These Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are one of the easiest appetizers you can make—and they are always one of the first things to disappear.

Made with just a few simple ingredients, these little roll-ups have been a family favorite for years. They’re one of those recipes that gets passed down and shows up at every gathering, holiday, and party.

I make these often, especially to add to my food boards. They bring a pop of color, a creamy texture, and are always a hit with both kids and adults.

HOW TO MAKE HAM & CHEESE ROLL-UPS:

INGREDIENTS:

Cream Cheese
Ham Slices
Green and Red Bell Peppers
Green onions  (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Soften the cream cheese
  Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature. Beat with a mixer until smooth and easy to spread.
• Prepare the vegetables
  Slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Prepare the ham
  Lay each slice of ham flat on a clean surface. Lightly pat dry if needed.
• Spread the cream cheese
  Spread a thin layer (about 1–2 tablespoons) of cream cheese evenly over each slice of ham.
• Add the filling and roll
  Place a few pepper strips at one end of the ham slice. Roll tightly into a log.
• Chill
  Wrap each roll in parchment paper if desired and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Slice and serve
  Cut into ½-inch slices and arrange on a serving tray or snack board.

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.

Place on serving tray. Below are some trays and a grazing box that I have added these to.

Why You Will Love These Ham and Cream Cheese Roll-ups

• They are so easy to make and only use 3 ingredients.
• Everyone loves these.
• The roll-ups add color and are a good appetizer to put on a food board.
• They can be made ahead of time.

Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions

• Use medium-thickness deli ham (too thin will tear, too thick won’t roll well)
• Pat ingredients dry to prevent sogginess
• Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts
• Trim the ends for a neater presentation (great cook’s treat!)
• You can ask the deli for the correct slices of meat to make roll-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any other meat besides ham?
Yes. I normally always make them with ham, but you can also use turkey or roast beef for the roll-ups.

Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. I find that they are easier to make if they are made a day ahead. Assemble the, roll up in a small parchment square, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Slice them when arranging on the serving tray.

These roll-ups are one of my go-to additions for almost every food board I make. They add color, flavor, and a creamy texture that pairs well with crackers, fruits, and cheeses. Here are some examples on my 4th of July Food boards and Food Boxes that I have gifted to people..

This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.

Print Pin

HAM AND CREAM CHEESE ROLL-UPS

The easiest and most delicious appetizer. Slices of deli ham with cream cheese spread over it, a slice of bell pepper added, and then rolled up and sliced into 1 inch slices. Perfect on any party tray.

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Keyword Ham Roll-Ups, Ham roll-Ups with Cream Cheese

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Calories 30kcal

Author pamelashank2015

Ingredients

• 8 oz 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.

Notes

NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER. Calorie count provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

HELPFUL NOTES:

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.

Can I use any other meat besides ham?
Yes. I normally always make them with ham, but you can also use turkey or roast beef for the roll-ups.

Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. I find that they are easier to make if they are made a day ahead.
Assemble the, roll up in a small parchment square, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Slice them when arranging on the serving tray.