Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups

Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups are a quick, no-bake appetizer featuring crisp dill pickles wrapped in creamy, seasoned cream cheese and thin slices of deli meat. Often dubbed “Midwest sushi,” these retro bites are savory, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or low-carb snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep
• No cooking—just roll, chill, and slice
• Flavor-packed with tangy, creamy, and salty notes
• Keto-friendly and great for make-ahead appetizers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dill pickle spears
• Softened cream cheese
• Sliced deli meat (ham, turkey, roast beef, or pastrami)
• Optional: dry ranch seasoning, horseradish, chopped jalapeños, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor

Directions

1. Pat pickles and deli meat dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
2. Mix cream cheese with any desired seasonings (like ranch mix or horseradish).
3. Lay out deli meat slices and spread a thin layer of the seasoned cream cheese on each.
4. Place a pickle spear at one end and roll tightly.
5. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Slice into bite-sized pinwheels and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: About 8 rolls (16 pinwheels)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cream cheese
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and wrap pickles in sliced bell peppers or cucumber strips
• Herby version: Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a fresh flavor
• Low-carb dip style: Chop pickles and meat, mix with cream cheese, and serve with veggies

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Do not freeze—cream cheese and pickles lose texture
• Best served cold; no reheating required

FAQs

1. Can I use different pickles?

Yes, but dill pickles work best. Bread-and-butter pickles will make it sweeter.

2. What deli meat is best?

Ham is traditional, but turkey, roast beef, or pastrami work well too.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, make up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge.

4. How do I keep them from getting soggy?

Pat pickles and meat dry before assembling and chill well before slicing.

5. Can I use whipped cream cheese?

Yes, it’s easier to spread and works great for this recipe.

6. Are they keto-friendly?

Yes—very low in carbs and high in fat and protein.

7. What if I only have pickle chips?

Stack chips in the center of the meat and roll as best you can, or make a dip version instead.

8. What seasoning works well in the cream cheese?

Ranch mix, garlic powder, everything bagel seasoning, or chopped herbs are great options.

9. Do I have to chill them?

Chilling helps firm them up and makes slicing cleaner, but you can serve them right away in a pinch.

10. How should I serve them?

Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing—perfect for parties and potlucks.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups are a classic snack that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting, meal prepping, or just craving a quick bite, these savory roll-ups are a tasty, low-carb option you’ll want to make again and again.

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