Ham Pickle Cream Cheese Roll-ups--(polish Roses)
HAM PICKLE CREAM CHEESE ROLL-UPS--(POLISH ROSES) is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 90 calories per serving. Recipe by Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $7.50 total, $0.63 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 slices Honey Ham Deli Slices (Medium‑to‑thick cut, dried with paper towel to remove excess moisture)
- 8 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese (Full‑fat, softened to room temperature for easy spreading)
- 12 whole Plastic Kosher Dill Pickles (large) (Large size, dried with paper towel before rolling to avoid sogginess)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Pat the whole dill pickles dry with paper towels, then do the same with the ham slices to remove any surface moisture. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 5‑10 minutes until spreadable.
Time: PT5M
Spread Cream Cheese
Place a ham slice on the cutting board. Using the spreading knife, apply an even layer of cream cheese over the entire surface, reaching all the way to the edges.
Time: PT4M
Add Pickle and Roll
Lay a dried dill pickle on top of the cream‑cheese‑covered ham slice. Starting at one short end, roll the ham tightly around the pickle, pressing gently to seal.
Time: PT4M
Slice Rollups
Using the chef's knife, cut the roll into ½‑inch thick pinwheels. Discard the very ends if they look uneven; they can be saved for another bite.
Time: PT3M
Plate and Serve
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving plate or tray. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 90
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Honey Ham Deli Slices: Turkey ham, cooked pork ham
- Instead of Philadelphia Cream Cheese: Store‑brand cream cheese, Neufchâtel cheese (half‑fat)
- Instead of Plastic Kosher Dill Pickles (large): Regular dill pickles, gherkin pickles
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spreading Knife
- Serving Plate or Tray
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry the pickles and ham thoroughly to avoid soggy rollups
- Spread cream cheese all the way to the edges so the roll seals properly
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the biggest crunchy dill pickles you can find – they hold up best to the creamy ham","Press the roll gently but firmly so the pinwheels keep their shape
- Serve with a small dollop of mustard or honey for extra flavor if desired
Troubleshooting
Roll falls apart when sliced
Make sure the cream cheese layer reaches the edges of the ham and that the ham is rolled tightly. If needed, add a second thin layer of cream cheese before rolling.
Rollups are soggy
Dry both the pickles and ham thoroughly with paper towels before assembling. Use the larger, crunchier plastic kosher dill pickles as recommended.
Cream cheese is too firm to spread
Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for an additional 5‑10 minutes or microwave it for 5 seconds in a sealed container.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store up to 2 days in the fridge
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes
Room temperature: Safe for up to 2 hours at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can assemble the rolls and keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- If making ahead, slice just before serving to maintain crispness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ham and Pickle Rollups in American holiday gatherings?
Ham and Pickle Rollups are a modern, convenience‑focused appetizer that grew popular in the United States as a quick finger food for holiday parties. They reflect the American love of deli meats and pickles, offering a salty‑creamy bite that’s easy to assemble in large batches.
What are the traditional regional variations of ham and pickle rollups in Pennsylvania cuisine?
In Pennsylvania, especially around the Philadelphia area, variations may use locally sourced honey‑glazed ham, thick‑cut kosher dill pickles, or substitute the cream cheese with a spread of local goat cheese. Some families add a thin slice of sharp cheddar for extra tang.
How are ham and pickle rollups traditionally served at holiday parties in the United States?
They are typically arranged on a decorative platter, sometimes garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey mustard. Guests pick them up with their fingers, making them a popular buffet‑style snack during cocktail hours and family gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations are ham and pickle rollups associated with in American culture?
These rollups are most common at Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving pot‑luck tables, and any casual holiday gathering where quick, bite‑size appetizers are needed.
What other American dishes pair well with ham and pickle rollups at a holiday spread?
They pair nicely with cheese platters, deviled eggs, spinach‑artichoke dip, and a crisp green salad. A light sparkling wine or a seasonal cocktail complements the salty‑creamy flavor.
What makes ham and pickle rollups special or unique in American appetizer cuisine?
The combination of salty ham, tangy dill pickle, and rich cream cheese creates a balanced flavor profile in a single bite, and the no‑cook preparation makes them uniquely convenient for last‑minute hosting.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ham and pickle rollups?
Common errors include not drying the pickles or ham, which leads to soggy rolls, and failing to spread the cream cheese to the edges, causing the roll to unroll. Also, using overly soft cheese can make the roll slip apart.
Why does this ham and pickle rollup recipe use Philadelphia cream cheese instead of a lower‑fat spread?
Full‑fat Philadelphia cream cheese provides the right amount of richness and firmness to act as an adhesive that holds the roll together while balancing the saltiness of the ham and the acidity of the pickle.
Can I make ham and pickle rollups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Slice them just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the pickles.
What does the YouTube channel Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking focuses on simple, family‑friendly American recipes, especially quick holiday and comfort‑food ideas that use readily available grocery ingredients and minimal cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking's approach to holiday appetizers differ from other cooking channels?
Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking emphasizes ultra‑quick, no‑cook or minimal‑cook recipes that can be prepared with just a few pantry staples, catering to busy hosts who need crowd‑pleasing snacks without spending hours in the kitchen.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
