Southern 3-ingredient ham roll ups are one of those simple little recipes that disappear fast wherever you set them down. They have that old-school church potluck and game day charm, with soft slices of ham wrapped around a creamy filling that gets a fresh crunch from green onion. This is the kind of no-fuss appetizer I love to keep in my back pocket when I need something quick, crowd-pleasing, and easy enough to make ahead.
These ham roll ups fit right in on an appetizer table with crackers, cheese cubes, pickles, fresh veggie sticks, or a fruit tray. For tailgates and holiday gatherings, I like serving them alongside deviled eggs, pinwheels, and a big pitcher of sweet tea or lemonade. If you want to make them part of a light lunch, add a simple pasta salad or potato salad on the side.
Southern 3-Ingredient Ham Roll Ups
Servings: 24 roll ups
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
24 thin slices deli ham
4 green onions, finely chopped
Directions
1. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature until it is easy to spread, then stir in the finely chopped green onions until well mixed.
2. Lay the ham slices flat on a clean work surface and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice.
3. Roll each ham slice up tightly into a log, then place them seam-side down on a tray or plate.
4. Slice each roll into bite-size pieces if you like, or leave them whole for larger servings. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape.
Variations & Tips
Pickle Twist: For a classic Southern flavor, place a well-dried dill pickle spear at one end of each ham slice before rolling. It adds a nice tang and crunch that a lot of folks grew up loving.
Kid-Friendly Version: If you have picky eaters, leave out the green onions and make a plain cream cheese filling. You can serve a few with the onions on the side so everybody gets what they like.
Make-Ahead Tip: These are wonderful to prepare a few hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then slice and arrange them right before serving for the prettiest tray.
Easy Spreading Tip: If your cream cheese still feels too firm, give it a quick stir with a fork to smooth it out before spreading. A thin layer works best so the roll ups stay tidy and easy to bite.