Ham And Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

There’s something about ham and cheese roll-ups that just screams “party favorite.” Whether you’re prepping for a game day snack, a picnic, or just need a quick and delicious lunch, these little bites hit the spot. They’re creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make ahead, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying them.

this RECIPE

The first time I made these, I almost didn’t get to eat them!

It was my turn to bring snacks to a family gathering, and I wanted something simple but tasty. I figured ham and cheese roll-ups would be perfect—quick to assemble and easy to transport. What I didn’t expect was how fast they’d disappear! I barely set the plate down before my cousins started grabbing them. By the time I reached for one, all that was left were a few stray crumbs. That’s when I knew I had found a winning recipe.

A little history on roll-ups

Pinwheels, wraps, roll-ups—whatever you call them, they’ve been around for ages. They’re essentially a modern take on sandwiches but with a fun, bite-sized twist. These roll-ups are inspired by classic ham and cheese sandwiches but take things up a notch with a creamy, garlicky spread and a little tang from the pickle relish. It’s a combination that works surprisingly well!

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes these roll-ups irresistible

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, and there’s room for flexibility if you want to switch things up.

• Cream cheese – The base of our spread. It adds richness and holds everything together. If you’re out, you can swap in Greek yogurt or even a mix of mayo and sour cream.
• Garlic powder – A simple seasoning that adds depth without overpowering. Fresh minced garlic works too, but it will have a stronger bite.
• Cheddar cheese – The sharper, the better! It adds a nice cheesy kick. You can try pepper jack for some heat or Swiss for a milder touch.
• Dill pickle relish – This little addition makes all the difference. It adds tanginess and crunch. If you’re not a fan of pickles, try finely chopped banana peppers or omit it altogether.
• Tortilla shells – Soft flour tortillas work best for rolling. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas add a little extra flavor and nutrition.
• Deli ham – Thinly sliced ham is ideal, but turkey or roast beef are great alternatives.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

No fancy equipment required—just the basics!

• Handheld mixer – Helps make the cream cheese extra fluffy. If you don’t have one, a good old-fashioned spoon and some arm power will do.
• Mixing bowl – A medium-sized one should be plenty big.
• Plastic wrap – This is key for keeping the roll-ups tight while they chill. If you’re out, parchment paper works in a pinch.
• Sharp knife – For slicing clean, even roll-ups. Serrated knives work best.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for perfect roll-ups

These come together in no time, but a few tips will ensure they turn out just right.

1. Make the filling – In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with garlic powder until light and fluffy. This step is important! Whipping the cream cheese ensures it spreads easily. Stir in the shredded cheddar and pickle relish.
2. Assemble the roll-ups – Lay out the tortillas and divide the mixture evenly between them. Spread it all the way to the edges—this keeps the roll-ups from falling apart later. Evenly layer the ham slices on top.
3. Roll and wrap – Roll each tortilla up tightly, then wrap them in plastic wrap. This helps them hold their shape. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so they firm up.
4. Slice and serve – Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and trim the edges. Then slice each roll into 8 pieces. Serve immediately or store for later.

Variations and ways to switch it up

I love playing around with different flavors, and these roll-ups are super adaptable!

• Spicy version – Add chopped jalapeños or swap in pepper jack cheese.
• Low-carb option – Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a keto-friendly version.
• Turkey and cranberry – Swap ham for turkey and add a thin layer of cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired twist.
• Italian-style – Use salami, provolone, and a smear of pesto instead of pickle relish.
• Vegetarian alternative – Skip the ham and load up on roasted red peppers, spinach, and shredded carrots.

How to serve these roll-ups like a pro

Presentation makes a difference! Arrange them on a wooden board with some fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top. If serving for a party, place them in a circular pattern with a small bowl of honey mustard or ranch for dipping. For lunchboxes, pack them with a handful of grapes and some crunchy veggies.

Drink pairings: what goes best with these?

These roll-ups pair well with a variety of drinks, depending on the occasion:

• For a casual lunch – A crisp iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.
• For a party – A light beer or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• For kids – A classic choice like apple juice or a fruity lemonade.

Storing and reheating tips

These roll-ups keep well for up to two days in an airtight container in the fridge. If they get a little soft, pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to firm them up. I don’t recommend microwaving them—cream cheese and tortillas don’t reheat well together!

Need to adjust the servings? No problem!

This recipe makes 32 roll-ups, but you can easily scale it up or down. Just remember:

• If doubling, make the filling in two batches to keep it easy to mix.
• If halving, you might need a little less garlic powder so it doesn’t overpower the flavors.
• Smaller tortillas work too, just slice them into fewer pieces.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Tortillas cracking – Warm them slightly before rolling so they stay pliable.
• Roll-ups falling apart – Make sure to spread the filling all the way to the edges and wrap them tightly.
• Too bland? – A pinch of salt or an extra sprinkle of cheese can help.

Give these a try!

These ham and cheese roll-ups are one of those easy, foolproof recipes that never fail to impress. Whether you make them for a party, meal prep, or just because you’re craving something cheesy and delicious, they’re bound to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know what variations you come up with!

FAQs

1. Can I make these the night before?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight since the flavors meld together.

2. What’s the best way to keep them from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overdo the pickle relish and keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

3. Can I freeze these?
I don’t recommend it—cream cheese doesn’t thaw well and can get watery.

4. What other meats can I use?
Turkey, roast beef, or even salami work great! Just keep the slices thin so they roll easily.

5. Can I use corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas hold up better, but if you want to use corn, warm them first to prevent cracking.

Print