ham cream cheese pickle pinwheels (Printable)

Smoky ham, creamy cheese, and crisp pickles combine for tasty, bite-sized pinwheels perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 8 large slices deli ham (approximately 8 ounces)
03 - 6 large whole dill pickles

→ Flavor Enhancers (optional)

04 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese, dill, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
02 - Pat each dill pickle dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese mixture over the entire slice.
04 - Place a whole pickle at one end of the ham slice. Roll tightly, enclosing the pickle in the ham and cream cheese.
05 - Repeat the spreading, placing, and rolling process with remaining ham, cream cheese mixture, and pickles.
06 - Using a sharp knife, cut each roll crosswise into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
07 - Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They make you look like you tried way harder than you did—guests never guess how fast they come together.
  • The balance of smoky ham and tangy pickle makes every bite addictive, and they disappear faster than expected.
02 -
  • If you don't dry the pickles thoroughly, the pinwheels will slip apart and make the platter messy–I learned that after several slippery attempts.
  • Spreading cream cheese too thick makes rolling difficult; a thin layer is all you need for the right balance.
03 -
  • Don't rush the cream cheese softening—cold cheese makes spreading uneven and tears the ham.
  • A sprinkle of fresh dill on top just before serving makes them look as good as they taste.
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