These southern 3-ingredient pickle roll ups are the kind of church-basement magic that disappears faster than you can set the tray down. I first carried a glass platter of them into our little country church for an Easter picnic, and before I’d even taken off my light sweater, the ladies were asking who made “those little green things.” Around here, this recipe traveled from potluck to potluck, written on index cards and tucked into church cookbooks. It’s the perfect example of old-fashioned Midwestern thrift and comfort: just three everyday ingredients—deli ham, dill pickles, and cream cheese—rolled together into the most addictive bite you’ll ever serve.
Serve these pickle roll ups well-chilled on a glass serving platter so you can see the pretty spiral of creamy white filling around the crisp green pickle centers and rosy ham. They’re right at home on an Easter buffet beside deviled eggs, potato salad, and a ham or turkey main dish, but they also shine on a casual snack table with cheese cubes, crackers, and fresh veggies. A bowl of potato chips or pretzels, plus a simple ranch dip, rounds out the spread. For holidays, tuck them among other finger foods on a big tray; for game days, keep them in the fridge and bring out a fresh plate as each one mysteriously “vanishes.”
Ingredients
- 12 slices lean deli turkey breast or turkey ham
- 8 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 12 dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of fat-free cream cheese over each slice of turkey.
- Place one pickle spear at the edge of each slice.
- Roll up tightly.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving, if desired.
WW Points
- 1 roll-up: 1 Point
- 2 roll-ups: 2 Points
Variations & Tips
You can play with this simple church-basement classic without losing its 3-ingredient charm. For a little extra zip, use garlic-and-herb or chive cream cheese instead of plain, still keeping your total at three ingredients. If your crowd prefers a milder flavor, swap the standard dill spears for baby dill pickles or bread-and-butter pickles (they’ll be a touch sweeter and less sharp). For a sturdier roll, choose ham slices that are thin but not paper-thin; if they’re very delicate, double up the slices. You can also use turkey or roast beef deli meat in place of ham if needed for dietary or taste preferences, but keep in mind that strongly flavored or very sweet meats (like honey ham) can compete with the pickle. Food safety tips: Always keep cream cheese and the finished roll ups refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. Don’t leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s a hot outdoor picnic). Use clean utensils and a clean cutting board, and make sure the ham is fresh and kept cold until you assemble. These are best eaten within 24 hours for the crispest texture, as pickles can slowly release moisture over time.