Irresistible Ham and Cheese Roll Ups

I used to think party appetizers had to be complicated until I discovered ham and cheese roll ups. These things are ridiculously easy to make, and people always ask for the recipe. I mean, we’re talking cream cheese, ham, and a few simple mix-ins wrapped up in a tortilla—that’s it.

The best part? You make them ahead of time, slice them into pinwheels, and just pull them out when guests arrive. No last-minute stress, no hot oven required. They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or even just lunch boxes. I’ve been making these for years, and they never disappoint.

What Kind of Deli Ham Should I Use?

For these roll ups, you can use pretty much any deli ham you like – honey ham, black forest, or even smoked ham all work great. The key is to get it sliced thin enough at the deli counter so it’s easy to layer and roll without making your tortillas too bulky. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for lower-sodium options, though regular deli ham works just fine for most people. And honestly, if you have leftover ham from dinner sitting in your fridge, you can slice that up thin and use it too – just make sure it’s not too thick or your roll ups will be hard to bite through.

Options for Substitutions

This simple recipe is easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge:

• Cream cheese: You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of mayo for a lighter version. Just make sure whatever you use is spreadable and at room temperature.
• Cheddar cheese: Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack all work great here. Pick whatever cheese pairs well with ham and matches your taste preferences.
• Dill pickle relish: Not a fan of pickles? Try swapping this with finely chopped fresh dill, a tablespoon of mustard, or even leave it out completely. You could also use sweet pickle relish if you prefer a less tangy flavor.
• Tortilla shells: Flour tortillas work best for rolling, but you can use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for extra flavor. Avoid corn tortillas as they tend to crack when rolled.
• Deli ham: Turkey, roast beef, or salami make easy swaps. You can also use leftover holiday ham if you have it on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake people make with ham and cheese roll ups is using cold cream cheese straight from the fridge, which makes it nearly impossible to spread evenly and can tear your tortillas – let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Skipping the chilling time is another error that will come back to haunt you, since the roll ups need at least 4 hours in the fridge to firm up properly, or they’ll fall apart when you try to slice them.

When spreading the cream cheese mixture, make sure to go all the way to the edges of the tortilla so every bite has flavor, and use a sharp knife to cut the rolls in one swift motion rather than sawing back and forth, which can squish them.

For cleaner slices, wipe your knife between cuts, and if you’re making these ahead of time, keep them tightly wrapped so the tortillas don’t dry out.

What to Serve With Ham and Cheese Roll Ups?

These roll ups are perfect for lunch or a quick snack, and they pair really well with simple sides that won’t steal the show. I like serving them with potato chips or pretzels for some crunch, or you could go with baby carrots and ranch dip if you want something fresher. A bowl of tomato soup on the side makes this feel like a complete meal, especially on cooler days. If you’re packing these for a picnic or lunchbox, throw in some apple slices or grapes to balance out the savory flavors.

Storage Instructions

Store: These roll ups are perfect for making ahead! Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They actually taste better after sitting for a few hours because the flavors get a chance to meld together.

Make Ahead: I love prepping these the night before for parties or lunch boxes. Just roll them up, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and slice them right before serving. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy and makes them super easy to grab and go.

Serve: Ham and cheese roll ups are best served cold, straight from the fridge. If they’ve been sitting out for more than 2 hours, toss them to be safe since they contain cream cheese and deli meat.

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1700-1850
• Protein: 65-75 g
• Fat: 110-125 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-115 g

Ingredients

For the cheese spread:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions

For the assembly:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 10 oz thinly sliced deli ham

Step 1: Build the Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until smooth and well blended.

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sweet pickle relish, and green onions until everything is evenly distributed.

The mixture should be spreadable but hold its shape.

I prefer to use freshly shredded cheddar here rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the cream cheese and creates a better texture for spreading.

Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups

• filling mixture from Step 1
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 10 oz thinly sliced deli ham

Lay out one flour tortilla on a clean work surface.

Spread about 1/4 of the filling mixture from Step 1 evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around all edges to prevent the filling from squishing out when you roll.

Layer 2-3 slices of thinly sliced deli ham directly over the filling, then tightly roll the tortilla away from you into a cylinder, pressing gently as you go to create a compact roll.

Repeat with the remaining three tortillas and filling.

Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours—this chilling time allows the filling to set and makes slicing clean and easy.

Step 3: Slice and Serve

• chilled roll-ups from Step 2

Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them.

Using a sharp serrated knife, trim about 1/2 inch off each end of every roll to create clean edges, then discard the end pieces.

Slice each roll into 8 equal pieces, wiping your knife clean between cuts for neat presentation.

I find that dipping the knife in warm water between slices helps the cream cheese cut smoothly without tearing or dragging.

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve cold or at room temperature.

Irresistible Ham and Cheese Roll Ups

Delicious Irresistible Ham and Cheese Roll Ups recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 32 pieces

Calories: 1775

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the cheese spread

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions

For the assembly

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 10 oz thinly sliced deli ham

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring until smooth and well blended. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sweet pickle relish, and green onions until everything is evenly distributed. The mixture should be spreadable but hold its shape. I prefer to use freshly shredded cheddar here rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly into the cream cheese and creates a better texture for spreading.
2. Lay out one flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread about 1/4 of the filling mixture from Step 1 evenly across the tortilla, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around all edges to prevent the filling from squishing out when you roll. Layer 2-3 slices of thinly sliced deli ham directly over the filling, then tightly roll the tortilla away from you into a cylinder, pressing gently as you go to create a compact roll. Repeat with the remaining three tortillas and filling. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours—this chilling time allows the filling to set and makes slicing clean and easy.
3. Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim about 1/2 inch off each end of every roll to create clean edges, then discard the end pieces. Slice each roll into 8 equal pieces, wiping your knife clean between cuts for neat presentation. I find that dipping the knife in warm water between slices helps the cream cheese cut smoothly without tearing or dragging. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve cold or at room temperature.