Ham Pickle Roll Ups: Cooking with Kristin (Day 20: 31 Dok)
Ham Pickle Roll Ups: Cooking with Kristin (Day 20: 31 DOK) is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 70 calories per serving. Recipe by Gehm Time on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min
Cost: $12.43 total, $1.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 spears Kosher Dill Pickle Spears (Whole spears, drained and patted dry)
- 12 slices Boiled Ham Slices (Thin deli‑style slices, patted dry)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (Softened to room temperature for easy spreading)
- 12 pieces Toothpicks (Wooden, for securing roll‑ups)
- 1 roll Paper Towels (Used to blot excess moisture from pickles and ham)
Instructions
Drain and Pat Dry Pickles
Open the jar of kosher dill spears, drain the liquid, and place the spears on a paper towel. Pat each spear dry with another paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Pat Dry Ham Slices
Lay each ham slice on a fresh paper towel and gently press to remove any surface moisture.
Time: PT2M
Soften Cream Cheese
Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until soft enough to spread easily (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Spread Cream Cheese on Ham
Using a butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over each ham slice, leaving a small border (about ¼ inch) around the edges.
Time: PT3M
Add Pickle and Roll
Place one dried pickle spear at the end of the cream‑cheese‑covered ham slice and roll tightly, pressing gently to keep the roll compact.
Time: PT2M
Trim Ends (Optional)
Using the sharp knife, cut off the uneven ends of the roll (the “nerds”) and set them aside for later snacking.
Time: PT2M
Secure with Toothpick
Insert a toothpick into the thick rind end of the pickle to hold the roll together securely.
Time: PT1M
Repeat for Remaining Pickles
Repeat steps 4‑7 for the remaining pickles, ham slices, and cream cheese until all roll‑ups are assembled.
Time: PT5M
Plate and Chill
Arrange the completed roll‑ups on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 70
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains dairy, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kosher Dill Pickle Spears: Bread‑and‑butter pickles, gherkin spears
- Instead of Boiled Ham Slices: Turkey ham, cooked pork shoulder slices
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, low‑fat cream cheese
- Instead of Toothpicks: small wooden skewers
- Instead of Paper Towels: clean kitchen towel, lint‑free cloth
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Paper Towels
- Toothpicks
- Plate or Platter
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat pickles and ham completely dry to avoid soggy rolls
- Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese and leave a small border
- Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick inserted into the rind end
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese for a smooth spread
- A serrated knife gives cleaner cuts on the ham
- Keep a small bowl of extra cream cheese handy for quick touch‑ups
Troubleshooting
Roll falls apart when lifted
Spread less cream cheese and roll tighter; ensure the toothpick is inserted into the thick rind end.
Pickles are watery and make the roll soggy
Pat the pickles thoroughly with paper towels before assembling.
Cream cheese is too hard to spread
Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 10‑15 minutes or microwave for 5 seconds in a sealed container.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of cream cheese changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours during a party; keep refrigerated otherwise.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the roll‑ups, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving
- Insert toothpicks just before serving to keep rolls intact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups in American party cuisine?
Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups are a Midwestern snack that gained popularity at potlucks and office gatherings, especially in Wisconsin where deli ham and dill pickles are staple foods. They reflect the region’s love for simple, salty finger foods that are easy to transport and share.
What are the traditional regional variations of Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups in the United States?
In some areas, the ham is swapped for turkey or smoked sausage, and the cream cheese may be flavored with herbs or garlic. In the Upper Midwest, the roll‑up is often served with a side of mustard for dipping, while in the South, a slice of cheese may be added before rolling.
How is Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups authentically served in Wisconsin gatherings?
They are typically presented on a platter with toothpicks, allowing guests to pick them up easily. The ends (called “nerds”) are often set aside in a small bowl for the host to snack on, and the roll‑ups are kept chilled until served.
What occasions or celebrations are Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups traditionally associated with in American culture?
These bite‑size snacks are common at office potlucks, birthday parties, tailgate gatherings, and holiday cookie swaps, where quick, no‑cook appetizers are appreciated.
What makes Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups special or unique in American appetizer cuisine?
The combination of salty ham, tangy dill pickle, and creamy cheese creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both crunchy and creamy. Their simplicity and portability make them a standout finger food that can be assembled in minutes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups?
Common errors include not drying the pickles or ham, using too much cream cheese (which leaks out), and rolling too loosely, which causes the roll‑up to fall apart. Patting dry and spreading a thin cheese layer are key to success.
Why does this Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups recipe use a thin border of cream cheese instead of covering the entire ham slice?
Leaving a thin border prevents excess cheese from spilling out during rolling, ensuring the roll stays neat and the flavor stays balanced without becoming overly rich.
Can I make Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, assemble the roll‑ups, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Insert the toothpicks just before serving to keep the rolls securely together.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups?
Each roll‑up should be tight and uniform, with the pickle spear centered and the cream cheese visible as a thin, even layer. The ends should be neatly trimmed, and the toothpick should be inserted into the thick rind side of the pickle.
How do I know when Ham and Pickle Roll‑Ups are done and ready to serve?
The roll‑ups are ready once the ham is fully wrapped around the pickle, the ends are trimmed, and a toothpick secures the roll. They should feel firm but not overly compressed, and the cream cheese should hold the ingredients together without oozing.
What does the YouTube channel Gehm Time specialize in?
The YouTube channel Gehm Time focuses on quick, practical home cooking tutorials, often featuring easy-to-make party snacks, comfort foods, and step‑by‑step tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Gehm Time's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Gehm Time emphasizes minimal prep, clear visual cues, and reusable kitchen hacks—like re‑using paper towels for drying—making the recipes especially accessible for busy home cooks compared to more elaborate productions on other channels.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
