Creamy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, these ham and cheese roll-ups are the perfect quick bite for parties, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacking. Tender slices of ham are spread with a rich cream cheese filling, sprinkled with sharp cheddar and fresh green onion, then rolled into irresistible little pinwheels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy — Ready in minutes with minimal preparation.
- Creamy and cheesy — Cream cheese and cheddar make the filling rich and satisfying.
- Great for parties — Easy to slice and serve as finger food.
- Low-carb friendly — Naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Make-ahead friendly — Chill before slicing for neat, firm roll-ups.
Perfect For
These roll-ups are perfect for appetizers, party snacks, lunchboxes, picnics, game nights, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and quick lunches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet ham — Pat the ham dry before adding the filling.
- Overfilling — Too much filling makes the roll-ups difficult to close.
- Rolling too loosely — Roll firmly so the pinwheels hold their shape.
- Skipping the chill time — Chilling makes slicing much easier.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Serving platter
Storage Instructions
Place the finished roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Keep them chilled until serving.
These roll-ups are best served cold or slightly chilled and are not recommended for freezing because the cream cheese filling can change texture.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 20 roll-ups
Best Season: All-season
Total Calories (Per Serving): Approximately 75 calories
📝 Ingredients
- 8 large slices deli ham
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Note: Use thin, large ham slices that are sturdy enough to roll without tearing.
Directions
- Soften the cream cheese.
Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes so it becomes easy to spread. - Prepare the filling.
Add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and parsley to a bowl. - Mix until creamy.
Stir or beat until everything is evenly incorporated. - Prepare the ham.
Lay the ham slices flat on a clean work surface. Pat them gently with paper towels if they contain excess moisture. - Spread the filling.
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges. - Roll tightly.
Starting from one short end, roll each slice firmly into a cylinder. - Chill.
Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Slice.
Use a sharp knife to cut each roll into approximately 1-inch pieces. - Arrange.
Place the roll-ups cut-side up on a serving platter. - Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with additional green onion or parsley and serve chilled.
Low-Carb Tips
- Choose unsweetened deli ham without added sugar when possible.
- Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese according to your preference.
- Add chopped cucumber, spinach, or bell pepper for extra freshness.
- For more protein, add shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve with cucumber slices, celery, or a fresh salad instead of crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Per Roll-Up — Approximate
- Calories: ~75
- Fat: ~5 g
- Cholesterol: ~20 mg
- Sodium: ~250 mg
- Potassium: ~45 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Net Carbs: ~1 g
- Sugars: ~0.5 g
- Protein: ~5 g
- Calcium: ~40 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the type of ham, cream cheese, and cheddar used.
Notes
- Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Spicy: Add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Crunchy: Add finely diced bell pepper or pickles.
- Herby: Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or chives.
- Higher protein: Add finely shredded cooked chicken.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Best served: Chilled.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free when using suitable certified ingredients.
- Low-carb: Yes, provided the ham contains little or no added sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare them the day before and keep refrigerated until serving.
2. Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Absolutely. Turkey slices work very well with the creamy cheese filling.
3. Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes. Garlic and herb, chive, or jalapeño cream cheese can add extra flavor.
4. Why are my roll-ups falling apart?
Make sure they’re rolled firmly and chilled before slicing. Avoid adding too much filling.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Finely chopped cucumber, bell pepper, spinach, or pickles are excellent additions.
