Creamy Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe
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If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer, cucumber roll ups with salmon and cream cheese are a must-try. Creamy cheese and smoky salmon are wrapped in crisp cucumber slices for a fresh, flavorful bite. They’re light, satisfying, and ready in just 10 minutes, making them perfect for parties, quick lunches, or easy snacks. They may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to prepare and always a hit.
I’m all about effortless appetizers! Pineapple and bacon bites, goat cheese stuffed dates, and caprese appetizer are personal favorites, and now these cucumber roll ups are part of the mix.
They’re a perfect balance of crunchy cucumber, creamy cheese, and savory salmon, finished with just the right touch of seasoning – it’s a filling yet guilt-free appetizer. Enjoy them as a refreshing snack, a picnic treat, or a fun addition to your brunch spread. No matter when you serve them, they’re sure to impress!
Table of Contents (click to view)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for entertaining: Prep them a few hours early, chill, and they’re ready to impress when guests arrive.
- Light and refreshing: These cucumber roll-ups are crisp, hydrating, and packed with fresh flavors, making them the perfect guilt-free snack or appetizer.
- Get creative: Try new herbs, seasonings, or different cheese spreads to mix things up and suit your taste.
- Effortless prep: Skip the stove and oven! Just roll them up, chill, and they’re ready to serve.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: With no bread or heavy ingredients, they’re naturally low in carbs, making them a great choice for keto and low-carb diets.
- Mess-free bites: These cucumber roll ups are easy to pick up, easy to eat, and won’t leave a mess behind.
How to Make Cucumber Roll Ups
Cucumber roll ups are the perfect mix of simple and impressive. They may look fancy, but they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Whip up a batch in just 10 minutes, pop them in the fridge, and they’re ready to serve when you need them.
For full instructions, ingredient details, and step-by-step tips, scroll down to the printable recipe card!
Ingredients You Need
- Cucumber: While any cucumber works, English cucumbers are the best pick for their thin skin, minimal seeds, and crisp texture. Their smooth surface makes them ideal for rolling and pairing with the other ingredients. Love cucumber appetizers? You’ll enjoy tuna salad cucumber bites, too!
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture and rich flavor. I like using Philadelphia, but any favorite brand will do the trick.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Adds a savory kick that ties all the flavors together. Trader Joe’s version is my favorite, but any brand will do the job.
- Dill: A sprinkle of fresh dill takes the flavor up a notch and brings a refreshing touch that pairs beautifully with cucumber.
- Smoked salmon: Thinly sliced smoked salmon is ideal so the flavors balance perfectly without overpowering the roll ups. If you’re prepping salmon at home, learning the right technique makes a big difference. Bonus tip: Grab extra salmon to whip up a tasty salmon quiche for breakfast the next day.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Delicious cucumber roll ups are just a few simple steps away! With these easy steps, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful appetizer that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
Step 1: Slice the cucumber
Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Lay one strip flat on a cutting board, then place each additional slice slightly overlapping the previous one. If this sounds tricky, check the step-by-step images above for guidance. Once sliced, gently pat the cucumber strips dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Add the layers
Spread a layer of cream cheese over the cucumber slices. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top, then layer the smoked salmon and finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Step 3: Roll and slice
Starting with the last cucumber slice you added, fold it upward by about 1.5 to 2 inches. Repeat with the remaining slices, then carefully roll the entire set of strips into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 10 individual rolls.
Step 4: Chill the rolls
Cover the roll ups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together and makes them easier to handle.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Arrange your roll ups on a serving platter, add some extra dill if you’d like, and serve immediately.
Substitutions
What’s great about these cucumber roll ups is that you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or pantry. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just feeling creative, there are plenty of simple ways to change things up Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Cucumber: Zucchini ribbons are a great alternative. They’re softer with less crunch but still hold the creamy filling well.
- Cream cheese: Goat cheese, ricotta or mascarpone cheese will deliver a similar smooth and mild flavor.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a quick homemade version. If you’re short on time, a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder works too.
- Dill: Fresh chives or parsley make great substitutes for dill. If using dried dill, cut back on the amount since it’s more concentrated.
- Smoked salmon: Smoked trout, cooked shrimp, or crab are all delicious options that pair beautifully with the creamy filling and fresh cucumber.
Expert Tips
- Cut with care: For smooth, even slices that look great on the platter, use a sharp knife to avoid crushing the cucumber.
- Try different proteins: Not a fan of salmon? Fill your cucumber roll ups with roast beef, turkey, chicken, or deli meats like ham, prosciutto, or salami.
- Store salmon properly: To keep smoked salmon fresh and flavorful, keep it tightly sealed and refrigerated until it’s time to assemble.
- Upgrade the filling: Swap plain cream cheese for a herbed version or spice things up with spreads like spicy mayo, ranch, or hummus for a bold twist.
- Boost the flavor: Add a tasty touch by topping your roll ups with capers, diced red onion, lemon zest, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
How to Store This Recipe
Cucumber roll ups are best served right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and enjoy them within 2 days.
Planning to make them ahead? Prepare the cucumber and cream cheese base in advance, keep it chilled, and add the salmon and toppings just before serving to keep the texture crisp and fresh.
What to Serve with Cucumber Roll Ups
Cucumber roll ups are even better when served with a variety of other dishes. Try placing them on a platter with fresh salads like a tangy lemon vinaigrette mix or some coleslaw for a refreshing balance. For extra crunch, add some warm bread or a handful of green flax crackers on the side.
For brunch, these roll ups go perfectly with a serving of sheet pan omelet or a rich, creamy quiche. If you’re putting together a party table, they pair beautifully with savory bites like deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms with cream cheesefor a mix of flavors and textures your guests will love.
More Appetizers To Try
10-Minute Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole English cucumber
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 portion Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 4 ounces smoked salmon thinly sliced
Instructions
- Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Lay one strip flat on a cutting board, then place each additional slice slightly overlapping the previous one. If this sounds tricky, check the step-by-step images above for guidance. Once sliced, gently pat the cucumber strips dry with a paper towel.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese over the cucumber slices. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top, then layer the smoked salmon and finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
- Starting with the last cucumber slice you added, fold it upward by about 1.5 to 2 inches. Repeat with the remaining slices, then carefully roll the entire set of strips into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 10 individual rolls.
- Cover the roll ups and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together and makes them easier to handle.
- Arrange your roll ups on a serving platter, add some extra dill if you’d like, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For smooth, even slices that look great on the platter, use a sharp knife to avoid crushing the cucumber.
- Not a fan of salmon? Fill your cucumber roll ups with roast beef, turkey, chicken, or deli meats like ham, prosciutto, or salami.
- To keep smoked salmon fresh and flavorful, keep it tightly sealed and refrigerated until it’s time to assemble.
- Swap plain cream cheese for a herbed version or spice things up with spreads like spicy mayo, ranch, or hummus for a bold twist.
- Add a tasty touch by topping your roll ups with capers, diced red onion, lemon zest, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
