Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-ups for the simplest appetizer anyone could ever make.
I get the most compliments on these Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-ups, and everyone always asks how I make them. They are made with only 3 ingredients. My family has been making them for many years, so I know they are an old recipe.
Some recipes get passed through generations, and are just a part of every get-together. This is one of them.
I normally always make them with ham, but you can also use turkey or roast beef for the roll-ups. The meat cannot be too thin or they will tear apart when you are spreading the cream cheese on them. If the meat is too thick, it will not roll easily. You can ask the deli for the correct slices of meat to make roll-ups.
I purchase this brand of ham and turkey, by Smithfield, in my grocery store, and it is always the perfect thickness.
These parchment paper squares from King Arthur website are perfect to use for the roll-ups.
HOW TO MAKE HAM AND CREAM CHEESE ROLL-UPS:
* Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature. Place it in a mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer until creamy. This helps it to spread much easier.
* Slice green and red bell peppers into thin slices and place on a paper towel to drain any water. May also use the stem of green
onion.
* Place slices of ham onto a flat surface. Lightly pat top side with a paper towel to remove moisture.
* Spread a thin layer of the softened cream cheese over the ham. Usually about 2 Tablespoons. Place a slice of pepper at the top of ham slice, roll tightly.
* Place the ham in the piece of parchment paper and roll up. Place in an airtight container and chill for at least 4 hours to a day ahead.
When ready to serve, slice into desired size pieces. I usually slice in one half inch slices. When I slice the ham, I do not serve the ends, my husband usually eats those. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Place on serving tray. Here are some trays and a grazing box that I have added these to.
HAM AND CREAM CHEESE ROLL-UPS
Ingredients
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 thin slices of red or green bell pepper (or green onion stems)
- 8 slices ham (may use turkey or roast beef also)
Instructions
- Place cream cheese is a medium size mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth.
- Slice green and red bell peppers into thin slices and place on a paper towel to drain any water.
- Place slices of ham onto a flat surface. Lightly pat top side with a paper towel to remove moisture. Spread a thin layer of the softened cream cheese over the ham. About 1 1/2 heaping Tablespoons. Place a slice of pepper at the top of ham slice, across the cream cheese, roll tightly.
- Place the ham in the piece of parchment paper and roll up. Place in an airtight container and chill for at least 4 hours to a day ahead.
- When ready to serve, slice into desired size pieces. I usually slice in one half inch slices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Arrange on a serving tray.
