People at the party love these Ham Roll Ups more than any other appetizer. They disappear in minutes, so make sure you make a lot of them.
Hello, everyone! This is Lindsay from That’s Low Carb again, and today I’m going to share a recipe that I had completely forgotten about until a few weeks ago.
We’ve been making these ham and cheese roll-ups for as long as I can remember. There was always a massive plate of these during every family function. As years have passed through for some reason they slowly began not being made.
Fewer family functions, less food, and just fewer family traditions. Sad how that begins happening as you get older and people begin moving away from each other.
Ham roll ups make for a perfect easy appetizer to serve at parties and gatherings. These tasty spirals of ham and cream cheese rolled around fresh green onion are simple to make but big on flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can have an impressive starter ready in no time.
This classic retro recipe has been popular for decades, especially in the Midwest. The salty ham combined with tangy cream cheese and bright green onion is hard to beat. Here is a complete walkthrough on how to assemble these crowd-pleasing ham roll ups.
Ingredients Needed
Part of what makes this recipe so easy is that it requires just a few simple ingredients:
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Sliced cooked ham – Go to the deli counter and ask for shaved cooked ham slices around 1/8-inch thick. This allows for easier rolling.
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Cream cheese – Use an 8-ounce block of regular full-fat cream cheese. Allow it to soften at room temperature before assembling the roll ups.
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Green onions – You’ll need 1 bunch of green onions. Trim off the root ends but leave the long green stalks attached.
You can also add optional herbs, spices, or chopped nuts to the cream cheese spread if desired Everything bagel seasoning, dried dill, or minced chives would all be tasty additions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for assembling perfect ham roll ups every time:
Prep the ingredients
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Soften the cream cheese. Remove the block of cream cheese from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before beginning. This softness makes it easier to spread on the ham.
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Trim the green onions. Rinse the bunch of green onions under running water. Use a sharp knife to trim off the root ends. Leave the long green stalks intact to roll inside the ham.
Assemble the roll ups
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Lay out a slice of ham. Place a slice of deli ham flat on your work surface. Trim off any uneven edges if needed so you have a rectangle.
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Spread the cream cheese. Use a spatula or knife to spread a thin even layer of the softened cream cheese over the surface of the ham.
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Add the green onion. Place a whole green onion stalk diagonally on the ham, with the white bulb at the edge.
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Roll it up. Starting from the short end, roll up the ham around the onion in a tight spiral, jelly-roll style.
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Seal the roll. When you get to the end, finish rolling to seal in the filling. The cream cheese will act as a natural glue to hold it together.
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Repeat with remaining ingredients. Make as many ham rolls as desired with the remaining ham, cream cheese, and green onions.
Chill, slice, and serve
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Chill the rolls. Place the assembled ham rolls on a baking sheet or plate. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
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Slice into pinwheels. Unwrap the chilled roll ups. Use a sharp knife to slice them into rounds. Cut each one into 12-16 pieces.
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Arrange on a platter. Stand the slices up with the filling visible and serve chilled. Provide any dipping sauces on the side.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll have the perfect ham roll ups ready to serve and enjoy.
Handy Tips for Success
Follow these tips for making the very best ham roll ups every time:
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Chill the roll ups before slicing to get cleaner cuts. The cream cheese also sets up better when chilled.
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Use a serrated knife for easier slicing through the tender ham. Gently saw back and forth.
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Make the slices a little thicker if serving on a buffet. Thinner slices work best for passed appetizers.
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Add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
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Substitute chives, scallions, or leeks for variety if green onions are unavailable.
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Leftover ham trimmings are great chopped and added to scrambled eggs or hash.
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Stagger the onion placement across multiple rolls for prettier pinwheel patterns when sliced.
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days.
With this easy technique, you’ll be able to make perfect ham roll ups anytime the occasion calls for an easy appetizer.
Get Creative with Fillings and Garnishes
While the classic cream cheese and green onion filling is always a foolproof choice, you can also get creative with different ham roll ups flavors:
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Herbed cream cheese – Mix in fresh herbs like dill, basil, cilantro, or chives.
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Jalapeño popper – Use spicy cheddar and diced jalapeños for a kick.
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Everything bagel – Sprinkle the cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning before rolling.
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Pesto – Swap the cream cheese for a layer of bright herby pesto instead.
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Olive tapenade – Savory olive tapenade is delicious with the salty ham.
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Spicy brown mustard – Spread the ham with tangy mustard before rolling.
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Chutney – A fruity mango or peach chutney complements the ham.
Get creative with garnishes too. A sprinkle of minced chives, paprika, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds adds extra flavor and crunch after slicing. Serve with fun dippers like honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or red pepper jelly for even more wow-factor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Part of the appeal of these ham rolls ups is that they can be made 1-2 days in advance:
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Assemble – Make the ham roll ups as directed, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Slice – When ready to serve, unwrap and slice the chilled rolls into rounds with a sharp knife.
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Garnish – Add any last-minute garnishes like fresh herbs right before serving.
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Serve – Set out sliced ham pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled.
Prepping the roll ups ahead saves you time when hosting. Just pull them from the fridge and slice on-site for an instant appetizer with no fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use cooked or deli ham?
Go to the deli counter and ask for thin slices of pre-cooked ham. Raw prosciutto or country ham is too difficult to roll.
Can I prepare these a day in advance?
Yes, assemble the full rolls up to 2 days ahead. Wrap well and refrigerate. Slice just before serving.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Just increase the ingredients as needed for the number of servings you want.
How long will leftover ham rolls last?
Store sliced leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Can I use a food processor to slice the roll ups?
You can try this but it may mush the delicate greens. Hand slicing with a sharp knife is best.
The Perfect Addition to Any Holiday Spread
These retro ham roll ups truly never go out of style. They are easy to make ahead for holidays and parties or any time you need a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. The classic salty ham and tangy cream cheese paired with the bright flavor of green onion is simply irresistible.
Keep a few key tips in mind for rolling and slicing success. But otherwise, feel free to get creative with fillings and garnishes to make this classic your own. With just a bit of time and minimal ingredients, you can have the perfect hearty appetizer ready to enjoy. So next time you host a holiday gathering or are simply in charge of bringing a starter to share, whip up a tray of these simple yet satisfying ham roll ups.
What do you need to make these ham roll ups?
- Plain Ham
- Green Onion
- Cream Cheese
They really are that simple. I love easy recipes that still have a ton of flavor.
Some other options for Roll Ups:
1. Use another type of deli meat such as turkey or salami
2. Fill with a flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb or garden vegetable
3. Swap out the green onion for pickles, julienned vegetables, cheese, or crisp bacon
My husband was over the moon with these. He couldnt believe in the 11 years weve been together Ive never made these before. Truthfully, Im a bit surprised by that as well.
I make our families low carb buffalo chicken meatballs on a regular, along with a low carb twist on our keto drop biscuits that are inspired by my families drop classic biscuits, but these ham and cheese roll-ups somehow missed their spot on the menu, until now.