a dip/spread. Everyone loves it on crackers- low carbers spread the dip on cucumber medallions or celery.
Lisa, that sounds delicious!
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Yum! Never thought I’d like something with ‘low-carb’ in the name so much haha! Even the kids loved these and they usually run away from anything pickle related. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed! They’re a hit in my family too, even with the carb lovers!
I love pickles, so this is definitely on my list for appetizer recipes at my BBQ this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure; hope you enjoy! I am also a big pickle lover!
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My mother has been making these for years! They are a favorite in our family! I also make them now that I have a family of my own. But just a little tip we have always used dried beef… The sliced dried beef that comes in the jars in the unrefrigerated section you will find them… I know it may seem odd and kind of unappetizing seeing sliced beef in a jar but it actually tastes much better! And the best part is unlike deli meat and ham it isn’t slimy!! So it is super easy to assemble the Roll-Ups and they don’t fall apart or tear through the meat!
I need to try that!
Lol. We use salami and call them dill pickle surprises – because everyone is always surprised by how good they taste!!
I like the sound of that!
I just love all of these comments! Keto is my WOE (way of eating) so was thinking of bringing a side (boring) dish = relish plate to my sister's house for Thanksgiving. No More! I'm making this & am thinking of assorted meats (ham, roast beef) & adding the dry ranch dressing to the cream cheese. Thank you, Kalyn & everyone else for your thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Isn't it fun to see all the things people have thought of! So glad you like it, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
These are a great idea- so easy and looks delicious! I love pickles too; I always have a jar of Bubbies in my fridge, just waiting to be eaten! These would be perfect for the upcoming holiday get togethers!
How about South Beach phase 2:
pastrami slices, swiss laughing cow and saurkraut inside, and outside a drizzle of thousand island dressing topped with a sprinkle of rye bread crumbs
Yes, I bet that would be good!
I also make these. I do not spread the crème cheese. I buy the reduce fat 8oz crème cheese. I very thinly slice the cheese and lay on ham with dill pickle and roll up. Much easier.
That sounds like a good idea!
My family has made these for years! We use whole gherkin pickles, add a tsp of garlic salt to the cream cheese and use a thicker (rectangular) sliced ham. one of the keys is to blot the ham with a paper towel before spreading on the softened cream cheese. We slice ours about a half inch thick. They are so, so good!
Thanks for sharing your tricks. I like the idea of the garlic salt in the cream cheese!
Kalyn, your site has been a huge help to me. Going low-carb can feel like a huge sacrifice that will require so much extra work, but all of your recipes make it seem sooooo much more manageable. Thank you for providing an awesome resource. Also, you just seem like such a very nice woman, often responding to people's comments (rare for a lot of bloggers), and in sweet, helpful ways. I really appreciate that.
Question about these: Can they be made ahead? How long could they hang out in the fridge before they taste weird?
Thanks again! I hope you're doing well.
Oh Jessica, you are too sweet! I do try hard to be nice, lol!
I haven't made them more than a few hours ahead, but I'm pretty sure you could make them in the morning and serve for a party that night. Much more than that I think the pickles would start to make the cream cheese runny.
Ah, good thought. Thank you so much!
This is soo great, I imagine it with some red wine. I've lost 22lbs with the Loaded Gun Diet and this is exactly what I missed.
So glad you like it!
Great appetizer recipe that is not only delicious, but easy and so quick to put together.
Rachel, so glad you like it!
Thanks Kalyn.. Hope you try it..
Jughead, love the sound of that!
All the variations sound yummy.. I havent tried yet but how about some shredded cabbage with a bit of onions, sprouted mung beans or any sprouted beans for a kind of a spring-roll kind of variation without using flour?
Suman..
I have a coworker who makes these with pickled asparagus and roast beef. So good!
My brother loves a similar snack, which he calls hamcandy, which is small pickles (they are small enough that they don't have to be cut) wrapped in ham (he insists upon using a certain type and brand of ham and pickles, as he claims that those make the best hamcandy) and without the cream cheese, although he has put shredded cheese in his hamcandy before
Sorry, but I haven't bought ham since then; still busy moving and have hardly been to the store.
Kalyn – did you ever find out the name of that ham? Just curious.
When watching sodium, I like to make these with regular cucumbers (sliced into spears), and add a little fresh or dried dill in with the cream cheese. This way they make not only a light appetizer but can be a fulfilling lunch as well!
Wish I could remember, but I don't have any right now and don't remember the brand. It comes in a blue&white package sold near the cheese. If I can remember I will come back and list the brand next time I buy it.
Hi Kalyn! I was wondering what kind of ham you use? It looks a lot better than deli ham. Thanks!
We make these every year with horseradish and green onion…..yummy!
Katielou, that's fun!
in 1983, my sister informed my dad that she had to take some "edible item" to school the next day. This was around 10 pm at night. My dad, being the chef of the family came up with these. We called them ham doo doos. the were not only a big hit then, but i have taken them around the world in the military for multiple functions. there are always the first thing to go from the buffet line. got a great laugh when i saw this on pintrest…. told my dad he was finally famous!
Thanks Alli, always appreciated!
I featured this recipe on my blog today! Thanks so much for sharing! We're going to be making these for our Christmas party next week.
CJ, you know how great minds think alike and all that! We have loved them for years too.
I know this is an old one, but as I was scanning through the site looking for healthy inspiration for a winter season that is, thus far, too warm for soups and stews, I came across this and smiled. My family has been making these for years and years… turns out they were lo-carb and didn't know it!
We use whole pickles and slice them into thin rounds… with a bit of garlic salt to season the cream cheese. Totally going to be making these this holiday season!
I've made these many times over the years, but thanks to all of you I'm going to try some of the other/new to ne ideas. Thanks all!
I made these on Super Bowl Sunday, and they were a hit! It's hard to believe something so simple can taste so good, but it really does! One thing I might recommend is that you drain your pickle spears on a couple of paper towels for a few minutes before rolling them in the ham. I also patted dry both the ham and the pickle with a paper towel before putting them together. The cream cheese sticks better that way. I will definitely make these again.
What a fun idea for an appetizer! These would be great at any party 🙂
I love those things! We often wrap tender-crisp asparagus (sometimes with a few thin strips of fresh basil) like this too.
Love the pickled okra and pepperocini suggestions too.
Party time!
My mom made these when we were little. We used sweet pickles – yum!
Started making something similar when i lived in Texas where salsa goes with/in everything. Mix up either red or green salsa with some softened cream cheese, and then spread the mixture on slices of ham, beef, turkey, whatever. I'm not "hardcore" when it comes to "heat", but you can drop some pieces of jalapeno or habanero into the mix or put them down the center where the pickle would go if you want. If cream cheese is used, most of the time you don't need toothpicks to hold the spirals together after they're cut.
Crystal, I chose the South Beach Diet to manage my weight because I didn't want to have to calculate carbs, calories, points, or fat grams, and I already spend 4-5 hours on every recipes, so I'm probably never going to start including that information. However you can easily calculate it yourself by entering the recipe and number of servings into this site.
Horseradish mixed into the cream cheese. I've also used the creamed horseradish by itself but as I don't have any here right now I'm not sure of the sugar content. Plain, ground horseradish with the cream cheese would be the SB way to go for sure. It has a nice bite!
Oh my!! Adding a bit of horseradish would just take it over the top for me. (I love horseradish!) Thanks for sharing that great idea.
Horseradish! Yes! Fantastic idea. I am making them tomorrow for New Years Eve. Thx for the recipe and added suggestion!!
So glad people are still liking this recipe. I love hearing the different names and how to adapt them.
I'm definitely making these tomorrow! But I'm a vegetarian so I'll try both Tofurky peppered deli slices and Smart Deli bologna! I was also thinking Laughing Cow garlic & herb could be delicious low call option. I spread laughing cow on my tofurky slices as little "sandwiches" every day at work haha.
These went on every party menu by my mom when I was growing up. Love them!!
Teri, that's great, and thanks for letting me know.
Kalyn, there is a Somersize group on Facebook that I belong to. A member had asked for meal suggestions that could be eaten while she's driving. I suggested these (and all these combinations!). I added a link back to your site and wanted to let you know.
Teri
I have made them using asparagus, not a dill pickle. They go over as a huge success.
We make them with corned beef or salami with multiple slices overlapped, spread with cream cheese, roll whole Claussens and sliced like thick coins.
Kind of off topic but we also put a slice of salami on top of our bagels with cream cheese. I always need a pickle on the side b/c then I get all the flavors of the pickle rolls, as we call them 🙂
I can eat peanut butter on anything, so I'm sure I'd like it!
Try with peanut butter…YUM!
Deborah, we love them in my family too.
My mom has been making these for years and they are AWESOME!! We've also done them with green onions – they are a great party snack!
Luci, that sounds good to me!
I've done something similar with turkey, cream cheee, and green chiles. Yuuuummmmmyyyy!
Vera you need to be sure to use Dill pickles (not sweet pickles.) Check the label for the amount of carbs (or sugars, but the one I have doesn't even have sugars listed on the label.) My pickles have sugar listed (way down the list as an ingredient in the brine,) but the amount of carbs in the pickles is 0 gr.
Don't pickles have added sugar usually? This would make them a "no" for the phase one. Vera
Thanks Misti. That type of "imitation cream cheese" is sold near the real cream cheese in most store, it's called something like Neufschatel (sic?) The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Carbs guide (tiny little book) lists fat free and low fat cream cheese both as "Good" so I am going by that. I don't eat a lot of it, so I'm not worried.
love your site..just have a question about all the recipes with cream cheese-the South Beach site says cream cheese substitute, dairy-free….WHAT is that?? and do you stick to that part??
Oh I love the idea of adding a bit of Ranch Dressing flavor to the cream cheese!
I mix powdered ranch dressing into the cream cheese before spreading onto the dried beef or ham…really yummy! We're inclucing all kinds of variations of this on our fruit/vegie/chip and dip bar for my daughters high school graduation reception. Love all of these great ideas…thanks!
Thanks for all the nice comments about this. Looks like I got distracted from replying to the last few comments, but I do read them all.
Erica, love the idea of using that type of cheese for this.
YUM! I think I will make this using Boursin or Rondele light garlic-herb cheese. I have some at home right now!
Nice game day snack! I can never get enough pickles.
They're adorable!!! And it's such a great idea! 🙂
HA! White trash sushi! I'm rolling! These are great ideas and once again Kalyn you've got everyone thinking healthy! Thanks so much for a great blog!
I love these! I've usually made them as dried beef rolls (using dry beef instead of ham) which are pretty salty. Ham would be super yum. I've put pickles and green onions in the center and both work well. I also love to spice up the cream cheese, especially with lots of garlic and worscheshire.
I guess I am not very PC because I love the name White Trash Sushi for this! How fun, I will have to share with my sister Pam.
And love the variation of using dill pickle relish mixed into the cream cheese too. So many good ideas.
Delightul, eay yet tasty appetizers!!
MMMMMM,..;Kalyn!
I make these except I mix dill relish with whipped cream cheese and just keep it in a container in my refrigerator. It is easy to just make up one or two for a snack or a few more for lunch. Yum!
Sorry, I know this is not politically correct, but where I come from, we call this white trash sushi.
And, yes, I love it!
Jeanette, isn't it fun to see all the creativity around this simple idea? And perfect for gluten free!
I love all the variations that people are coming up with. Since I have a gluten-free kid now, I think I will try some variation of these cute roll-ups this Sunday.
Tina, glad to hear it! I'm not sure I have even had serrano ham, but it sounds lovely with ham and canteloupe!
Kalyn, your blog makes me so hungry everytime I visit!! 🙂 Have you tried these with Serrano ham? My dad used to make us nibbles similar to this before dinner sometimes, but with Serrano ham and cataloupe pieces in the middle. Lovely!
Great idea for a light appetizer! Will keep these in mind, maybe I'll make a small batch for me and hubby on Sunday…
it's not easy to find a light appetizer that packs a lot of flavor, this seem to be it.
Thanks, Kalyn… have a great weekend!
Oh yes, I would love this with scallions. (I use them in everything!)
This sounds yummy–I love pickles. I make similar hors d'ouevres, but with scallions in place of the pickles.
Sheila, not sure who you're directing that question to, but if you're eating something like this for South Beach, it would be phase two with the pineapple or light pineapple cream cheese. South Beach doesn't limit serving sizes for most foods, but cream cheese and ham are both fairly calorie dense, and the pickles are high in salt, so I'd keep that in mind and eat a moderate amount. (Still better than fried chips or a lot of other things you could be eating at a Superbowl party!)
Hi Alison, this looks tasty! I agree with you that it would be lovely with pineapples. Could you recommend how much serving should each person eat?
Ah, Susie that sounds tasty and adds a different twist to it.
Ah those bring back memories from the early 80's!
Here are two other morsels I used to make these with-pickled onions and pineapple chunks. For both, instead of wrapping the "morsel" inside, spread the cream cheese on the ham, fold up, cut, spear the morsel on the toothpick followed by the ham (so the morsel sits on top of the ham). I have some upcoming opportunities to make these-thanks for the reminder!
[Smacking forehead here!] Now why didn't I think of using Laughing Cow for this; great idea!
Why not use the low fat flavored laughing cow wedges that you love?
Mel I love those ideas, especially the pickled green beans!
Pickled green beans, celery stalks, homemade pimento cheese instead of cream cheese are all tasty options. Mel
I am loving the variations. Both salami + peperoncini and the idea of okra instead of pickles sound great to me!
Had these at a Christmas party made with pickled okra.Really good and looks pretty sliced with the design inside of the okra.
I don't know why, but we have always called these "Monkey Pods." Definitely a crowd pleaser. Another variation is with hard salami and a pepperoncini pepper. Mmmm.
Corned beef would be great! Maybe with mustard too.
We call these "picklewiches" and use corned beef instead of ham. I usually leave the pickles whole – I'll have to try them quartered.
These little gems look really good. So easy to make too! I'm going to try them using Bubbies dill pickles. They're my favorite store bought brand! Thanks Kalyn…
Jane, we must have been writing comments at the same time! I think smoked turkey would be great for this as well.
Alison, I think that would be fabulous with pineapple in the center!
Perfect for a lo-carb appetizer. I have smoked pepper turkey in my fridge, will try dill pickes with it for our superbowl snacks!
Your idea of mixing pineapple into the cream cheese made me think of using pineapple chunks in the middle instead of dill pickle (with the cream cheese and ham wrapped around it). And if you get your pineapple pre-cored, it would be super easy. Yum!
I'm so excited that people are sharing other ways to make these. I love both of these ideas.
My family does these with green onions for every family function. We call them Polish Roses. Yum!
i was about to say the same thing! but i didnt know what they were called!
We do these wraps using the extra large stuffed olives, boiled ham, cream cheese mixed with minced onion, worchestershire sauce & hot sauce. Very yummy!