Polish Rose Appetizer recipe (2024)

Growing up every gathering included Polish Roses. In case you’ve never had the pleasure, Polish roses are deli ham spread with cream cheese, wrapped around a green onion or a gherkin! Some might call these Ham Roll-ups, but whatever you call them they are one of the greatest recipes ever invented. The definition of the perfect appetizer recipe! Easy to eat with your fingers, simple and tasty!

I actually forgot about the pickle variety until this Thanksgiving when my sweet Seestor served them. We never had a name for this appetizer. I think we called them “onion thingys”, or “pickle and ham thingy’s”, because we are a real classy bunch, and we like to eat lots of thingys. This summer I brought the onion thingys to a picnic and my girlfriend called them Polish Roses, that was a new one on me. But she is right they do kinda look like roses! I did a little research and behold, they are called either ham roll-ups or Polish Roses!

Gather these ingredients

How to make

• Assemble ingredients.
• Clean, and trim green onions to approximately 6-8 inches.
• Place pickles on paper towel and pat dry.
• Cut ham slices in half and spread with cream cheese.
• Place pickle or green onion on the edge, flat cut side toward the green end, now roll it up, like a little rosette.

Trim green onions so they are all the same length. Pull off any unsightly skin, and trim both ends. Easy Peasy.

Cut ham slices in half, spread with softened cream cheese, and start at one side roll up green onion like a rose. The assemble is very forgiving, just keep rollin! Same with pickles, roll them up slice in half and harpoon them with co*cktail toothpick. Voila!

FAQs

• What equipment will I need? That’s what makes this recipe so perfect, it comes together quick and all you need is a knife and a cutting board.
• How far in advance can I make this appetizer recipe? I would suggest making them as close to your party as possible, to ensure the green onion do not wilt. You could make them a day in advance, make sure to place them in an airtight container with damp paper towel covering the green onion stems.
• What could I substitute for cream cheese? Hummus, pimento cheese spread, or Boursin Gournay Cheese are all good alternatives. The key is to make sure it will hold up in the roll-up and not run out. Be creative! Make sure to share and tag me on your socials if you try something new!
• Storage: Store in an airtight container or on a platter covered tightly with plastic wrap in refrigerator until just before serving.

This is a great recipe. So simple and easy if you find yourself with some extra time you can easily whip these up at a moments notice. The perfect appetizer for special occasions, bridal show ideas, baby shower, family reunions, Thanksgiving pre-gaming, any holiday should not be without a platter of Polish roses!

Throw them in a crystal vase and use as a centerpiece. Who doesn’t like and edible arrangement!

Note: this recipe has been updated. I originally posted it on December 16, 2010. Honestly all that has changed is the recipe card, which you can print, and the photos are updated. It’s a timeless recipe. I hope you enjoy it! XOX Sheila