Ham Roll Ups with Bacon and Avocado

These easy Ham Roll Ups with Bacon and Avocado are perfect when you want a quick lunch without turning on the stove! Sliced ham is filled with crisp butter lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and cooked bacon for a delicious low-carb lunch. They come together in just 10 minutes, and you can use pre-cooked bacon and prepared mashed avocado to make them even easier!

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these ham roll ups! These amounts make 3 roll ups, which I serve as one lunch portion.

• 6 slices Black Forest ham: Use 2 overlapping slices for each roll up to help hold the fillings together. Choose slices that are large enough to roll without tearing.
• 3-6 butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce is soft and easy to roll while still adding a little crunch. Wash and dry the leaves well before assembling.
• 2 ounces mashed avocado: You can mash fresh avocado or use prepared mashed avocado for a shortcut. I like using one that's already seasoned for extra flavor!
• ½ small tomato, sliced: Any ripe, flavorful tomato will work. Slice it thinly and pat away excess moisture to keep the roll ups from getting watery.
• 3 slices cooked bacon: Add one slice to each roll up, torn in half so it fits inside. Cook your own bacon or use store-bought pre-cooked bacon to save time.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to taste. The ham and bacon already add salt, so taste before adding more.

How to Make Ham Roll Ups

These ham roll ups come together in just 10 minutes with cooked bacon and a few fresh ingredients. Have everything ready before you start so they're easy to assemble!

Step 1: Layer the Ham and Lettuce

Lay 2 slices of Black Forest ham on a clean work surface, overlapping them slightly to make a base for the fillings. Place 1-2 butter lettuce leaves on top.

Step 2: Add the Fillings

Spread a spoonful of mashed avocado over the lettuce, using about one-third of the avocado for each roll up. Add sliced tomato and 1 slice of cooked bacon, torn in half so it fits inside. Season with a little salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Roll and Serve

Starting at one end, gently roll the ham around the fillings, keeping everything tucked inside as you go. Place seam-side down on a plate, then repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 ham roll ups.

Mine stayed together without toothpicks, but you can use one to secure each roll up if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture!

Tips for the Best Ham Roll Ups

These ham roll ups are easy to make, but a few simple tips will help keep the fillings tucked inside and everything fresh!

• Overlap the ham slices: Use 2 slices for each roll up and overlap them slightly to create a wider base. If your ham is very thin, handle it gently so it doesn't tear while rolling.
• Keep the fillings manageable: Spread the avocado in a thin layer and keep the tomato and bacon away from the edges. Too much filling makes the ham harder to roll.
• Let freshly cooked bacon cool: If you're cooking your own bacon, let it cool before assembling so it doesn't wilt the lettuce. Tear each slice in half to help it fit inside.
• Go easy on the salt: Ham and bacon are already salty, and prepared mashed avocado may be seasoned too. You may only need a little black pepper!
• Assemble close to serving: The lettuce and bacon have the best texture when freshly assembled. For easy lunch prep, get the ingredients ready ahead of time and roll them up when you're ready to eat.

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily change up these ham roll ups based on what you have in the fridge. Here are a few ideas to try!

• Ham: Black Forest ham adds a delicious smoky flavor, but your favorite deli ham will work. You could also use sliced turkey or chicken. Choose slices large enough to wrap around the fillings.
• Lettuce: Butter lettuce is soft and easy to roll. Green leaf lettuce or tender romaine leaves also work, but remove any thick ribs that make rolling difficult.
• Avocado: Prepared mashed avocado, freshly mashed avocado, or guacamole are all delicious. If you don't like avocado, try a thin layer of softened cream cheese or hummus for a different flavor.
• Bacon: Use freshly cooked bacon, store-bought pre-cooked bacon, or turkey bacon. You can also leave it out if you prefer.
• Tomato: Swap the tomato for thinly sliced cucumber or roasted red peppers.

What to Serve with Ham Roll Ups

I like to serve 3 ham roll ups for lunch, but you can add a simple side depending on how hungry you are! Here are a few easy options:

• Fresh vegetables and dip: Cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and celery add extra crunch. Serve with Dill Pickle Dip or Greek Yogurt Ranch.
• Fresh fruit: Berries, grapes, or sliced apples are an easy addition, especially if you're packing these for lunch.
• A cup of soup: Pair the roll ups with tomato soup or vegetable soup for a little more variety.
• A simple side salad: Toss mixed greens with my apple cider vinegar dressing for an easy side.
• Chips or crackers: Serve with your favorites, or try my crunchy keto crackers if you want to keep the meal lower in carbs.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

These ham roll ups are quick to assemble, but you can get the ingredients ready ahead of time to make lunch even easier!

• Prep the ingredients separately: Have your cooked bacon ready, wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce, and keep everything in separate containers in the refrigerator. Wait to slice the tomato and mash fresh avocado until you're ready to assemble.
• Use prepared mashed avocado: Individual avocado cups are a convenient option because you can open just what you need.
• Assemble the night before if needed: Pat the lettuce and tomato slices dry, use crisp lettuce leaves to separate the avocado from the ham, and place the roll ups seam-side down in a snug, airtight container. The bacon and lettuce will soften as they sit, so they're best enjoyed the next day.

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