Quick Creamy Pickle Roll Ups

I made these roll ups on one of those Thursdays where everything just snowballs—school drop-off, two back-to-back errands, and a PTA meeting I completely forgot about. By the time I got home, I had an hour before the kids came charging in with “What’s for snack?” as their first question.

I wasn’t in the mood for another round of crackers and string cheese, and there it was half a jar of dill pickle relish from last week’s burger night and a block of cream cheese that needed to be used.

I remembered a friend once raved about pickle dip, and that sparked an idea. I pulled out some crescent dough I’d tucked in the fridge and got to work. By the time the oven was preheated, the mixture was already rolled up and sliced. Twenty minutes later, the smell of buttery dough and dill filled the kitchen. The kids wandered in, noses in the air.

When I handed them a warm roll each, they took one bite and immediately asked if I’d make these again. Even my husband, who side-eyes anything that involves pickles in a pastry, ended up eating five. These little bites have become our Friday night movie snack, our picnic go-to, and something I’ll pack for potlucks without thinking twice.

They’re crispy, creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. And for once, I didn’t have to run back to the store to make them.

Short Description

Creamy Pickle Roll Ups are buttery, crispy bites filled with tangy dill pickle and creamy ranch-seasoned cheese—quick to prep and perfect for snacking, parties, or make-ahead lunches.

Key Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• ½ cup dill pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
• 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 ounces each)
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Sharp knife or dough cutter
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 2: Mix Filling
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and dill pickle relish until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough
Unroll both cans of crescent dough on a clean surface. Press the seams together to form two smooth rectangular sheets.

Step 4: Spread & Roll
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each sheet. Roll each one tightly from the short end like a jelly roll.

Step 5: Slice & Arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 8 even pieces. Place them cut side up on your baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Step 6: Brush with Butter & Dill
Combine melted butter and fresh or dried dill. Brush the tops of the rolls generously.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown, puffed, and crisp on the edges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Tangy: The ranch and pickle combo is bold and zippy, balanced by buttery dough.

No-Fuss Prep: You only need 15 minutes of hands-on time, perfect for busy days.

Perfect Party Snack: Great finger food for gatherings, lunchboxes, or lazy movie nights.

Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist the warm, cheesy swirl.

Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble them in advance and bake right before serving.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overstuffing the Dough
Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open.
Solution: Spread a thin, even layer and leave a small border at the edges.

Not Sealing the Seams
If the dough isn’t properly sealed, the filling will leak out.
Solution: Press seams and edges firmly together before rolling.

Underbaking
The center can remain raw if you don’t give it enough time.
Solution: Look for deep golden edges and a dry, puffed center.

Soggy Bottoms
Moisture from the relish can make the base soggy.
Solution: Drain the relish well before mixing, or use finely chopped pickles.

Overbaking
Rolls turn hard instead of crispy if left too long in the oven.
Solution: Check at 20 minutes and remove when golden brown.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve them warm with ranch or spicy mayo as a dip.

Pack in lunchboxes for kids or work snacks.

Serve alongside soups or chili for a fun twist on bread rolls.

Include them in a buffet spread with sliders, veggie sticks, and mini quiches.

Great for game nights, road trip snacks, or holiday appetizers.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To Store:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Freeze:

Place in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip bag. Store for up to 1 month.

To Reheat:

Warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy again.

Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will make them flakier and more indulgent. Just keep an eye on the bake time.

2. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can mix ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper as a DIY version.

3. Can I prep these the night before?
Absolutely. Roll and slice them, then refrigerate covered overnight. Brush with butter and bake the next day.

4. Is it okay to use whipped cream cheese?
Yes, whipped cream cheese will spread easier and give a lighter texture. Just adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Can I make these without dill?
If you’re not a fan of dill, try finely chopped green olives or banana peppers for a different zing.

Tips & Tricks

Soften cream cheese fully so it mixes smoothly with the pickle relish.

Drain the pickle relish well or use a paper towel to avoid soggy dough.

Chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes before slicing if it’s too soft—it makes cleaner cuts.

Use a serrated knife to cut the rolls neatly without squishing them.

Make mini versions by slicing smaller pieces for parties and potlucks.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Pickle Roll Ups

Add 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.

Replace dill with fresh cilantro for a bolder flavor.

2. Bacon Pickle Roll Ups

Stir in ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon into the cream cheese mixture.

Sprinkle extra bacon bits on top after baking.

3. Sweet & Tangy Roll Ups

Use sweet pickle relish instead of dill for a sweeter version.

Add a touch of honey mustard to the filling for a sweet-savory kick.

4. Veggie-Stuffed Roll Ups

Add finely chopped red bell pepper, celery, or green onions for color and crunch.

Great for sneaking in veggies for kids.

5. Keto-Friendly Version

Use low-carb fathead dough instead of crescent rolls.

Keep the filling the same or use whipped cream cheese for an airier texture.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t expect these to become such a regular in our kitchen, but they’ve surprised me. They’re the kind of recipe you reach for when your day feels like a blur, but you still want to put something warm and homemade on the table.

Even during our chaotic after-school hours, these never fail to bring everyone to the kitchen, usually before they’ve even cooled. I’ve taken these to neighborhood potlucks, packed them for road trips, and once served them as a last-minute “fancy” snack when my in-laws dropped by unannounced.

They’ve turned into a bit of a family signature, something the kids ask for by name, and something I now make without even checking the recipe. If your people love bold flavors wrapped in buttery layers like mine do, these are bound to become a go-to. They may be small, but they deliver big smiles.