
The first time I made Pickles in a Blanket, it wasn’t for a party. It wasn’t for a recipe blog. It was because my fridge was down to the bare bones, or, in this case, bare jars. I had a half-empty container of dill pickles, a stack of leftover deli meat from lunch, and a small block of cream cheese that had been patiently waiting for its moment to shine.
That’s when I remembered something my Aunt Dee used to make in her tiny kitchen, usually with an iced tea sweating on the counter and a radio playing old country songs: pickles, wrapped in ham, and sliced into bite-sized swirls. The kind of snack you could make with one hand while talking on the phone. She called them “Pickle Roll-Ups.” I called them magic.
That afternoon, I made my own version. I swapped ham for turkey slices, spread on a tangy layer of cream cheese, tucked a pickle in the middle, and rolled it tight. One bite, and I was instantly back at Aunt Dee’s kitchen table, wondering how something so simple could be so addictive. The crunch, the tang, the creamy saltiness, it was the trifecta of snack satisfaction.
They’re easy enough to make on a lazy Saturday and charming enough to pass around at a gathering. But more than that, they carry a little nostalgia, a reminder that the best recipes are often the ones passed down in whispers rather than printed in glossy cookbooks.
Why Pickles in a Blanket Work Every Time
When you think about it, the appeal of this snack is rooted in balance. The briny crunch of the pickle wakes up your taste buds, while the creamy spread smooths things out. The deli meat acts as a savory hug, wrapping it all together. And unlike fried snacks or overly sweet treats, these feel satisfying without weighing you down.
They also have an old-school charm. You might have seen them trending on TikTok, but for many of us, they’ve been quietly living in recipe boxes for decades. Like deviled eggs or pimento cheese, they’ve just been waiting for their turn in the spotlight again.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Whole dill pickles | 8 | Choose firm, crunchy ones |
Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Plain or flavored |
Deli meat slices | 8–12 | Turkey, ham, or roast beef |
Optional seasoning | to taste | Garlic powder, paprika, or fresh dill |
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Pat the pickles dry. This is key, extra moisture makes the rolls slippery. A paper towel works fine.
- Spread the cream cheese. Lay your deli meat flat, then gently spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese.
- Place the pickle. Lay one pickle at the edge of the slice. If your pickles are long, you can trim them to fit.
- Roll it up. Start from the pickle side and roll tightly toward the other edge.
- Chill, then slice. For the neatest slices, refrigerate the rolls for 30 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Where to Buy Ingredients in the USA
- Pickles: Claussen, Vlasic, and Grillo’s are widely available in grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, or Walmart.
- Cream Cheese: Philadelphia is a classic choice, but store brands work well too.
- Deli Meat: Look for freshly sliced options at the deli counter. Applegate Naturals and Boar’s Head are reliable packaged brands.
- Seasonings: Any standard spice aisle will have what you need. For fresh dill, check the produce section near herbs.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp chef’s knife for clean slices
- Small spatula or butter knife for spreading cream cheese
- Cutting board
- Paper towels for drying pickles
- Plastic wrap (optional, for chilling before slicing)
Serving Ideas for Pickles in a Blanket (Fun Ways to Serve)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is eating pickles before bed good?
What is the 321 rule for pickles?
What do pickles do for you in the heat?
How to make the TikTok pickle?
A Few Serving Ideas
- Slice them for an easy appetizer platter alongside cheese cubes and crackers.
- Keep them whole for a quick snack on the go.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little warmth.
- Swap the cream cheese for hummus or herbed goat cheese for a twist.
Why This Snack Has Staying Power
In a food world obsessed with complicated techniques, it’s refreshing to make something so straightforward. No oven, no frying, no fancy equipment. And still, people gather around the plate, just like they did in Aunt Dee’s kitchen all those years ago.
If you’re curious about other simple snacks that have stood the test of time, I’ve written about Banana Oatmeal Smoothie to kickstart your morning with energy, fiber, and flavor.
Conclusion
Pickles in a Blanket prove that the best snacks are often the simplest ones. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just for yourself, they deliver that perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re proof that sometimes, all you need is a jar of pickles, a little cream cheese, and something to wrap them in, plus a bit of love from the cook.
Table of Contents
Want to save this recipe for later or share it with friends?
📌 Pin it on Pinterest
👍 Follow us on Facebook for more recipes!
Pickles in a Blanket

Pickles in a Blanket: crisp dill pickle spears tucked inside soft rolls, filled with a creamy, cheesy blend and smoky bacon.
- 6 dill pickle spears or mini pickles
- 6 slices of deli turkey (or roast beef)
- 4 oz cream cheese (or dairy-free spread)
- Lay out the deli meat slices on a cutting board.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each slice.
- Place one pickle spear at the edge of each slice.
- Roll tightly until the pickle is fully wrapped.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed. Slice in half or serve whole.