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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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HAM PICKLE CREAM CHEESE ROLL-UPS--(POLISH ROSES)

Recipe by Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking

A quick, no‑cook party appetizer featuring thick‑cut honey ham, softened Philadelphia cream cheese, and crunchy kosher dill pickles rolled together and sliced into bite‑size bites. Perfect for holiday gatherings.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.50
Total cost
$0.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry the pickles and ham thoroughly to avoid soggy rollups
  • Spread cream cheese all the way to the edges so the roll seals properly

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully to avoid cuts
  • Keep cream cheese refrigerated until just before use to prevent bacterial growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Ham and Pickle Rollups in American holiday gatherings?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of ham and pickle rollups in Pennsylvania cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How are ham and pickle rollups traditionally served at holiday parties in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are ham and pickle rollups associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with ham and pickle rollups at a holiday spread?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes ham and pickle rollups special or unique in American appetizer cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ham and pickle rollups?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this ham and pickle rollup recipe use Philadelphia cream cheese instead of a lower‑fat spread?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make ham and pickle rollups ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Helga's Pennsylvania Cooking's approach to holiday appetizers differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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