Keto Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups (Crispy, Quick, and Spicy)

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Non-stick skillet
Mixing bowl
Alternative: Toaster oven can replace regular oven

INGREDIENTS

6 slices deli ham
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (170g)
5 oz cream cheese, softened (140g)
1 large jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions:

Mozzarella or provolone for cheddar
Bell pepper for jalapeño (milder)
Turkey for ham

Professional food photography in a modern kitchen featuring ingredients like sliced ham, cream cheese, and fresh jalapeño, and cookware on white marble countertops under natural daylight.

METHOD

Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
Line baking sheet with parchment paper
Create six equal cheese circles (about 4 inches/10cm diameter) on parchment
Bake for 8 minutes until edges turn golden brown
Look for: bubbling center, slightly crispy edges
Mix softened cream cheese, chopped jalapeño, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Once cheese circles are ready, place ham slice in center of each
Add 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture to each
Roll while still warm but not hot
Look for: cheese should be pliable but not runny
Let cool for 5 minutes until crispy

Perfectly round, melted cheddar cheese circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a modern kitchen with green subway tiles and wooden utensils

Ham and cheese rolls in preparation on a modern kitchen countertop, with completed rolls steaming nearby.

CRUCIAL TIPS

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
Watch closely after 6 minutes to prevent burning
Roll while warm – they won’t shape properly when cold
Pat jalapeños dry to prevent soggy filling

Professional food photography of roll-up slicing revealing creamy filling and layers of ham and cheese in modern kitchen with white marble countertops and green subway tiles

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

Refrigerate up to 2 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes

Scaling:

Recipe doubles easily
Keep cheese circles same size regardless of batch size

Common Mistakes:

Letting cheese cool too much before rolling
Overfilling the rolls
Not patting ham dry (causes soggy rolls)

Variations:

Mexican: Add taco seasoning to cream cheese
Italian: Use prosciutto and mozzarella
Breakfast: Add scrambled egg to filling

Six roll-ups on a white ceramic platter in a modern kitchen with green subway tiles and natural daylight

These crispy, spicy rolls are perfect for keto meal prep or party appetizers. They’re incredibly versatile – I often make them for quick lunches or when I need a protein-rich snack that actually satisfies.

Remember: The key to perfect roll-ups is timing. Get your ingredients ready before starting, and you’ll nail it every time. Don’t overthink it – even if they’re not picture-perfect, they’ll still taste amazing!