If you love a little crunch, creaminess, and zippy flavor all in one delicious bite, you’re about to meet your new appetizer obsession: Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls! Inspired by the classic Midwestern party snack, these savory morsels take everything you love about pickle roll-ups and tuck them inside a golden, crispy egg roll wrapper. They’re the ultimate blend of creamy, briny, and savory, made for sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Party-Perfect Crunch: These Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls are incredibly crispy on the outside while staying perfectly creamy and tangy inside—guaranteed to disappear at any gathering!
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make these show-stoppers—just ham, pickles, cream cheese, and egg roll wrappers create pure magic together.
- Irresistibly Dippable: They pair beautifully with everything from ranch to zesty mustard, making each bite even more addictive.
- Fun to Make (and Eat!): Rolling these up is oddly satisfying and a fun cooking project for both kids and grown-ups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part? You only need a few kitchen staples to create these crave-worthy Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, bringing zing, creaminess, and irresistible crunch to every bite.
- Dill Pickle Spears (12): Choose crisp dill pickles—they’re the star, delivering that signature tang and snap!
- Cream Cheese (8-ounce package): Softened cream cheese works best for easy spreading and a luscious, creamy filling.
- Thin-Sliced Deli Ham (9-ounce package): Thin slices make rolling a breeze and ensure a perfect salty-savory hug around each pickle spear. Use extra slices for smaller rounds if needed.
- Egg Roll Wrappers (12): These provide the golden, crunchy shell that sets this snack over the top—look for them in the refrigerated section near tofu or fresh produce.
- Canola or Peanut Oil (for frying): These oils have a high smoke point, perfect for achieving that ultimate crisp without overpowering the filling flavors.
Variations
One of the best things about Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls? They’re endlessly customizable! Feel free to tailor them to your tastes, swap for what you have on hand, or get creative based on dietary needs.
- Low-Carb Swap: Skip the egg roll wrapper and enjoy the classic ham, pickle, and cream cheese combo for a gluten-free, carb-friendly snack.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a smear of spicy mustard in the roll-up for a punch of heat.
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar inside before rolling for another layer of gooey goodness.
- Turkey or Roast Beef Option: Sub in your favorite deli meats for a different flavor profile—turkey brings a lighter taste, roast beef adds richness.
How to Make Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls
Step 1: Assemble Your Roll Ups
Start by laying your thin slices of deli ham flat on a clean surface. Spread each slice with a generous, even layer of softened cream cheese. Place a crunchy dill pickle spear along the edge, then roll the ham tightly around the pickle, creating a neat log. If your ham is small, overlap slices so the pickle is fully wrapped—no gaps allowed!
Step 2: Wrap in Egg Roll Wrappers
Place an egg roll wrapper in front of you so it looks like a diamond. Position a ham and pickle roll near the bottom corner. Begin rolling upward, tucking in the left and right corners as you go (like a burrito!), until the roll is completely encased. If any pickle pokes out, trim the ends so the wrapper can close snugly—this keeps all that creamy goodness sealed inside during frying.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2–3 inches of canola or peanut oil to 350°F (or test with a scrap of wrapper—it should sizzle right away). Fry just a couple of Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls at a time, turning gently to ensure even browning on every surface. As soon as they’re golden and crisp, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Repeat with the remaining rolls, and serve your Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls piping hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, they’ll be gone in a flash!
Pro Tips for Making Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls
- Pickle Prep Pays Off: Pat your pickle spears dry with paper towels before assembling—excess moisture can make the rolls soggy and cause oil to splatter while frying.
- Seal It Right: Use a dab of water to help the egg roll wrapper stick at the edge, keeping every roll nice and tight while frying (no cheesy leaks!).
- Batch Frying for Perfection: Fry just a couple at a time so the oil temperature stays high—crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and less crunch.
- Customize Your Cream Cheese: For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of garlic powder, dill, or chopped chives into the cream cheese before spreading—it’s a game changer!
How to Serve Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls
Garnishes
Garnish your Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or a little finely diced red onion for color and extra zing—or serve them on a platter with lemon wedges for a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
These pair perfectly with a crisp green salad, a bowl of homemade potato chips, or a tangy coleslaw—the crunch and freshness balance the richness of the rolls beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing each roll on a sharp diagonal for bite-sized party pieces, or arrange them upright in a glass or basket with a trio of dipping sauces—think classic ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. They’re a conversation starter, guaranteed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll retain most of their crunch, especially if you reheat them the right way!
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Assemble and roll the egg rolls (but don’t fry yet) and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time for crisp perfection.
Reheating
To revive that irresistible crunch, reheat Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving—while convenient, it softens the crunchy shell.
FAQs
-
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spritz with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes (turning halfway through) until golden and crisp. The texture is a little different than frying but still delicious!
-
What’s the best dipping sauce for Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls?
These are fabulous with classic ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a garlicky aioli. The bold filling pairs especially well with anything creamy or tangy—experiment to find your favorite!
-
Can I use other types of pickles?
Absolutely. While traditional dill pickles bring the most zing, you can swap in bread and butter pickles, spicy pickles, or even homemade refrigerator pickles for a personalized touch. Just be sure they aren’t too juicy so the wrappers stay crisp.
-
How do I keep the egg roll wrappers from tearing?
Keep your wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent drying out, and be gentle when rolling. If a wrapper tears, you can patch it with a small overlapping piece or simply start with a new one—they’re quite forgiving!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a crispy, creamy, flavor-packed snack that’s sure to spark joy at your table, you’ve got to give Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls a try. They’re simple, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to make and eat—don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes!
Print
Ham And Pickle Roll Up Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Ham and Pickle Roll-Up Egg Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the tangy crunch of dill pickles with creamy cream cheese and savory deli ham, all wrapped up in a crispy egg roll wrapper. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun snack!
Ingredients
Dill Pickle Roll-Ups:
- 12 dill pickle spears
- 8-ounce package cream cheese
- 9-ounce package thin sliced deli ham
For Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Canola or peanut oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups: Spread cream cheese on ham slices. Place a pickle spear on each slice and roll up.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Place a pickle roll near the bottom of an egg roll wrapper, roll up, folding in edges.
- Fry Egg Rolls: Heat oil, fry egg rolls until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Notes
- You can use different types of deli ham for varied flavors.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for crispy egg rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
