Ham or Salami Cream Cheese Rollups
These simple yet impressive little bites are so incredibly good! Ham or salami cream cheese roll ups might seem too easy to pack a flavor punch, but they’re always one of the first things to fly off the plate. They’re perfect for hosting parties, adding to a charcuterie board, or simply enjoying as a snack.
Where did Cream Cheese Roll Ups come from?
Although no one knows the origin of this simple recipe with certainty, different types of cream cheese roll ups been around since at least the 1930s and peaked in popularity in the 1950s. But I always think of them as a recipe from the 70s, since that’s when they began to appear at parties in my area.
I grew up with these on every platter at every party. My mom made the “basic” version of just ham and cream cheese for years, and just in the past few years began adding pickles.
Why You’ll Love These Bite-Sized Rollups
- Versatility: You can serve these ham or salami cream cheese roll ups as a snack, appetizer, or part of a charcuterie board.
- Customizable: Add some herbs, spices, or chopped vegetables to the cream cheese filling. (See more specific tips and variations further down.)
- Quick and Easy: These are so quick to make and they’re inexpensive, making them perfect for a last-minute gathering.
- Low Mess: All you’ll have to clean is a cutting board and a knife.
Ingredients
To make ham or salami cream cheese roll ups, all you really need is either thinly sliced ham (deli meat works just fine!) or salami and some softened cream cheese.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb sliced of deli ham or salami (You can stop here – trust me, it’s fantastic with just ham or salami and cream cheese!)
- 8 dill pickle spears, sliced in half lengthwise and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese (or skip this step and start with it already-whipped).
- Assemble: Lay a slice of ham or salami on a cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese over the slice. Add a thin slice of pickle spear (if using) on the shorter edge of the meat slice.
- Roll It Up: Starting from one end, gently roll the meat slice into a tight spiral. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- Chill: Place the rolled slices in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Slice: Once chilled, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. If needed, use toothpicks to secure each rollup (this usually isn’t necessary but it does make it easier for guests to pick up).
- Serve: Arrange the rollups on a platter or charcuterie board.
Cream Cheese Roll Ups are Keto-Friendly
I’ve been eating low-carb for a long time, and salami cream cheese roll ups are the PERFECT snack! It’s just another reason why I almost always serve them, since they fit into so many different diets. They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and taste so good that they never feel like a compromise.
Tips and Variations
- Switch Up the Meat: Experiment with other deli meats like turkey, prosciutto, or roast beef. You can also try beef salami instead of pork. Almost any charcuterie meat will work, and you can check out our best meats for a charcuterie board to get ideas.
- Add Flavor: Try mixing shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, or sun-dried tomatoes into the cream cheese. You could also start with a flavored cream cheese, such as a garlic-chive. Or even mix in some chopped green onions or chives – get creative!
- Replace the pickles with a strip of roasted red pepper.
- Make it spicy: For a kick of heat, add a large pinch of cayenne pepper or spread a thin layer of spicy mustard after you spread the cream cheese.
- Add some color: Garnish the roll ups with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped herbs to add a nice color contrast.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Snack: Pair them with crackers, fresh veggies, or nuts for a snack or light lunch.
- On a Charcuterie Board: They look gorgeous on a charcuterie board and also help keep costs down since the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find.
- At Parties: Make a large batch and serve them on a decorative platter. You can also skewer a few to make it easier for guests to grab.
- Try serving these with sugared grapes for another easy, low-cost appetizer. Any one of our whipped cheeses would also be a great choice!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Yet another reason why I love these little appetizers! They can be made ahead of time and brought out just before serving. I do prefer them once they’ve had 15-30 minutes out of the refrigerator, but that’s just personal preference, so try them both ways and decide which you like best.
- Refrigeration: Store the rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (I’ve left them for up to a week, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety).
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the rollups 1-3 days in advance and slice just before serving to save time. Slicing them when they’re still cold from the refrigerator works best.
Ham or salami cream cheese roll ups are proof that a few simple ingredients can make for one delicious appetizer or snack!
Ham or Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups
These little roll ups pack a big flavor punch for having just 2-3 ingredients!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb sliced of deli ham or salami (You can stop here - it's fantastic with just ham or salami and cream cheese!)
- 8 dill pickle spears, sliced in half lengthwise and patted dry
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese (or skip this step and start with it already whipped).
- Lay a slice of ham or salami on a cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese over the slice. Add a thin slice of pickle spear (if using) on the shorter edge of the meat slice.
- Starting from one end, gently roll the meat slice into a tight spiral. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- Place the rolled slices in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. If needed, use toothpicks to secure each rollup (this usually isn't necessary but it does make it easier for guests to pick up).
- Arrange the rollups on a platter or charcuterie board.
Notes
If you're making these as a casual snack and not serving them to guests, you can skip slicing them if you prefer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 165Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 1119mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 12g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated as we don't typically provide exact amounts for recipes. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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