These low carb 3-ingredient ham pickle bites are the kind of old-school party snack that never seems to go out of style. They lean on a classic combination of salty deli ham, tangy dill pickles, and creamy cheese for a bite that is crisp, rich, and pleasantly sharp all at once. They are especially handy for cookouts, game days, lunch trays, or quick make-ahead snacking because they come together fast, chill well, and slice into neat little rounds.
Serve these bites cold alongside other casual appetizers like deviled eggs, vegetable trays, cheese cubes, or chicken wings. They also pair nicely with sparkling water, iced tea, light beer, or a crisp white wine, and they fit right in on a low carb snack board with celery, olives, and sliced peppers.
Low Carb 3-Ingredient Ham Pickle Bites
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 dill pickle spears, patted dry
8 slices deli ham
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Directions
1. Pat the pickle spears dry with paper towels so the filling will cling better and the bites will slice cleanly.
2. Spread an even layer of softened cream cheese over each slice of ham, going nearly to the edges.
3. Place one pickle spear on each ham slice, then roll the ham tightly around the pickle to form a log.
4. Chill the rolls for 20 to 30 minutes if you have time; this firms them up and makes them easier to cut.
5. Slice each roll into bite-size rounds and arrange them on a plate for serving.
Variations & Tips
Use whole dill pickles: If you prefer larger pinwheels, use small whole dill pickles instead of spears and wrap them in a slightly larger layer of ham and cream cheese. Just be sure to dry them very well so the filling stays in place.
Make them firmer for slicing: Very soft cream cheese can squish out when you roll or cut the bites. Let it soften just enough to spread easily, then chill the finished rolls before slicing with a sharp knife.
Add a little seasoning: Even though the classic version is just three ingredients, a light sprinkle of garlic powder, black pepper, or dried dill over the cream cheese can give the bites a little extra character without complicating the recipe.
Try turkey instead of ham: For a slightly lighter flavor, swap the ham for sliced turkey. The result is a bit milder but still creamy, tangy, and easy to serve at parties or pack into lunch boxes.