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Pickle Rolls with Cheese

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Pickle Rolls with Cheese are a fun snack combining creamy jalapeño cheese, crunchy pickles, and savory pastrami. They’re easy to make with just 5 ingredients and ready in minutes. Whether for a party or a cozy night, these rolls bring together tangy, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite. The addition of pastrami gives great depth, and the simplicity means you can prep ahead and whip them out for a crowd. With their mix of creamy and crispy textures, you can’t go wrong!
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Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 15:02:27 GMT
A serving tray with stacked pickle wraps and pastrami. Pin it
A serving tray with stacked pickle wraps and pastrami. | tasteofmoms.com

These Tangy Pickle Cream Cheese Spirals combine cool, velvety, crisp, and fiery elements in every mouthful. The smooth, jalapeño-mixed cream cheese perfectly balances the snap of the pickle, while the flavorful pastrami brings a smoky richness that pulls everything together. This smart, no-bake snack turns basic items into an addictive finger food that vanishes quickly at get-togethers, making guests wonder how such a basic-looking treat packs such amazing taste.

When I had friends over for the Super Bowl last time, these spirals were gone before the first quarter ended, with many folks asking me how to make them before halftime even started. What makes them special is the jalapeño-mixed cream cheese, which takes these beyond your typical Midwest party food into something fancy tasting that still stays true to its simple beginnings.

Key Components and Selection Advice

  • Pickles: Look for Claussen cold-section pickles for the best snap and fresh dill taste. Whole ones work better than spears.
  • Cream Cheese: Go with Philadelphia for the smoothest results. Choose full-fat for the tastiest outcome.
  • Deli Meat: Try Boar's Head pastrami for good thickness and flavor. Ask for medium-cut slices for just the right balance.
  • Pickled Jalapeños: San Marcos offers steady heat and zing. Pick up the ones sitting in brine instead of vinegar.
A tasty meat wrap with pickles and cheese inside. Pin it
A tasty meat wrap with pickles and cheese inside. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Get Everything Ready:
Let cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes to soften. Drain jalapeños but keep the liquid. Pat pickles with paper towels so they're not wet.
Mix Up Spicy Cream Cheese:
Chop ¼ cup pickled jalapeños finely in a food processor. Stir into 8 ounces of soft cream cheese with 1-2 tablespoons of the saved jalapeño juice until smooth.
Put It All Together:
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of your cream cheese mix evenly on a pastrami slice. Put a whole pickle at one end.
Roll It Up Right:
Wrap tightly around the pickle, using the cream cheese to help it stick. Cool in the fridge at least 1 hour for best taste.
Cut Into Pieces:
Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch chunks, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat slices.
Serve Them Up:
Take roll-ups out 5-10 minutes before serving. You can keep uncut rolls in a sealed container up to 3 days.

Tasty Twists and Personalized Options

Want something milder? Swap in banana peppers for jalapeños. Need more kick? Add some hot sauce or fresh chopped jalapeños. You can also try smoked turkey or roast beef for different taste options.

Presentation Ideas and Pairing Suggestions

Set your spirals on a plate with a light sprinkle of paprika or tiny jalapeño bits for a pop of color. Stick toothpicks in them so guests can grab them easily at parties. Serve alongside a cool dip like ranch or garlic aioli to balance the heat.

Fixing Common Problems

  • Cream cheese won't spread? Mix in more jalapeño juice a tiny bit at a time.
  • Spirals coming undone? Roll them tighter and keep them cold longer before cutting.
  • Too hot to handle? Cut back on jalapeños or mix with plain cream cheese.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

These Tangy Pickle Cream Cheese Spirals mix bold tastes with familiar comfort in an easy, no-cook party bite. They're just right for game days, get-togethers, or casual hangouts, showing how the simplest foods can pack amazing flavor. Your friends will love how the heat, tang, and creaminess work together, making these an unforgettable crowd favorite.

A wooden table holds a plate filled with meat and pickle snacks. Pin it
A wooden table holds a plate filled with meat and pickle snacks. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What other meats can I use instead of pastrami?
Sure thing! Thinly sliced ham, turkey, roast beef, or even salami all work well. Just pick a deli meat that’s soft enough to roll up nicely.
→ How long can these rolls sit in the fridge before serving?
You can make them a day ahead, no problem! Keep them snugly wrapped in plastic and slice them when you're ready to serve for the freshest look.
→ I’m not into spicy foods—can I skip the jalapeños?
Of course! Just leave out the jalapeños. To boost the flavor, you could mix in dill or chopped chives instead for a bit of herby goodness.
→ Which pickles work best here?
Crispy whole dill pickles (like Claussen) hold up the best since they’re not soggy. Sweet pickles could work too if you’re into a sweet-and-savory combo!
→ What goes well with these pickle rolls?
They go perfectly with deviled eggs, chips and dip, or a veggie tray. You can also add them to a charcuterie spread for extra variety!

Pickle Rolls with Cheese

A fun twist on a Midwest favorite using crunchy dill pickles, savory pastrami, and creamy cheese spread mixed with jalapeños. A no-cook snack that's perfect for any get-together.

Prep Time
12 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
12 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Midwestern American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 wraps)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Flavor Punch

01 3 teaspoons of jalapeno pickling liquid
02 2 whole pickled jalapenos

→ Core Ingredients

03 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese like Philadelphia
04 8 slices of thin deli pastrami (feel free to switch to ham or any deli cut you enjoy)
05 8 Claussen pickle spears

Instructions

Step 01

Spread out the pickle spears on some paper towels to blot out any extra moisture.

Step 02

Scoop the softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl.

Step 03

Toss 2 whole pickled jalapenos and 3 teaspoons of their juice into a food processor. Pulse for about 20-30 seconds until thoroughly chopped up.

Step 04

Stir the jalapeno bits into your bowl of cream cheese. Blend well until smooth and fluffy. If you're looking for ease, use a hand mixer, but a fork or spoon will do fine too.

Step 05

Place a slice of pastrami flat on a cutting board. Spread a nice, thick amount of the jalapeno cream cheese evenly across its center, leaving room at the edges.

Step 06

Put a pickle spear right in the middle of the pastrami slice. Start rolling from one edge and continue until you've completely wrapped the pickle.

Step 07

Arrange the wraps in a container with the seams facing down. Pop them in the fridge for a few hours to let the cream cheese firm up nicely.

Step 08

Slice into 1/2-inch rounds for a snazzy presentation or serve them as is.

Notes

  1. These roll-ups are a staple in the Midwest for gatherings and potlucks, now with an extra kick from jalapenos!
  2. Want variety? Substitute pastrami with ham or any other deli meat that suits you.
  3. You can serve them as whole pieces or cut them into bite-sized rounds.
  4. For a better texture, let them chill for a few hours before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bowl for mixing
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Container with lid for storing
  • Blender or food processor
  • Hand mixer (optional)
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains cream cheese (dairy)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 128
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g