Ham Roll-Ups

We’re always on the lookout for make-ahead appetizers for parties or potluck events. Bonus points if the recipe happens to be a no-cook appetizer. These easy ham roll-ups absolutely fit the bill. The recipe comes together in only 10 minutes and can be made up to three days in advance.

Our ham roll-ups are a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish featuring deli ham and a flavorful cream cheese filling. The rolls are salty, savory, creamy and crunchy—everything you want in a bite-sized tidbit. The only problem is how quickly they go. It’s hard to eat just one!

Ingredients for Ham Roll-Ups

• Ham: Choose a deli ham with a uniform shape for these ham roll-ups. Unfortunately, leftover ham from your favorite holiday ham recipe or a ham steak won’t work here. Those meats aren’t thin enough to roll up!
• Cream cheese: Leave the cream cheese on the counter for 35 to 45 minutes before making the cream cheese mixture. Softened cream cheese is much easier to work with! If you forgot, there are other ways to soften cream cheese quickly.
• Olives: The recipe calls for ripe olives, but you can use black olives, green olives or pitted kalamatas. Some varieties of olives are more intense than others, so choose the one that tastes best to you. If you need help, these are our Test Kitchen’s top picks for the best olives.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions add crunch and a mild onion flavor to these ham roll-ups.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese mixture

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the olives and green onions.

Step 2: Roll the ham roll-ups

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Spread the cream cheese mixture over the ham slices. Working with one ham slice at a time, roll the ham up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side.

Step 3: Refrigerate

Chill for at least one hour. Just before serving, cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces.

Editor’s Tip: Refrigerating the ham roll-ups solidifies the cream cheese and ensures the roll-ups will slice cleanly. If you plan on storing them for longer than an hour, wrap the rolls tightly with storage wrap, or store them in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

• Turn ham rolls into a dip: It’s easy to turn this roll-up recipe into a dip. Simply chop the ham, and mix it into the cream cheese mixture. Serve the cream cheese dip with fresh vegetables, tortilla chips or pita crisps.
• Add a pickle: To make ham and cream cheese roll-ups with pickles, spread the cream cheese mixture as directed. Place a whole dill pickle or pickle spear on each ham slice. Then roll as directed. If the pickles are salty, you may want to omit the chopped olives.
• Boost the flavor: Use flavored cream cheese instead of plain cream cheese, or add flavor with a packet of ranch dressing and dip mix.
• Skip the onions: If green onions are too onion-forward for your liking, swap in mild chives instead.
• Use another meat: You can make these delicious roll-ups with most deli meat. Try salami, roast beef or turkey.
• Create tortilla roll-ups: Spread the cream cheese filling on a tortilla to turn these bites into ham and cheese roll-ups.

How to Store Ham Roll-Ups

Store leftover ham roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you make ham roll-ups ahead of time?

These ham roll-ups are a fantastic make-ahead party appetizer. You can make them up to three days in advance. It’s best to store them whole, so wrap the rolls tightly in storage wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, and slice just before serving.

Can you freeze ham roll-ups?

We don’t recommend freezing ham roll-ups. Freezing cream cheese changes its texture, and the roll-ups can taste a little grainy after they’re thawed.

Ham Roll-Ups Tips

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What are ham rolls made of?

Ham rolls are a popular appetizer dish made with deli ham, softened cream cheese and flavorful ingredients like pickles, green onions and olives.

What else can you add to ham roll-ups?

Ham roll-ups are easy to customize, and you can add any number of additional ingredients to the cream cheese mixture. Add crunch with finely chopped pickles, sweet red bell peppers or spicy jalapenos. Or make the cream cheese filling extra cheesy with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. To give the rolls a sweet edge, skip the olives and green onions, and instead add jam, jelly or fruity spreads.