These easy ham and pickle roll ups take about 2 minutes to make and are the ultimate low carb grab-and-go snack. Deli ham spread with cream cheese and wrapped around crunchy dill pickles create protein-packed bites you can prep ahead and keep in the fridge to grab and go.

Ham and pickle roll up with cream cheese.

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You know that 3pm moment when you’re standing in front of the fridge starving and grab a pickle because it’s the quickest thing you can find? I’ve been there about a thousand times. It’s a great snack!

But lately I’ve been trying to prioritize protein more, and plain pickles just don’t cut it.

That’s when I remembered these ham and pickle roll ups exist. My mom used to make them with Carl Buddig meat when I was a kid, but now we’re using good quality deli meat for a snack or lunch with flavor, protein, and crunch.

They’re basically the ultimate low carb snack because you can make a batch on Sunday, wrap them in plastic wrap, and slice them throughout the week whenever you need something quick. Way better than standing there eating a pickle and pretending it’s a meal.

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♥ What We Love About This Recipe:

Takes 2 minutes, tops. Spread cream cheese on ham, roll up a pickle, slice. That’s the whole recipe.
Actually keeps you satisfied. This isn’t one of those sad diet snacks that leaves you hungry 20 minutes later. The protein and fat combo actually holds you over and, hey, pickles are vegetables.
Customize however you want. Spicy pickles, turkey instead of ham, everything bagel seasoning on the cream cheese, flavored cream cheese, a smear of mustard. Make them exactly how you like them.

Ingredients, Swaps, & Tips:

Ingredients for keto ham and pickle roll ups on counter.

For the ham: I like using smoked ham (not honey ham) to keep the carbs as low as possible. Boar’s Head from the deli counter is my go-to, but packaged deli ham works fine too. You could also use deli turkey if that’s more your thing.

Cream cheese hack: Whipped cream cheese spreads way easier than regular blocks, but use whatever you have. The real trick is patting the ham dry with a paper towel first. Wet ham makes the cream cheese impossible to spread evenly.

Flavor it up: Try spicy pickles for a kick, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the cream cheese before rolling, or add a thin smear of mustard. Flavored cream cheese (chive or jalapeño) is great here too.

For serving: If you’re bringing these to a party or game day, secure each piece with a toothpick. Makes them way easier to grab and they look a little fancier.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Step by Step:

Deli ham being patted dry with a paper towel. — Pat the ham dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Deli ham being spread with cream cheese. — Spread the cream cheese evenly over the deli ham.

Pickle being rolled up in deli ham. — Place the pickle on the ham and roll it up tightly.

Sliced pickle roll ups. — Use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized pieces.

Variations:

If you’re not afraid of a few carbs, start with a low carb tortilla under the ham. It gives these more structure and makes them feel more like a lunch.

I generally just eat them exactly like they are – no tortilla needed. But I know some people need a little something extra.

Helpful Tip!

Storage

Prep ahead: Roll up the ham and pickles (don’t slice yet) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days this way. Slice them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Already sliced: Once they’re cut into pieces, they’re best within a day. The cream cheese can get a little weird if they sit too long after slicing.

Party Ready

These make the simplest little appetizer for your next get together! Just slice and pop a toothpick in each one. Place on a plate and watch them disappear!

More Easy Snacks:

Hand grabbing a keto ham and pickle roll up.

Deli ham and pickles rolled up with cream cheese and secured with toothpicks.

Recipe

Ham and Pickle Roll Ups

Easy ham and pickle roll ups take 2 minutes to make. Spread cream cheese on deli ham, roll around pickles for a protein-packed low carb snack you can prep ahead.

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Prep5

Total5

Serves

Ingredients

▢ 8 slices deli ham
▢ 8 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
▢ 8 whole dill pickles

Instructions

Lay a slice of ham on your work surface and pat dry with a paper towel.
Spread the ham with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese. Place a pickle near the edge of the ham and roll up to seal the pickle.
Use a sharp knife to slice the roll up into pieces about ½ to 1 inch thick. We usually do around 5 pieces per roll up, but it varies depending on the size of your lunch meat and pickle.
Repeat with remaining ham and pickles.
Use a toothpick to secure the ham and for serving, if desired.

Tips & Notes:

I like to use a smoked ham rather than a honey ham to keep the carbs low. I prefer Boar’s Head ham sliced at the deli counter, but you can use a package of pre-sliced deli ham if you like.

Whipped cream cheese spreads a lot easier than regular, but you can use whichever you have on hand. Patting the ham dry with a paper towel helps spread the cream cheese more easily as well.