Ham roll ups make for an easy, tasty appetizer or snack that can be customized in so many ways. While ham and cheese are classic fillings, adding green onion gives these rolls an extra punch of flavor. The sweet yet zingy taste complements the salty ham and rich cream cheese perfectly.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch of these flavor-packed ham roll ups lickety-split. Follow this step-by-step guide for how to make mouthwatering ham and green onion roll ups right at home.
Ingredients Needed
Ham roll ups only require a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand already:
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Sliced cooked deli ham – Go for thin slices so the ham is easy to roll. Square slices also work better than circular ones. Use your favorite type like honey glazed, smoked, or maple flavored.
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Cream cheese – Regular full-fat cream cheese works best Let it soften to room temperature to make blending easy
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Green onions – Also called scallions or spring onions Use the full green tops for maximum flavor
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Toothpicks – These help hold the rolled ham together. Cocktail picks work too.
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Optional seasonings – Consider garlic powder, dill, horseradish, or chopped jalapeño for a kick.
That’s it! Now let’s get rolling.
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
First up, take your 8-ounce block of cream cheese from the fridge and let it soften to room temperature. This takes about 20-30 minutes usually. To speed it up, cut the cream cheese into cubes first to increase the surface area.
You can also microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking frequently, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Softened cream cheese makes it easy to blend the fillings in the next step.
Step 2: Finely Chop the Green Onions
While the cream cheese softens, wash the green onions thoroughly and shake off any excess moisture. Remove any wilted tops or roots.
Chop the green onion tops finely so they blend into the cream cheese mixture smoothly. Mince the onions for maximum flavor distribution.
Pro Tip: Save the white bulb ends for another recipe like scrambled eggs or tacos.
Step 3: Mix the Fillings Together
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and minced green onions. Use a fork or spoon to blend thoroughly until evenly mixed.
Feel free to add any optional seasonings now too like garlic powder, horseradish, or chopped jalapeño for a kick. Mix in well.
This creamy, zesty cream cheese filling adds great flavor when stuffed into the ham rolls.
Step 4: Spread Filling onto Ham Slices
Now lay out your sliced deli ham pieces on a clean work surface or cutting board. Smoothly spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the surface of each ham slice.
Spread it in an even layer, leaving about 1⁄4 inch border around the edges. This helps keep the filling from oozing out when rolled up.
Make sure to completely cover the ham so you get filling in every bite!
Step 5: Roll Up the Ham Tightly
With the filling spread, begin rolling up the ham slice away from you, nice and snugly. Apply gentle, even pressure as you roll to compress the layers together.
Work slowly and keep rolling tightly until you have a complete roll. The cream cheese should stay contained within the rolls without leakage.
Step 6: Secure with Toothpicks
Once rolled up, insert toothpicks about 1 inch from each end to hold the rolls closed. Space additional toothpicks down the roll every 1-2 inches for extra security if needed.
Try to pierce the seam if possible so the toothpicks don’t puncture the delicate ham layers inside. The picks help the rolls hold their shape.
Pro Tip: Opt for frilly cocktail picks to make the rolls look extra festive for holidays or parties!
Step 7: Slice and Arrange on Serving Platter
Using a sharp knife, slice the filled ham logs width-wise into 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 inch rounds. Arrange the slices neatly together on your serving platter, layering them attractively.
For parties, secure larger logs with more toothpicks and slice just before serving so they don’t dry out. Keep refrigerated until guests arrive.
Now your flavorful ham and green onion roll ups are ready to enjoy! Add a garnish like fresh parsley if desired.
Handy Tips for Making the Best Ham Roll Ups
Follow these handy tips for success when making ham roll ups:
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Chill the rolled up logs for 1 hour before slicing for cleaner cuts. The cream cheese also firms up.
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Use square deli slices rather than circular ones which don’t roll as easily.
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Spread filling almost to edges so you don’t get dry ham ends in the rolls.
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Roll tightly so the filling stays put inside the rolls.
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Cut logs into 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 inch slices for bite-size portions.
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Layer sliced rolls attractively on your serving dish for visual appeal.
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Refrigerate leftover sliced rolls and use within 3-4 days for freshness.
With this easy technique, you can churn out delicious ham roll ups with green onion in no time flat. Now let’s go over some fun ways to customize them.
Get Creative with Fillings and Add-Ins
While the ham and green onion cream cheese filling is classic, you can put your own spin on these rolls with unique ingredient swaps. Mix and match the options below:
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Different hams: Try maple glazed, honey smoked, or black forest ham varieties.
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Additional cheeses: Mix in shredded cheddar, goat, or feta for flavor twists.
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More mix-ins: Add chopped nuts, crispy bacon bits, pickle relish, or drained pineapple tidbits to the filling.
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Substitute herbs: Basil, dill, cilantro, or chives in place of the green onion.
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Flavorful liquids: Fold in pesto, olive tapenade, or sun-dried tomato paste for extra richness.
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Spice it up: Mix in spices like chipotle powder, cayenne, paprika, or cumin for a kick.
The possibilities are endless for customizing these ham rolls to suit your taste. Have fun with different ingredients and see what you come up with!
Party-Perfect Ham Roll Up Ideas
These easy roll ups are ideal snacks and starters for your next party or potluck. Wow guests with fun themes, tasty additions, and clever serving ideas:
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Football watch party: Use stadium mustard and shredded cheddar for crowd-pleasing game day rolls.
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Holiday gathering: Shape into mini wreath shapes and stud with red and green cocktail picks for Christmas.
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Baby shower: Make mini rolls dotted with pearls or candy beads for the perfect baby-themed bite.
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Spring luncheon: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives for a springtime flavor.
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Cinco de Mayo: Add chopped jalapeños, cilantro, and cotija cheese for a Mexican twist.
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Easter brunch: Top sliced rolls with pickled carrot ribbons for an Easter egg mimicking dish.
With just a little creativity, you can reinvent these roll ups to match any occasion. They make great party conversation starters too.
What to Serve with Ham Roll Ups
While ham roll ups are stellar all on their own, they pair well with many sides and dips:
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Fresh cut veggies – Carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices
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Sliced fruits – Grapes, berries, melons, apples
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Crackers – Any neutral flavored cracker like wheat crackers or water crackers
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Breads – Baguette slices, pita chips, flatbread wedges
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Dips – Ranch dressing, salsa, hummus, French onion dip
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Cheese – Cubed or sliced cheeses like cheddar, Havarti, pepper jack
Offering a variety of sides creates a hearty appetizer spread for guests to graze on.
Storage Tips to Make Them Last
Like any cream cheese-based snack, ham roll ups are best when freshly assembled and will last 3-4 days stored properly:
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Keep assembled logs chilled until ready to slice and serve to preserve freshness.
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Once sliced, store rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 2 days for the best quality.
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Letting the logs or sliced rolls sit at room temperature leads to faster drying and spoilage.
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The creamy filling may cause the ham to weep a bit of moisture as it sits. Simply drain any excess liquid before serving.
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You can also individually wrap sliced rolls well in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Follow these storage tips to help your ham roll ups stay fresh and delicious all week long.
FAQs About Making Ham Roll Ups
Have questions about whipping up this classic party snack? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What kind of ham is best to use?
The best ham for roll ups is thinly sliced deli-style ham that is easy to roll up. Opt for a flavor like honey glazed, smoked, or Cajun for extra flavor. Avoid thick ham slices which don’t roll well.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and roll up the ham logs 1-2 days in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to slice and serve. Sliced rolls will last 2 days refrigerated.
How can I make them easier to roll?
Use square deli slices rather than round ones. Cut partially through the thicker end of circular slices so they open flat. Spread the cream cheese mix almost to edges so the ends don’t dry out.
What can I use instead of green onions?
Chives, scallions, shallots, or any fresh green herb like dill, basil, cilantro, or parsley make great alternatives to green onion. Minced garlic is tasty too.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Filled rolled logs will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Once sliced, the roll ups should be consumed within 2 days for the best freshness and texture.
Enjoy Flavorful Ham Roll Ups Anytime
Ham roll ups are easy to throw together for any occasion, whether it’s game day, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings. With ham, cream cheese, green onions and just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty batch ready in minutes.
Get creative with different fillings and add-ins to suit your guests’ tastes. Serve them as passed appetizers or on a platter alongside crispy veggies and crackers. Follow proper storage methods to enjoy leftovers during the week.
Next time you need a quick, crowd-pleasing snack, turn to these ham and green onion roll ups. Their bold flavors and festive look make them a real party pleaser.
