Savory Dill Pickle Tortilla Roll Ups

Finding crowd-pleasing party appetizers that you can make ahead of time can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between juggling work deadlines, after-school activities, and trying to keep the house somewhat clean, the last thing anyone needs is complicated party prep at the last minute.

That’s why these dill pickle tortilla roll ups have become my reliable go-to for potlucks and gatherings. They’re quick to put together, can be made the night before, and always seem to disappear from the plate first – even with picky eaters around.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular block cream cheese is your best bet for these roll-ups, and make sure it’s full-fat rather than reduced fat or fat-free versions which can be watery and harder to spread. You’ll want to take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start – cold cream cheese is nearly impossible to spread evenly on tortillas and can tear them. If you’re in a hurry, you can unwrap the cream cheese and microwave it in 10-second bursts until it’s soft enough to work with. While whipped cream cheese might seem like an easy shortcut since it’s already soft, it’s too airy for this recipe and won’t give you that nice, sturdy base you need for the filling to hold together.

Options for Substitutions

This easy appetizer recipe is super adaptable! Here are some simple swaps you can try:

• Cream cheese: Regular cream cheese works best, but you can use light cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese. For a different spread base, try mixing half cream cheese and half ranch dressing, or use dairy-free cream cheese if you need a non-dairy option.
• Honey ham: Any deli meat works great here! Try turkey, roast beef, or even pepperoni. For a vegetarian version, you could use finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, or even plant-based deli slices.
• Dill pickles: While dill pickles give this recipe its signature taste, you can experiment with sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles for a different flavor. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid soggy roll-ups.
• Tortillas: Regular flour tortillas are perfect, but you can use whole wheat, spinach, or low-carb tortillas. Just avoid corn tortillas as they tend to crack when rolled. Make sure whatever type you choose is fresh and pliable.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making pickle roll ups is using cream cheese that’s too cold, which can lead to lumpy spreading and torn tortillas – make sure to let it soften at room temperature for at least an hour before starting. Working with wet pickles is another common mistake that can make your tortillas soggy, so be sure to pat your chopped pickles dry with paper towels before mixing them into the cream cheese. For the best results, wrap your roll ups tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing – using a sharp knife and cleaning it between cuts will give you clean, picture-perfect slices without squishing the filling out. If you’re making these ahead, wait to slice until just before serving to prevent the exposed edges from drying out.

What to Serve With Pickle and Ham Roll Ups?

These savory roll ups are perfect for casual get-togethers and make a great addition to any party spread or game day menu. Since they’re already packed with flavor, I like to serve them alongside simple snacks that won’t compete too much – think potato chips, pretzels, or even some fresh raw veggies with ranch dip. For a lunch spread, try pairing them with a light pasta salad or some fresh fruit to balance out the salty, creamy flavors of the roll ups. If you’re serving these at a party, they go great with other finger foods like chicken wings, meatballs, or a cheese and cracker platter.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These pickle roll ups are perfect for making ahead! Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first to keep them from drying out and to help them hold their shape.

Make Ahead: You can prepare these roll ups up to 24 hours in advance, which makes them perfect for parties or gatherings. Just wait to slice them until right before serving – this keeps the filling from falling out and helps them look their best when it’s time to eat.

Serving Tip: If you’re taking these to a party, pack them whole and slice them when you arrive. The tortillas can get a bit soft after a while in the fridge, but giving them a quick pat with paper towels helps remove any excess moisture and keeps them fresh-tasting.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 900-1000
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 60-70 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 g

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• About 1.5 cups chopped honey ham
• About 1.5 cups chopped dill pickles
• Tortillas

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese and Ingredients

Ensure that your cream cheese is softened or at room temperature.

This will make it easier to stir and spread.

Start by chopping the ham and pickles into small pieces.

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preference; if you like more pickles or ham, just add more until it meets your liking.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham and pickles with the softened cream cheese.

Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Prepare and Roll Tortillas

Lay out the flour tortillas and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each one.

Aim for an even distribution.

With the given amount, you should be able to prepare around seven tortillas.

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly.

Step 4: Chill the Rolled Tortillas

After rolling the tortillas, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.

Set them in the fridge to chill for at least an hour.

This chilling step will help set the mixture and make slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice and Serve the Tortilla Rolls

Just before serving, remove the tortillas from the fridge.

Using a sharp knife, cut each tortilla roll into bite-sized pieces.

Arrange them on a platter, serve, and enjoy these delicious little bites!