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When I need a quick party appetizer that everyone loves, I always reach for these ham rolls. They’re creamy, salty, and just the right amount of savory. They only take a handful of ingredients, and every time I bring a platter to a holiday gathering or summer BBQ, they disappear before I can even grab one for myself. Try to stop at just one, I dare you.
I’ve been making these ham rolls for years because they’re so simple and versatile. You can switch up the filling with olives, green onions, or pickles, depending on your crowd, and they always taste amazing. I love making my tortilla pinwheels for parties, too, but these roll ups are a little quicker to make and easier to grab and go. They’re perfect when I want something bite-sized for parties, picnics, or busy holiday hosting. If you’ve made these before or have your own favorite filling combo, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Tips for Beginners
- Prevent soggy rolls. Pat the ham and mix-ins dry before rolling. Too much moisture or making them too far ahead can make them limp. Chill at least 30 minutes before slicing so they firm up.
- Room temperature cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so that it’s easy to spread.
- Don’t overfill. Spread the cream cheese in a thin, even layer and leave a small edge around the sides. Chill 1–2 hours before cutting to help the filling set.
- Rolls unraveling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill before slicing. You can also secure each roll with a toothpick if needed. Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly.
- Choose the right ham. Use thicker-cut deli ham, not shaved. Pat dry before spreading the filling, and double up slices if they’re thin. Swap out the ham for other lunch meats if you want.
Ham Roll Ups (Ham Rolls)
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese 1 brick, softened, use a flavored cream cheese if you prefer
- ¼ cup diced olives green or black
- ¼ cup diced dill pickles
- 1 green onion finely sliced
- 10 slices deli ham
Video
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add in the olives, pickle, and green onion. Mix on medium speed until evenly combined.
- Lay a slice of ham out on a cutting board. Spread a layer of the cream cheese from edge to edge.
- Roll into a tight log and transfer to a plate.
- Repeat with the remaining ham slices.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Slice each roll into 1 inch pieces.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
Becky’s Tips
- Feel free to use all olives or all pickles, if you prefer, or try swapping the olives for briny capers!
- You can add different fresh herbs, such as chives, dill, or parsley!
- You can skewer the ham roll ups with toothpicks for an easy-to-grab appetizer.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Ham Rolls Step by Step
Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 8 oz. of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add mix-ins: Add ¼ cup of diced olives (green or black), ¼ cup of diced dill pickles, and 1 finely sliced green onion. Mix again on medium speed until everything is evenly combined.
Spread the filling: Lay one slice of deli ham flat on a cutting board and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, going all the way to the edges.
Roll and repeat: Roll the ham tightly into a log and place it on a plate. Repeat with the remaining 9 slices of ham. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up the rolls.
Slice and serve: Once chilled, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve cold and enjoy!
How to Store
Store leftover ham rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy cold. I do not recommend freezing the roll ups.
Serving Suggestions
These ham rolls are seriously addictive and loved by my friends of all ages. I serve them as after-school snacks for my kids or pass them around on game days with cheeseburger sliders. They’re also great on a party platter with potato skin bites or ranch chicken wings. You can even add them to a holiday appetizer table alongside crack dip or stuffed mushrooms.
More Easy Party Finger Food Recipes
Our Ham Rolls recipe was originally published 12/19/22. It was retested, reworked, and republished to be better than ever 11/3/25.
I took the ham rolls to a Christmas party tonight and they were a big hit. Only two were left on the plate and it was really easy to pawn them off. Came with an empty plate.