Ham Cream Cheese Pickle Pinwheels (Printable version)

Smoky ham wraps creamy cheese and pickles, creating bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

# What You Need:

→ Main

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 8 large slices deli ham (approximately 8 ounces)
03 - 6 large whole dill pickles

→ Flavor Enhancers

04 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped dill, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
02 - Use paper towels to gently pat the dill pickles dry, removing excess moisture.
03 - Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean cutting board. Spread a thin, uniform layer of the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface of the ham slice.
04 - Position a whole pickle at one end of the ham slice, then roll tightly to enclose the pickle with the ham and cream cheese.
05 - Repeat process with remaining ham slices, pickles, and cream cheese mixture until all ingredients are used.
06 - Using a sharp knife, cut each roll crosswise into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
07 - Place pinwheels on a serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They take almost no time—making you look clever with minimal effort.
  • The combination of smoky ham and tangy pickle is oddly addictive and refreshingly different from usual appetizers.
02 -
  • If the cream cheese isn't fully softened, the ham will tear and the filling won't spread evenly.
  • Patting the pickles dry is crucial—too much moisture turns the rolls to mush.
03 -
  • Let cream cheese come to room temperature for easiest spreading.
  • Wipe your knife after each cut—messy edges make the platter less appealing.
Go back