Savory Ham & Olive Roll-Ups
Elevate your snack game with these delectable Savory Ham & Olive Roll-Ups! This simple yet flavorful recipe combines creamy cheese and zesty olives, all skillfully wrapped in tender slices of ham. Perfect as a delightful appetizer for gatherings or as a quick, satisfying lunch option, these roll-ups are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Pair them with your favorite crackers for an extra crunch, and experience a burst of flavor in every bite.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Stuffed Olives
6 (chopped)
Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (none)
Pressed Ham
4 slices (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped stuffed olives, and mayonnaise. Mix until well blended and smooth.
2
Lay the slices of pressed ham flat on a clean surface or a cutting board.
3
Evenly spread a portion of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of ham, ensuring full coverage.
4
Carefully roll up each slice of ham, starting from one end to the other, to create tight roll-ups.
5
Wrap the rolled ham tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the rolls and meld the flavors.
6
Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
7
Serve the ham roll-ups on a platter with an assortment of your favorite crackers for a delightful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham & Olive Roll-Ups?
Savory Ham & Olive Roll-Ups are a simple yet flavorful snack or appetizer made by rolling a creamy olive and cream cheese mixture inside slices of pressed ham.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 3 ounces of softened cream cheese, 6 chopped stuffed olives, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and 4 slices of pressed ham.
How long does it take to chill the roll-ups?
The roll-ups should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, while pressed ham is suggested, you can use any thinly sliced deli ham such as honey ham, smoked ham, or Black Forest ham.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for stuffed olives, which are typically green olives stuffed with pimentos, providing a zesty and salty flavor.
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare and refrigerate them several hours or even a day before you plan to slice and serve them.
What can I serve with these roll-ups?
They are best served on a platter with an assortment of your favorite crackers for added crunch.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 2 servings.
Do I really need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is essential for ensuring it blends smoothly with the olives and mayonnaise and spreads easily onto the ham.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, these roll-ups are generally a hit with kids because of the mild flavors and fun, bite-sized presentation.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Absolutely. Sliced deli turkey or even roast beef can be used as a substitute for the ham slices.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?
Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and chilling them for at least an hour helps the cream cheese set, keeping the roll-up intact when sliced.
Can I add spices to the cream cheese mixture?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, or dried herbs like dill or parsley.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your ham and mayonnaise and serve them with gluten-free crackers.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese can be used, though the filling may be slightly less rich.
What is the best way to slice the rolls?
Use a sharp, non-serrated knife or a very sharp serrated knife to cut the chilled rolls into bite-sized rounds.
How many slices of ham are used in one batch?
This recipe uses 4 slices of pressed ham.
Can I use black olives instead of stuffed olives?
Yes, you can substitute chopped black olives if you prefer their milder flavor over green olives.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they are an excellent party food because they are easy to eat with one hand and look great on a platter.
How finely should I chop the olives?
The olives should be finely chopped so that they distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese spread.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, using a flavored spread like chive and onion or vegetable cream cheese can add an extra layer of flavor.
Why do I need to wrap them in plastic wrap?
The plastic wrap holds the rolls in a tight shape while they chill, which is necessary for clean slicing later.
Can I skip the chilling step?
It is not recommended to skip chilling, as the rolls will be very soft and may fall apart when you try to slice them.
What is pressed ham?
Pressed ham is a deli meat made from pieces of ham that are cured and pressed together into a specific shape, making it easy to slice and roll.
Is this a low-carb snack?
Yes, the roll-ups themselves are very low in carbohydrates, making them a great keto-friendly snack if eaten without crackers.
Can I add green onions to the filling?
Yes, adding finely chopped green onions or chives provides a fresh, sharp contrast to the creamy filling.
What kind of crackers pair best with this?
Buttery round crackers, whole wheat crackers, or toasted pita chips all pair wonderfully with these savory roll-ups.
Can I add a little heat to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.