Savory Ham & Pickled Okra Bites
These delightful Savory Ham & Pickled Okra Bites are a must-try appetizer that will surprise you with their incredible flavor! The creamy texture of softened cream cheese complements the smoky ham, while the tangy pickled okra adds a burst of flavor. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick snack, these rollups are not only easy to make but also a hit with guests. Personally, I discovered this tasty combination by accident, and now I can't get enough of it. Try it for your next get-together, and watch as these delectable bites disappear in no time!
60
Servings
60
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced sandwich ham
1 package (rectangular shaped)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened to room temperature or microwaved briefly)
pickled okra
1 jar (whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by softening the cream cheese. You can either let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or soften it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring it's spreadable but not melted.
2
Take a slice of sandwich ham and spread a thin layer of the softened cream cheese evenly on one side.
3
Using a knife or kitchen scissors, carefully cut off both ends of each pickled okra to create a more uniform shape.
4
Position a piece of the trimmed okra at one end of the ham slice atop the cream cheese.
5
Gently roll the ham slice away from you, enclosing the okra within. Secure it tightly but be careful not to squish it.
6
Transfer the rolled ham and okra to the refrigerator and let it chill until firm enough to handle, approximately 30 minutes.
7
Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll-up into 1/4-inch thick rounds, creating attractive bite-sized swirls.
8
Arrange the swirls flat on a serving platter for display, ensuring they are visually appealing.
9
Cover the platter with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
1g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Ham & Pickled Okra Bites?
They are a simple and flavorful appetizer made by rolling cream cheese and pickled okra inside slices of sandwich ham, then slicing them into bite-sized rounds.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need one package of rectangular sliced sandwich ham, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, and one jar of whole pickled okra.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 60 bite-sized swirls.
How many calories are in one serving of these bites?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
What is the best way to soften the cream cheese?
You can let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds until it is spreadable but not melted.
What kind of ham should I use?
Rectangular-shaped sliced sandwich ham is recommended because it is easier to roll uniformly.
Do I need to prepare the pickled okra before rolling?
Yes, you should use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut off both ends of each pickled okra to create a uniform shape for rolling.
How do I assemble the ham and okra rolls?
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a ham slice, place the trimmed okra at one end, and roll the ham tightly around the okra.
Why do the rolls need to be refrigerated before slicing?
Refrigerating the rolls for about 30 minutes allows the cream cheese to firm up, making it much easier to slice into clean, attractive rounds.
How thick should I slice the ham and okra bites?
It is best to use a sharp knife to slice the rolls into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, each serving contains only 1 gram of carbohydrates, making it a great low-carb snack option.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of these bites?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Can I make these bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated on a platter covered with plastic wrap until you are ready to serve.
What is the flavor profile of this appetizer?
These bites feature a combination of creamy texture from the cream cheese, smoky notes from the ham, and a tangy burst from the pickled okra.
Can I use different types of pickled vegetables?
While this recipe specifically uses pickled okra, you could experiment with dill pickles or pickled asparagus using the same technique.
Are Savory Ham & Pickled Okra Bites gluten-free?
The main ingredients are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brands of ham and pickled okra to ensure there are no hidden gluten additives.
How should I display them on a platter?
Arrange the swirls flat on the serving platter to showcase the attractive spiral pattern created by the ham, cheese, and okra.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, using a chive or veggie-flavored cream cheese can add an extra layer of flavor to the bites.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Ham dishes and serves as an appetizer or finger food.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple assembly steps, though it does require 30 minutes of chilling time.
What size jar of pickled okra is needed?
A standard 12 to 16-ounce jar of pickled okra is usually sufficient for one package of ham.
Should the ham be thick or thin sliced?
Standard sandwich-sliced ham is best; if it is too thick, it may be difficult to roll tightly.
Can I freeze these bites?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese and pickled okra may change in texture once thawed.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Many children enjoy the mild ham and creamy cheese, though the tanginess of the okra depends on the individual child's preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe is very simple, requiring only 3 main ingredients.
What happens if I don't trim the okra?
Trimming the ends makes the okra more uniform, which ensures the rolls are even and the presentation is consistent when sliced.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute sliced turkey breast for the ham if you prefer a different meat profile.
How long can these sit out at room temperature?
Because they contain meat and dairy, they should not sit out for more than two hours for food safety reasons.
Is there any fiber in this snack?
The fiber content is negligible in this specific recipe.