Ham roll ups are quick and tasty bites that everyone loves! They’re made by wrapping ham around a creamy filling, often cream cheese and veggies, making them so delicious.
These fun snacks are perfect for parties or a simple lunch. I could eat a whole plate while watching my favorite show. Make sure to save some for your friends! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is the star ingredient. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey or chicken deli meats work well too, especially if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds a yummy creaminess. An easy swap is Greek yogurt for a tangy touch, or you can use plant-based cream cheese if you’re dairy-free.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss are classic choices, but feel free to experiment. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, or mozzarella can bring a stretchy, mild flavor that’s also delicious.
Herbs and Spices: Italian herbs blend beautifully here, but if you don’t have them, try using mixed seasonings or just fresh pepper. Fresh herbs can bring extra brightness as well!
How Do You Get Perfectly Rolled Ham Roll Ups?
Rolling the ham tightly is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Lay the ham flat with the smooth side up, which helps the cheese stick better.
- Spread the cream cheese evenly, but not too thick, to prevent it from oozing out when you roll.
- Start rolling from one edge carefully. Keep it snug, but not overly tight.
- Once rolled, tuck in any filling that peeks out and place the seam side down on a plate.
- Chilling is super important. It helps the roll ups hold their shape and makes them easier to slice!
Don’t rush this step as it will ensure your roll ups stay intact for serving.
Ham Roll Ups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pickle slices or roasted peppers for serving
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to chill. That’s a total of about 40 minutes for tasty ham roll ups that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham Slices:
Start by laying each slice of deli ham flat on a clean surface like a cutting board. Make sure each slice is positioned so the smooth side faces up; this will help the spread stick better!
2. Add Cream Cheese:
With a butter knife or a spatula, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese evenly over the ham slices. Don’t overdo it; you want just enough to coat the ham without making it too messy.
3. Sprinkle with Cheese:
Next, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cream cheese. Feel free to mix up the cheeses if you like. Cheddar and Swiss are great together!
4. Season the Filling:
Lightly season the cheese layer with dried Italian herbs and a touch of black pepper. This adds a nice flavor that complements the ham beautifully.
5. Roll It Up!
Now it’s time to roll! Starting from one edge of the ham slice, carefully roll it up tightly into a spiral shape. Make sure it’s snug to keep the filling from spilling out, but don’t pull too tightly!
6. Chill the Roll Ups:
Once all the rolls are assembled, place them seam-side down on a plate. This helps them stay closed. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make slicing easier.
7. Slice and Serve:
After chilling, take the roll ups out of the fridge. Using a sharp knife (make sure you cut through the ham and not just the filling), slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your ham roll ups with pickle slices or roasted peppers on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy these delicious bites as an appetizer or party snack!
These ham roll ups are not just easy to make, but they also deliver a creamy, cheesy bite with a burst of flavor from the herbs. Perfect for parties or quick snacks at home! 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Deli Meat?
Absolutely! While ham is traditional, you can easily substitute turkey, chicken, or even roast beef for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they’re thinly sliced for easy rolling.
How Do I Keep the Roll Ups from Unraveling?
Make sure to roll them tightly and place the seam side down once rolled. Chilling the roll ups for at least 30 minutes helps them set and keeps them from coming apart when sliced.
Can I Make Ham Roll Ups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just make sure to keep them wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To serve, enjoy them cold as a quick snack or let them come to room temperature for a delicious bite!
