Looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress at your next party? These Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups are the perfect go-to snack! Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing for a casual dinner, or simply craving a low-carb snack, these savory rolls are both tangy and creamy, with a satisfying crunch from the pickles. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, taking only 10 minutes of prep time—no cooking required! These bite-sized delights are not just for parties but are also perfect for meal prep, offering a great keto-friendly, high-protein snack.
Trust me, these Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups will quickly become your new favorite go-to snack for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real: sometimes we’re all about keeping things simple but still want something that’s full of flavor. These Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups are a dream because they check all the boxes:
- Minimal Prep Time: With only a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up quickly.
- No Cooking Required: This recipe is as easy as spreading, rolling, and chilling. Zero heat necessary!
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese and crunchy dill pickles makes every bite burst with flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make them ahead of time, and they’ll last in the fridge for days, making them a perfect snack to keep on hand for busy weeks.
- Keto-Friendly: They’re low-carb, making them a fantastic choice for anyone following a keto meal plan or just watching their carb intake.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
There’s something nostalgic and irresistible about these Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups. Often referred to as “Midwest sushi,” these roll-ups have a retro charm that never goes out of style. They’re an ideal solution when you need a quick family meal or a last-minute party appetizer.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is how customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the cream cheese. Looking for a more herby flavor? Fresh dill, parsley, or chives will elevate the taste. You can even swap in a variety of deli meats to make them your own.
They’re also perfect for anyone looking for healthy comfort food that’s both high in protein and low in carbs—whether you’re in the middle of a high-protein keto meal plan or just craving something savory without all the extra carbs.
Ingredients
- Dill Pickle Spears
- Softened Cream Cheese
- Sliced Deli Meat (Choose from ham, turkey, roast beef, or pastrami)
- Optional Seasonings: Dry ranch seasoning, horseradish, chopped jalapeños, or everything bagel seasoning
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make these Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups in just a few easy steps:
- Pat Dry: Start by patting your dill pickle spears and deli meat dry with paper towels. This prevents any excess moisture that could make your roll-ups soggy.
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a bowl, mix your softened cream cheese with any seasonings you’d like. I personally love adding a little ranch seasoning or horseradish for an extra punch of flavor, but you can totally get creative with it. You could even try everything bagel seasoning if you’re into that!
- Spread the Cream Cheese: Lay out your deli meat slices on a flat surface. Using a knife or spatula, spread a thin layer of the seasoned cream cheese evenly over each slice of meat.
- Roll It Up: Place a pickle spear at one end of each slice of deli meat and roll it up tightly. The cream cheese should help seal the roll.
- Chill: Pop the rolls in the fridge and let them chill for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter, and you’re ready to serve!
Tips for Best Results
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: To make spreading the cream cheese easy, make sure it’s fully softened at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to spread.
- Pat Dry: Always pat your pickles and deli meat dry before assembling to avoid soggy roll-ups.
- Chill Well: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the rolls helps the cream cheese firm up and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Want to customize the flavor? Add a dash of your favorite seasoning mix, such as ranch, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese or drizzle hot sauce over the top for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the deli meat entirely and use thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumber strips instead.
- Herby Version: If you love fresh herbs, mix in some chopped dill, parsley, or chives into your cream cheese for an extra burst of freshness.
- Low-Carb Dip Style: For an easy, no-roll version, chop up your pickles and deli meat, mix them with the cream cheese, and serve as a dip with veggies. Perfect for low-calorie chicken meal prep or meal planning chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- On a Platter: Serve the roll-ups on a platter with some cute toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties or potlucks.
- With Veggies: Pair the roll-ups with a side of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a balanced, low-carb snack.
- As a Quick Snack: These roll-ups make a great mid-day snack when you’re looking for something savory and high-protein. Keep them in the fridge for a quick bite anytime!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: Pair these roll-ups with a refreshing sparkling water or iced tea for a light and flavorful snack. If you’re looking for something more indulgent, a glass of cold brew coffee would pair nicely with the salty and creamy flavors.
- Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad or a side of homemade keto-friendly chips to make it a more filling meal.
- Dips: Pair with a creamy ranch dressing or a tangy dill dip for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you want to make them ahead, you can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before slicing and serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: These roll-ups are perfect for meal prep! You can make them up to a day ahead and keep them in the fridge.
- Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing the cream cheese pickle roll-ups, you can freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for a make-ahead snack. Thaw them for a few minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sogginess: If you skip patting your pickles and deli meat dry, your roll-ups could turn soggy. Always dry them well before rolling.
- Skipping the Chill: Chilling the roll-ups makes them firm and easy to slice. If you’re in a rush, try to chill them for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
- Too Much Cream Cheese: A little goes a long way! Too much cream cheese can make the roll-ups hard to handle and might overpower the flavors. Stick to a thin layer for the perfect balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use different pickles?
Yes, you can use different types of pickles, but dill pickles give the best tangy flavor. Bread-and-butter pickles will add sweetness if that’s what you prefer.
2. What deli meat works best?
While ham is the classic choice, turkey, roast beef, or pastrami are great alternatives if you want to mix it up.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge for a stress-free snack.
4. Are they keto-friendly?
Yes! These roll-ups are keto-friendly, low in carbs, and high in healthy fats and protein.
5. How should I serve them?
Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing—perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Knife for slicing
- Cutting board
- Spatula or butter knife for spreading cream cheese
- Platter for serving
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 8 spears dill pickle
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices deli meat (ham, turkey, roast beef, or pastrami)
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning (optional)
- 1 tsp horseradish (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the dill pickle spears and deli meat slices dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with optional seasonings like ranch mix, horseradish, or chopped jalapeños for an extra flavor boost.
- Lay the deli meat slices flat on a clean surface and spread a thin layer of the seasoned cream cheese on each slice.
- Place a pickle spear at one end of each slice and roll it tightly to encase the pickle in the deli meat.
- Chill the rolls in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Once chilled, slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange on a platter to serve.
