Save I discovered these cucumber roll-ups during a heatwave last summer when my oven broke and I refused to turn on any appliances that generated heat. My neighbor brought over a platter of these cool, crisp bites, and I was hooked after one bite. Now they're my go-to when I want something substantial but not heavy, especially during those afternoon slumps when a bag of chips just won't satisfy.
Last month I made these for my book club and watched three skeptics convert after trying them. One friend kept asking what restaurant I'd ordered them from, genuinely shocked when I told her I'd thrown them together in twenty minutes while catching up on laundry. There's something about the presentation that feels fancy even though it's absurdly simple.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber: The thin skin and minimal seeds make English cucumbers perfect for rolling. I've tried regular cucumbers, but they tend to crack and break when you slice them into strips.
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes. Cold cream cheese will tear your cucumber strips, and nobody has time for that disappointment.
- 120 g (4 oz) sliced turkey breast or ham: Go for the good stuff from the deli counter. Those pre-packaged slices often have weird texture issues that become obvious when you're eating something this simple.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference here. Dried chives won't give you that little burst of oniony brightness that cuts through the rich cream cheese.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill and cucumbers are basically best friends. This combination has worked for centuries, and who are we to argue with tradition.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Not fresh garlic here. Garlic powder disperses evenly through the cream cheese, whereas fresh garlic can create concentrated spicy pockets that overwhelm each bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The deli meat adds saltiness, so taste your cream cheese mixture before adding more salt. Better to under-salt and let people add their own at the table.
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned: This adds a sweet crunch and makes everything look gorgeous. The pop of red color against the green cucumber makes these feel like party food.
- 1 small avocado, sliced: Creamy on creamy might sound excessive, but the buttery avocado plays so nicely with the cool cucumber. Just don't use overripe avocado or you'll have a mess on your hands.
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning: This is the finishing touch that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is. The garlic and onion intensifies all the flavors already happening.
Instructions
- Slice your cucumber into ribbons:
- Wash that cucumber and trim both ends, then use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips running lengthwise. Pat them dry with paper towels because excess moisture will make your roll-ups slide apart and that's just sad.
- Make the flavored cream cheese:
- Mix your softened cream cheese with chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it's smooth and everything is evenly distributed. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning before you start assembling.
- Prep your assembly line:
- Lay out all your cucumber strips on a clean work surface like you're setting up for some kind of culinary operation. Having everything within arm's reach makes the process so much more pleasant.
- Spread the cream cheese:
- Using a small spatula or the back of a spoon, spread a thin layer of your seasoned cream cheese along each cucumber strip. Don't go too thick or you'll have trouble rolling everything up neatly.
- Add the layers:
- Place a slice of deli meat on top of the cream cheese, then add a few strips of red bell pepper or avocado if you're using them. Don't overfill or they'll burst open when you try to roll them.
- Roll them up tight:
- Starting at one end, carefully roll each cucumber strip into a tight spiral and place it seam side down on your serving platter. The first few might feel awkward, but you'll develop a rhythm pretty quickly.
- Add the finishing touch:
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top if you're using it, then serve immediately or pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up slightly. They're fantastic either way.
Save My daughter started taking these in her lunchbox every day after school, and now her friends have started requesting them at sleepovers. Watching a group of twelve-year-olds get excited about cucumber roll-ups instead of processed snack food feels like a small parenting win.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can prep the cream cheese mixture up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container. The cucumber strips are best sliced the same day you're serving them because they start to soften and weep after 24 hours. I like to slice all my veggies in the morning and keep everything separate, then roll them up about 30 minutes before guests arrive.
Filling Variations
Beyond the classic deli meat situation, I've experimented with smoked salmon (incredible), herbed goat cheese (fancy but worth it), and even crumbled feta with olives for a Mediterranean twist. Hummus works beautifully if you're avoiding dairy, though it can be a bit more prone to squeezing out when you bite into the roll-ups. My surprise favorite was a spicy buffalo chicken filling made with shredded rotisserie chicken and just enough hot sauce to give it a kick.
Serving Ideas
These work as an appetizer, light lunch, or snack. I've served them alongside soup for a surprisingly satisfying meal, and they're perfect for those moments when you want finger food but something that feels a little more special than carrot sticks.
- Arrange them on a wooden board with toothpicks nearby for easy grabbing
- Pair with cherry tomatoes and radishes for a colorful vegetable platter
- Offer a small bowl of extra seasoning on the side for people who like more flavor
Save Hope these bring as much joy to your table as they've brought to mine.