Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Mix the Filling
- Place the softened cream cheese into a medium ceramic mixing bowl. (Ensuring the cream cheese is fully softened is critical to avoid tearing the ham during application).
- Add the finely chopped, well-drained spicy dill pickles to the cream cheese. Using a sturdy silver spoon or spatula, aggressively fold the two ingredients together until the pickles are evenly suspended throughout the thick dairy base. Season lightly with black pepper if desired.
Spread & Roll
- Lay the medium-sliced ham flat on a clean, dry prep board.
- Using a professional offset spatula or spreading knife, apply approximately 1 heavy tablespoon of the cream cheese and pickle spread evenly across the surface of each ham slice. Leave a slight, ¼-inch bare border at the top edge.
- Starting from the bottom, tightly roll the ham slice upward into a dense, firm cylinder. The bare border at the top will seal the roll securely.
Chill & Slice
- Place the formed ham cylinders seam-side down onto a platter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This critical resting phase firms the cream cheese, locking the structure in place for a flawless cut.
- Once chilled, use a razor-sharp chef's knife to trim and discard the uneven ends of the cylinders. Slice the remaining rolls into precise, uniform ¼-inch rounds.
- Arrange the spirals beautifully on a chilled ceramic platter or integrate them into a larger estate charcuterie board before serving.
