Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
8 spears Claussen pickles
02 -
8 slices deli-sliced pastrami (can substitute ham or other deli meat)
03 -
1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
→ Flavor Boost
04 -
2 pickled jalapenos
05 -
3 teaspoons pickled jalapeno juice
# Instructions:
01 -
Add softened cream cheese to a mixing bowl.
02 -
Lay 8 pickle spears on paper towels to remove excess liquid.
03 -
Add 2 whole pickled jalapenos and 3 teaspoons of the pickling liquid to a food processor. Process for around 20-30 seconds, until pretty much pulverized.
04 -
Add the pulverized jalapenos to the cream cheese. Mix until well incorporated. A hand mixer can help achieve a light, creamy, and wonderfully spreadable texture with minimal effort. Or use a fork to mix if preferred.
05 -
Lay out a slice of pastrami on a cutting board. Spread a generous tablespoon of the jalapeno cream cheese mixture onto the pastrami, focusing on getting an even layer in the center (it's okay to leave edges unslathered).
06 -
Place one pickle spear in the center of each prepared pastrami slice. Wrap one edge of the deli meat over the pickle and continue rolling until completely wrapped.
07 -
Place each pickle roll-up in a container, seam side down. Refrigerate for a few hours, so the cream cheese has a chance to firm up.
08 -
Serve whole or cut into 1/2 inch coins if preferred.
# Notes:
01 -
Cream cheese pickle roll-ups are a classic Midwestern appetizer popular at summer potlucks - jazzed up with pickled jalapenos for extra flavor.
02 -
While pastrami adds a nice peppery flavor, you can substitute with ham or any other deli meat you prefer.
03 -
These can be served whole or cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
04 -
For best results, make these a few hours ahead of time to allow the cream cheese to firm up.