These Christmas Ham and Cheese Roll Ups are the perfect easy appetizer to serve during the holiday season. Made with soft tortillas, creamy seasoned cheese, and flavorful deli ham, they deliver the ideal balance of taste and convenience for busy Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, planning a holiday buffet, or preparing a simple Christmas snack board, these roll ups will always be a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and no-cook it is. With only a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ham, and pickle relish—these tortilla roll ups can be made in minutes, making them an excellent option for Christmas potlucks, family gatherings, and last-minute holiday appetizers. They also fit perfectly into cold party platters and holiday finger-food spreads.
Because they require a few hours of refrigeration, these make-ahead Christmas roll ups are incredibly practical. You can prepare them early in the day or even the night before, saving valuable time during your holiday meal prep. The flavors blend beautifully as they chill, giving you perfectly firm, easy-to-slice pinwheels with a creamy, savory center.
Festive, colorful, and ideal for sharing, these holiday ham and cheese pinwheels are guaranteed to become one of your go-to Christmas appetizers. Arrange them on a platter with other seasonal snacks, add fresh herbs for decoration, and enjoy an effortless dish that brings joy to every holiday table. Whether for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day brunch, or a New Year’s buffet, these roll ups always shine.
Prep: 10 minutes
Refrigerator Time: 4 hours
Total: 4hours hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese room temperature
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
4 tortilla shells (8 inches in size)
1/2 pound deli ham
Step-by-Step Instructions For Christmas Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to whip the cream cheese with the garlic powder until the texture becomes smooth, light, and airy. This step ensures a creamy base for your Christmas ham and cheese roll ups. Once the mixture is fluffy, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and the dill pickle relish to create a savory and flavorful filling.
Divide this cream cheese mixture evenly between the tortilla shells. Spread the filling all the way to the edges of each tortilla to ensure every slice has a rich and consistent flavor—this is key for perfect appetizer pinwheels. Arrange the deli ham slices evenly over the cheese layer to create a uniform, easy-to-roll base.
Roll each tortilla tightly to form a compact log, then wrap every roll securely in plastic wrap. This helps the rolls firm up and hold their shape. Refrigerate the wrapped tortilla rolls for 4 to 8 hours, or leave them overnight for even better texture and flavor development. Chilling time is essential for neat, clean cuts.
Once chilled, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Trim the uneven ends of each roll, then slice each log into equal portions. Start by cutting the roll in half, then continue slicing each section until you have 8 bite-sized roll ups from each tortilla. Serve immediately or store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, making these the perfect make-ahead Christmas appetizers for holiday parties and festive gatherings.
Delicious Variations:
• Christmas Turkey & Cranberry Roll Ups:
Swap the ham for thinly sliced roasted turkey and add a thin layer of cranberry sauce. This festive twist brings a sweet-and-savory flavor perfect for holiday parties.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Pinwheels:
Mix finely diced pickled jalapeños into the cream cheese for a spicy kick. Use pepper jack or extra-sharp cheddar for bold flavor that stands out on any Christmas appetizer platter.
• Ranch Bacon Tortilla Roll Ups:
Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the cream cheese mixture, then sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the filling before rolling. This version is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and game-day holiday buffets.
• Veggie Lover’s Christmas Roll Ups:
Replace the ham with thinly sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and baby spinach. This fresh, crunchy option is perfect for lighter Christmas snacks and holiday brunch spreads.
• Honey Mustard Ham & Swiss Roll Ups:
Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and drizzle a teaspoon of honey mustard over the filling before rolling. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs beautifully with deli ham for a gourmet-style appetizer.
Practical Tips:
• Use room-temperature cream cheese:
Soft cream cheese blends more easily and spreads smoothly, ensuring even coverage across the tortilla shells.
• Spread the filling to the very edges:
This helps your Christmas roll ups hold their shape and ensures every slice contains a perfect balance of cream cheese, ham, and cheese.
• Don’t skip the refrigeration time:
Chilling the rolls for several hours—or overnight—allows them to firm up, making the slices clean, sharp, and visually appealing for holiday appetizer platters.
• Choose sturdy tortillas:
Use good-quality 8-inch flour tortillas. Thin or brittle tortillas may crack when rolled or sliced.
• Sharp knife = perfect pinwheels:
Use a sharp, non-serrated knife to cut clean, even slices. Wipe the blade between cuts for professional-looking roll ups.
• Prep ahead for stress-free entertaining:
These pinwheels keep well for up to two days in an airtight container, making them ideal for make-ahead Christmas appetizers and busy holiday schedules.
