Pickled Okra & Ham Roll-Ups

Serves 4 · 25 min prep

Ingredients

• 16 slices (about 12 oz) thin-sliced deli ham
• 16 pods, drained pickled okra
• 6 oz, softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup, finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 Tbsp, minced fresh chives
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• optional, for wrapping butter lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. 1Pat the pickled okra pods completely dry with paper towels so the filling adheres and the roll-ups stay neat. Set aside on a clean plate.
2. 2In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely shredded sharp cheddar, minced chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mash and stir until fully blended and spreadable.
3. 3Lay one slice of ham flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of the cream-cheese mixture across the entire surface, reaching nearly to the edges.
4. 4Place one pickled okra pod near one short end of the ham slice. Roll the ham tightly the okra, tucking as you go to form a snug cylinder. The cream cheese acts as glue.
5. 5Repeat with the remaining ham slices and okra pods until you have 16 roll-ups. If any seams loosen, press gently or secure with a toothpick for serving.
6. 6Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down on a serving platter. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and torn fresh basil leaves and between them for color and brightness.
7. 7For a lighter lunch plate, tuck each roll-up inside a small butter lettuce leaf. Chill the platter 15 minutes before serving so the filling firms.
8. 8These can be made up to a day ahead; cover tightly and refrigerate. Serve cold or at cool room temperature as a shareable midday snack plate or light lunch with extra pickled okra on the side.