Pickle Roll Ups: A Classic, Easy Party Snack
If you grew up in the Midwest, chances are you’ve had pickle roll ups at a family gathering, holiday party, or potluck. They are a true Midwestern classic: savory deli ham spread with cream cheese, wrapped around a crunchy dill pickle, and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Simple, nostalgic, and always a hit!
The loyalty I have towards this delightful little snack is unrivaled – when I sat down to write this I did have to take a moment to ponder why I feel so strongly towards these simple little bites of heaven. Like, I was getting so excited to tell the world about these roll ups – even more than the Rhubarb Slush I grew up on or my own GRANDMA’S coffee cake recipe?? I have no answers for these things except that this snack is that good.
Whether you call them ham and pickle roll ups, pickle wraps, or even Midwest sushi, this recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and salty that comes together in a mind blowing way. Plus, they take just minutes to make and can be (should be) prepared ahead of time—making them a go to snack for holidays, game days, or anytime you need a quick crowd pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham (not too thin, so it won’t tear when rolling)
- 6–8 whole dill pickles (medium size works best and a kosher dill is my preferred choice)
Optional variations:
- Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham.
- Try flavored cream cheese (like garlic & herb or jalapeño).
- Add a sprinkle of dill weed to the cream cheese before rolling.
- Swap in baby dill pickles for mini roll ups.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep your ingredients
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy spreading. I’ll also add that there is no substitute for a good old block of Philadelphia cream cheese. Soft cream cheeses spread easier, sure, but they aren’t going to hold the roll together the same way a solid brick cream cheese does. Also, don’t even get me started on using anything but Philly. Pat your pickles and ham slices dry with a paper towel so the cream cheese sticks better.
Assemble the roll ups
Lay out one slice of ham on a cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over the ham. Place a whole pickle on one edge of the ham slice.
Roll it up
Starting at the pickle end, roll the ham tightly around the pickle until it forms a log.
Chill
Pop the full logs into the fridge for 15-30 minutes to give that cream cheese a chance to go back to its firm refrigerated texture. It’ll make cutting the pieces easier.
Slice into pieces
Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into ½-inch to 1-inch slices. Wipe your knife clean between cuts for neater slices.
Serve & enjoy
Arrange the roll ups on a platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Perfect Pickle Roll Ups
- Dry the pickles well: This keeps the cream cheese from sliding off.
- Use sturdy ham slices: Ultra-thin deli slices will tear easily, so ask for slightly thicker cuts.
- Make ahead: These can be made a day in advance—just cover tightly and store in the fridge.
Serving Ideas
Pickle roll ups are incredibly versatile! Here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- On a holiday appetizer tray with cheese, crackers, and veggies.
- As a game day snack – how cute would they look on one of these trays??
- Packed into a lunchbox for a fun, protein-packed bite.
- Cut extra small and served on toothpicks for party finger food.
Why We Love Them
This recipe is proof that sometimes the simple is best. This recipe is a no frills Midwest classic, and it’s a classic because it’s GOOD. The creamy, tangy, salty crunch is addictive—and it’s no wonder pickle roll ups have been passed down through the Northwoods generations as a party staple. Whether you’re introducing them to your kids for the first time or recreating a childhood favorite, pickle roll ups deserve a place in everyone’s heart – and stomach.
Pickle Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 lb sliced deli ham medium thickness
- 6-8 whole dill pickles
Instructions
- Pat pickles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Lay out a slice of ham and spread an even layer of softened cream cheese over it.
- Place a pickle at one end of the ham and roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into ½–1 inch bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
