Looking for a quick, protein-packed, low carb snack that’s bursting with flavor? Cheesezams (A mashup of Cheese and slices of Ham) are here to save the day! These cheesy, creamy, and savory rolls are perfect for diabetics or anyone craving a quick, delicious low carb snack that’s perfect for diabetics. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and require no baking or frying.
Below, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions, tips to make assembly easier, and links to the tools I used to whip up this crowd-pleasing low carb snack.
Ingredients and Why They Work
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices of deli ham: Thin yet sturdy slices are perfect for rolling. Choose a low-sodium option for a healthier twist.
- 8 pieces of low-fat string cheese, sticks of cheddar or Dad’s favorite Colby/Jack Cheese: Several options for a satisfying bite, you might find yourself grazing all day. You can also use mozzarella sticks cut in half for smaller portions.
- 4 ounces low-fat or calorie cream cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling without the extra fat. It binds the flavors together and keeps the rolls moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors with a hint of garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley): Adds a touch of herbal freshness to the filling.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Provides a smoky depth of flavor, perfect for those who like a little extra kick.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (optional): Helps keep the rolls intact, especially if you’re serving them on a platter.
Instructions with Tools You’ll Love
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, parsley, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Recommended Tools: A rubber spatula for mixing ensures every bit of the filling is evenly blended.
- Spread the Cream Cheese:
- Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer (about ½ tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the slice.
- Recommended Tools: Use an offset spatula for easy spreading.
- Add the Cheese Stick:
- Place a piece of string cheese (or halved mozzarella stick) on one end of the ham slice.
- Roll the Ham:
- Carefully roll the ham slice around the cheese stick, starting at the cheese end. Secure the roll with a toothpick or tie it gently with kitchen twine, if needed.
- Chill or Serve:
- For a fresher texture, serve the Cheesezams immediately. For a firmer bite, chill them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
- Recommended Tools: A serving platter makes these bite-sized low carb snacks look even more appealing.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesezams
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften before mixing to ensure a smooth filling that spreads easily.
- Uniform Slicing: If using mozzarella sticks, cut them into even halves for consistent rolls.
- Make Ahead: Cheesezams can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making them perfect for parties or meal prep.
- Upgrade the Presentation: Slice each roll into bite-sized pinwheels for a beautiful party platter.
Optional Variations for Extra Flavor
- Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped dill, chives, or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cream cheese filling for a touch of heat.
- Crunchy Coating: Roll the finished Cheesezams in finely crushed pork rinds or chopped nuts for added texture.
Why This Recipe Is Diabetic-Friendly
- Low Carb: Ham, cream cheese, and mozzarella sticks are naturally low in carbs.
- High-Protein: Each roll is packed with protein, making it filling and satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Tools I Recommend
- Mixing bowls for combining the cream cheese filling.
- Offset spatula for spreading the filling evenly.
- Toothpicks for keeping the rolls secure.
- Serving platter to display these delicious rolls in style.
Find these tools here to make your Cheesezam experience even easier! 🛠️
Whether you’re preparing snacks for a party, a holiday platter, or a quick low carb snack, Cheesezams deliver on flavor and convenience. With endless customization options and a quick assembly process, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite. Pair them with a light salad or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying, diabetic-friendly treat.
Happy snacking!
Cheesezams: Diabetic Safe Snack Ham Wrapped Cheese Sticks
An original appetizer that I came up with from a favorite childhood snack. Savory ham wraps around creamy cheese for a quick and easy snack that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. These are a fun, protein-packed treat for any occasion.
Equipment
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Ingredients
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 sticks low-fat string cheese or your preferred cheese type
- 2 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, parsley, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slice of ham.
- Place a piece of string cheese on one end of the ham slice.
- Carefully roll the ham slice around the cheese stick, starting at the end with the string cheese. Secure with a toothpick or kitchen twine if needed.
- Serve the Cheesezams immediately for a fresh, creamy texture, or chill them in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.
Optional Variations:
- Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Heat It Up: Add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Crunchy Coating: Roll the Cheesezams in finely crushed pork rinds for a crunchy exterior before serving.
- Low-Carb: The combination of ham, cream cheese, and mozzarella keeps the carb count minimal.
- Protein-Packed: High in protein to help with satiety and blood sugar control.
- Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
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