Southern Ham and Pickle Roll Ups

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Grandma June calls these her “porch‑party crackers”—no‑fuss little bites that vanish the second they hit the table. Crunchy, salty, creamy, and rolled into one, they’re a stand‑in for crackers and dip that you can throw together fast and still look like you planned ahead.
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Perfect for summer evenings on the porch, game days, or any time you want a snack that guests immediately ask you to write down.
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Serve chilled on simple trays, just like Grandma would carry out to the porch. Pair with kettle chips or cheese crackers, fresh veggies and ranch, and a pitcher of sweet tea, lemonade, or light beer. They also sit happily next to deviled eggs, pimento cheese, or a fruit tray if you’re doing a bigger spread. Keep toothpicks handy if serving outside.
Southern Ham & Pickle Roll Ups
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | |
| Yellow mustard | 1 ½ tsp | |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | |
| Smoked paprika | ¼ tsp | Optional |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | |
| Kosher salt | ¼ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Fresh dill | 1 tbsp | Or 1 tsp dried |
| Sweet or green onion | ¼ cup | Finely minced |
| Deli ham | 1 lb | 10–12 large slices |
| Dill pickles | 12 whole (or 24 spears) | 3–4 inches long |
| Wax paper/plastic wrap | — | For rolling |
| Toothpicks | — | For serving |
Directions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and salt until smooth. Fold in dill and onion.
- Lay wax paper on the counter. Place one slice of ham on top, patting dry if needed.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture over ham, leaving ¼ inch bare on one long edge.
- Place one pickle (or two spears) along the opposite edge. Roll tightly around the pickle, sealing with the bare edge.
- Wrap roll in wax paper, seam‑side down. Repeat with remaining ham, filling, and pickles.
- Refrigerate rolls at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to firm.
- When ready to serve, unwrap and slice into ½–¾ inch rounds. Trim ends if uneven.
- Arrange cut‑side up on trays so the spiral shows. Add toothpicks if serving outside.
- Keep chilled until guests arrive. Expect them to disappear quickly.




