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Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups are a quick, no-cook appetizer packed with creamy, tangy, and savory flavor. These pickle roll ups, often called Midwest sushi, are a nostalgic favorite that works for parties, holidays, or everyday snacking. If you’re looking for easy pickle roll ups with ham that everyone grabs first, this is it.

Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups stacked on a plate with toothpicks showing pickle and cream cheese filling

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – ready in just 15 minutes
  • No cooking required
  • Classic Midwest sushi flavor everyone loves
  • Perfect make-ahead appetizer
  • Great for parties, holidays, or snacks
  • Minimal ingredients with big flavor

Key Ingredients

Ham

Thinly sliced ham is the base of these ham and pickle roll ups and gives them their classic savory flavor.

Dill Pickles

Dill pickle spears bring the signature tang and crunch that make dill pickle roll ups so addictive.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy texture that balances the saltiness of the ham and pickles.

Dijon Mustard

A small amount of Dijon mustard adds depth and a slight tang to the filling.

ingredients for Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups on a tray including sliced ham, dill pickles, cream cheese, mustard, garlic powder, and green onions

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • thinly sliced ham – substitute with turkey, roast beef, chicken, or vegetarian deli slices. Sliced dried beef is also an option.
  • dill pickle spears – substitute with sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, or pickled vegetables
  • cream cheese – substitute with goat cheese, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free cream cheese
  • Dijon mustard – substitute with yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard
  • garlic powder – substitute with sautéed minced garlic
  • onion powder – substitute with finely chopped sautéed onion
  • fresh chives or green onions – substitute with parsley, dill, or cilantro

Variations

  • Use turkey or roast beef instead of ham for a different version of ham pickle roll ups
  • Add shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for extra richness
  • Use flavored cream cheese, such as garlic and herb
  • Try sweet pickles instead of dill for a sweeter twist
  • Growing up, my mom often used sliced dried beef in place of the ham – also delicious!
sliced Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups showing pickle and cream cheese filling secured with toothpicks

Tips for Best Results

  • Pat the pickles dry to prevent soggy roll ups
  • Use softened cream cheese for easy spreading
  • Roll tightly so the pickle stays in place
  • Chill before slicing for cleaner pinwheels

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FAQs

What are Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups?

Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups are a simple appetizer made with ham, cream cheese, and pickles rolled together. They are often called Midwest sushi.

Why are they called Midwest sushi?

The nickname Midwest sushi comes from the rolled shape, similar to sushi, but made with classic Midwestern ingredients.

Can I make Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups ahead of time?

Yes. These pickle roll ups can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What kind of pickles work best?

Dill pickle spears are most commonly used for dill pickle roll ups, but you can use your favorite variety.

Can I slice them into pinwheels?

Yes. Slice into bite-sized pieces for parties or serve whole for a quick snack.

How to Store Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups

Store Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tightly sealed to keep the ham fresh.

How to Make Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups at Home

These ham and pickle roll ups come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients. The creamy filling spreads easily over the ham, and each pickle gets rolled up tightly for the perfect bite. These dill pickle roll ups pair perfectly with other easy appetizers for a party spread.

Try serving them alongside deviled eggs or other easy appetizers for a complete spread.

Quick steps:

  1. Spread cream cheese mixture over ham
  2. Place the pickle at one end
  3. Roll tightly
  4. Repeat with the remaining ingredients
  5. Slice or serve whole

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Looking for more easy appetizer ideas? Check out favorites like Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs or Bacon Pesto Cheese Ball, or browse all appetizer recipes.

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Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups served on a plate with crackers, grapes, strawberries, and cheese
close-up of Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups stacked with visible pickle centers and cream cheese filling
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Servings: 12 roll ups

Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups

By Jamie Sherman
Make Ham And Pickle Roll-Ups in minutes. These pickle roll ups with ham are creamy, tangy, and perfect for parties.
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 12 slices thinly sliced ham
  • 12 dill pickle spears
  • Fresh chives or green onions, optional for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
    4 oz. cream cheese, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Lay one slice of ham flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the ham.
    12 slices thinly sliced ham
  • Place a dill pickle spear at one end of the ham slice.
    12 dill pickle spears
  • Roll the ham tightly around the pickle, keeping it snug so it holds together.
  • Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  • Serve whole or slice into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if desired.
    Fresh chives or green onions

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Keep them tightly sealed to prevent the ham from drying out

♨️ REHEATING

  • Not recommended – best served cold or chilled

❄️ FREEZING

  • Not recommended – cream cheese texture may become grainy and watery after thawing

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use softened cream cheese for easy spreading
  • Pat the pickles dry to prevent excess moisture
  • Roll tightly for clean slices
  • Chill for 20-30 minutes before slicing for neater cuts

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • None

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Chop leftovers and add to salads or wraps
  • Slice and pack into lunch boxes for an easy snack

📝 NOTES

  • You can serve these whole for a quick snack or slice into pinwheels for parties
  • Great make-ahead appetizer for gatherings
  • Adjust mustard amount to taste

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll up, Calories: 35kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 44mg, Potassium: 17mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 128IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.04mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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