Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

The Tastiest Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Recipe for Any Occasion

Crispy, golden ham and cheese roll ups dance with irresistible flavor in this simple yet delightful dish.

Cheese melts perfectly inside tender ham slices, creating a quick snack that everyone adores.

Lightweight and portable, these rolls make perfect lunch companions or party appetizers.

Kids absolutely love their compact size and cheesy interior.

Minimal ingredients mean you can whip them up in minutes without complicated preparation.

Families appreciate how quickly these roll ups come together during busy weeknights.

Delight awaits you in every bite of these mouthwatering ham and cheese treasures.

What to Serve with Ham & Cheese Roll Ups

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy ham and cheese roll-ups, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
  • Create Refreshing Citrus Mocktail: Mix sparkling water with fresh lemon juice and a splash of orange zest, providing a tangy counterpoint to the savory tortilla rolls.
  • Match with Crunchy Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, radish, and a light vinaigrette to add textural contrast and fresh, palate-cleansing elements beside the roll-ups.
  • Serve with Spicy Dipping Sauce: Whip together sriracha, mayo, and a touch of honey to create a zesty condiment that elevates the mild flavors of the ham and cream cheese.

Storage Tips for Ham & Cheese Roll Ups

  • Place roll-ups in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 1 month without compromising taste or texture.
  • Microwave wrapped roll-ups for 15-20 seconds on low power, or let thaw naturally in refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving to maintain original freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow roll-ups to reach optimal flavor and soften slightly, ensuring best taste and texture.

Common Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Questions Answered

  • What ingredients give these ham and cheese roll-ups their distinctive taste?

The cream cheese mixture with dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper creates a tangy, flavorful spread that elevates the basic ham and cheese combination.

  • Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to slice.

  • Are these roll-ups suitable for a party or potluck?

Absolutely! These bite-sized roll-ups are perfect finger food for gatherings, easy to eat, and can be prepared quickly with minimal cooking skills.

What Makes Ham & Cheese Roll Ups a Crowd Favorite

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these ham and cheese roll-ups a breeze to create, perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast and delicious snack.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions like parties, picnics, lunch boxes, or casual gatherings, these roll-ups appeal to both kids and adults with their classic flavor combination.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily swap ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs, allowing creative variations with different meats, cheeses, or herbs while maintaining the core recipe structure.
  • No-Fuss Entertaining: Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate, making them an ideal make-ahead option for stress-free meal planning and spontaneous social events that require minimal last-minute preparation.

Ingredients to Make Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Shine

For the Base:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth, tangy dairy product that creates a rich and creamy spread for the roll-ups.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps bind the cream cheese mixture together.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a zesty and sharp flavor to the cream cheese spread.
For the Wrappers:
  • Tortillas: Soft, pliable flatbreads that serve as the main wrapper for the roll-ups.
For the Protein and Cheese:
  • Ham Slices, Cheese Slices: Provide savory protein and creamy cheese layer for a satisfying filling.
For the Seasonings:
  • Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Add depth and aromatic flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
For the Garnish and Finishing:
  • Chives: Fresh herb that adds a mild onion-like flavor and decorative green touch to the roll-ups.

Rolling Out Ham & Cheese Roll Ups with Ease

Step 1: Whip Creamy Spread

Blend together in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Mix until smooth and fully incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful spread.

Step 2: Warm Tortillas

Microwave tortillas for 10-15 seconds to increase flexibility and prevent cracking during rolling.

Step 3: Layer Cream Cheese

Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly across each tortilla, covering the entire surface completely.

Step 4: Add Ham Layer

Arrange ham slices over the cream cheese, slightly overlapping to ensure full coverage.

Step 5: Position Cheese

Place a single cheese slice in the center of the ham layer, positioning it to maximize filling potential.

Step 6: Roll Tightly

Carefully roll the tortilla from one edge to the opposite side, applying gentle pressure to maintain a compact structure without tearing.

Step 7: Slice Precisely

Cut each rolled tortilla diagonally into bite-sized sections, creating clean cross-sections about 1 inch thick.

Step 8: Garnish Beautifully

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the roll-ups for added visual appeal and herbal flavor.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Top Tips for Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Success

  • Soften Cream Cheese: Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free spread with silky consistency.
  • Maximize Tortilla Flexibility: Wrap tortillas in slightly damp paper towel when microwaving to prevent drying and maintain soft, pliable texture.
  • Perfect Rolling Technique: Leave small border around edges when spreading cream cheese to prevent spillage and create cleaner, more professional-looking roll-ups.
  • Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerating roll-ups before serving allows ingredients to meld together, intensifying overall taste and improving structural integrity.
  • Slice with Sharp Knife: Use clean, sharp knife and wipe blade between cuts to achieve precise, neat sections without squishing delicate filling.

Fun Twists on Classic Ham & Cheese Roll Ups

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic ham and cream cheese flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Roll-Ups: Swap ham with roasted red peppers, swap cream cheese with tzatziki, and add cucumber for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Pinwheels: Mix sriracha into cream cheese, use pepper jack cheese, add sliced jalapeños, and replace ham with shredded chicken for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Smoked Salmon Pinwheel: Substitute ham with thin smoked salmon slices, blend dill into cream cheese mixture, and sprinkle capers for an elegant seafood variation.
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Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

Ham & Cheese Roll Ups Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory ham & cheese roll ups bring Italian-inspired comfort to your kitchen, blending classic ingredients with simple preparation. Crisp edges and melted cheese create a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 slices ham
  • 2 slices cheese
  • 4 tortillas (medium size)

Binding/Spreading Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard

Seasonings/Garnish:

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, dijon mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy spread with robust flavor profiles.
  2. Warm tortillas for 10-15 seconds in microwave to enhance pliability and prevent cracking during rolling process.
  3. Lay each tortilla flat on clean work surface and spread prepared cream cheese mixture evenly across entire surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  4. Arrange ham slices strategically over cream cheese layer, slightly overlapping to create uniform coverage across tortilla.
  5. Place cheese slice centrally on ham, positioning to maximize filling potential within roll-up.
  6. Carefully roll tortilla tightly from one edge to opposite side, applying gentle pressure to maintain compact structure without tearing.
  7. Slice each rolled tortilla diagonally into bite-sized sections, creating clean, precise cross-sections approximately 1-inch thick.
  8. Garnish prepared roll-ups with freshly chopped chives, sprinkling delicately across surface for added visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
  9. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow filling to set and enhance overall flavor melding before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed spread that reduces calories and adds tangy flavor.
  • Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly and accommodating for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with different protein options like turkey, roast beef, or smoked salmon to provide variety and cater to different taste preferences.
  • Chill roll-ups for maximum structural integrity, ensuring clean cuts and preventing filling from oozing during slicing and serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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