This simple 3-ingredient pickle treat appetizer is a long-time family favorite for game day and gatherings. Salty, tangy, creamy and wildly addictive, these little bites are fast to assemble and great for sharing.
I demonstrated making these during a live video while preparing another recipe, and I often fast-forward straight to the pickle treat portion when I rewatch. The concept is delightfully simple: ham, cream cheese, and dill pickles combine into a bite-sized snack that everyone reaches for first.
These pickle treats have been made in my family for decades and were a staple during football games at home. They are equally good on a casual weekday lunch plate or arranged on a party platter. The balance of smoky ham, tangy dill pickle, and creamy cheese is what keeps people coming back for more.
People sometimes call this combo “Minnesota Sushi” as a playful nod to the unexpected pairing, and it has enjoyed a bit of a pop-culture resurgence. Whatever you call them, the flavor combination works—surprisingly and wonderfully well.
One of the best things about these pickles is how easily they can be prepped ahead of time. For gatherings or potlucks, you can assemble them an hour or more in advance and refrigerate until serving. They also fit neatly on cheeseboards and snack spreads, adding a salty, tangy counterpoint to richer bites and cheeses.
Few tips ensure the best result: pat the ham and pickles dry before assembling so the cream cheese spreads smoothly and adheres well. Use softened cream cheese or whipped cream cheese if you prefer to skip the softening step. If you slice pickle spears lengthwise they’re easier to roll; sandwich-style pickle slices work fine too and eliminate the slicing step.
Recipe for Pickle Treats
If you try this recipe, please come back and share your thoughts and a rating—you’ll help others discover how tasty these are!
Pickle Treats
A classic 3-ingredient appetizer made with deli ham, cream cheese, and dill pickles. Ready in minutes and perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack.
Author: Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen – Ashley Covelli
Course: Appetizer | Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients
- 4 slices deli ham
- 2 dill pickle spears, sliced in half lengthwise (or sandwich-style pickle slices)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (or whipped cream cheese)
Instructions
- Pat the ham and pickles dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry surfaces help the cream cheese spread easily and hold the roll together.
- Spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese over each slice of ham. Use just enough to coat the surface without tearing the ham.
- Place one pickle half near one edge of each ham slice. Gently roll the ham around the pickle until sealed, with the cream cheese acting as the glue.
- Serve the rolls whole or slice them in half or into smaller bite-sized pieces for a party platter.
Notes
- Drying ham and pickles is essential; excess moisture makes cream cheese harder to spread and can cause rolls to fall apart.
- Spread the cream cheese gently to avoid ripping the ham. If the ham tears slightly, the cream cheese still helps keep everything together.
- Whipped cream cheese can be used straight from the fridge and saves time, though texture differs slightly from softened block cream cheese.
- One pickle spear cut in half will usually make two full-sized treats, which can be served as 4–6 bite-sized pieces depending on how you slice them.
- These are great for preparing ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
Pickle treats are an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances flavor and texture with minimal work. They’re perfect when you need a quick, portable snack for tailgating, holiday gatherings, or casual entertaining. Try adding them to a board alongside cheeses, crackers, and cured meats for an easy, irresistible spread.
What are your favorite game day appetizers? Share your ideas and any tweaks you make to this simple pickle treat recipe. I hope these little bites become a go-to for your next get-together—they certainly are for ours!