Pin it I stumbled onto these cucumber roll-ups scrolling through my phone at midnight, and honestly, I made them the next afternoon just to have something to do with my hands. They turned out to be the kind of snack that disappears before you realize it—crisp, creamy, and nothing like the heavy stuff I usually reach for. My sister came by unexpectedly and ate half the platter while telling me about her new diet, and suddenly I had found her favorite thing I'd ever made. It felt ridiculous how good they were, considering all I did was roll some vegetables around cream cheese.
Last month I brought these to a potluck where everyone was comparing low-carb options, and I watched a friend try one and immediately ask for the recipe with her mouth half-full. There's something satisfying about handing someone a small roll-up and seeing their eyes light up because it tastes fresh instead of diet-like. That moment sealed it for me—this wasn't just a snack, it was a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: The long, thin-skinned kind with fewer seeds makes slicing into ribbons actually possible; regular cucumbers tend to split or tear.
- Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature for at least 15 minutes so it spreads like butter instead of fighting you.
- Deli meat: Turkey or ham work perfectly, but go for the good stuff—the flavor difference between premium and budget brands shows immediately.
- Fresh chives and dill: These herbs are what make the filling taste like something memorable instead of just plain cream cheese with seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Use a light hand; a quarter teaspoon can overpower everything if you're not careful.
- Red bell pepper and avocado: Optional, but the color and richness they add makes the roll-ups feel special and restaurant-quality.
- Everything bagel seasoning: A sprinkle on top adds a subtle crunch and an understated sophistication that catches people off guard.
Instructions
- Slice your cucumber into ribbons:
- Wash the cucumber and trim the ends, then use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips lengthwise. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—any moisture will make rolling slippery and frustrating.
- Prepare your cream cheese mixture:
- Mix softened cream cheese with finely chopped chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it feels smooth and spreadable. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings; this layer is where all the flavor lives.
- Assemble your roll-ups:
- Lay cucumber strips flat on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the herbed cream cheese along each one. Layer a slice of deli meat on top, then add your optional fillings like bell pepper strips or avocado slices if you're using them.
- Roll and serve:
- Starting from one end, roll each strip into a tight spiral and place seam side down on your serving platter. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if desired, and serve immediately for maximum crunch or chill for 15 minutes if you prefer them firmer.
Pin it My neighbor came over as I was plating these for dinner, took one bite, and suddenly we spent the next hour talking about her kids and whether she should go back to work. Food has this strange power sometimes; something about eating something fresh and uncomplicated just makes conversations easier. That's when I realized these little roll-ups were doing more than just filling a carb quota.
Building Your Own Flavor Combinations
The beauty of this recipe is that it's a framework, not a rulebook. I've experimented with swapping out the cream cheese for hummus on days when I wanted something lighter, or mixing in a tiny bit of sriracha when I was craving heat. Some mornings I layer in thin slices of cucumber with smoked salmon instead of turkey, and it feels like a completely different snack even though the technique stays exactly the same. The herbs can change too—mint works beautifully in summer, while rosemary feels more grounding when the weather turns cold.
Timing and Make-Ahead Strategy
These are genuinely best eaten within 30 minutes of assembly because the cucumber starts to release water and soften after that. If you're prepping for an event, assemble them right before serving or keep the components separate and roll them together at the last minute. I learned this the hard way when I made a big batch the night before a party and they turned into a sad, soggy mess by morning. Now I do all the prep ahead—slicing, mixing the cream cheese, arranging the platter—and then just do the actual rolling when guests arrive.
Why This Snack Stands Out
In a world of protein bars and processed snack packs, there's something grounding about eating something you made with actual whole foods. These roll-ups taste like care; they feel like abundance even though they're light and low-carb. Every time I make them, I remember that the best food doesn't have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional and thoughtfully put together.
- The mandoline slicer is worth having on hand for these and endless other vegetable projects—your knife skills don't need to be perfect.
- Make extra herbed cream cheese and use it as a dip for vegetables throughout the week; it lasts about five days in the fridge.
- These freeze surprisingly well if you wrap them individually in plastic wrap, making them perfect for meal prep or when unexpected hunger strikes.
Pin it These cucumber roll-ups have become my go-to when I want to prove to myself that eating well doesn't have to feel like deprivation. They're the kind of snack that sits quietly on the counter and disappears because people actually want to eat them.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to slice cucumbers for roll-ups?
Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips that are flexible enough to roll without breaking.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, using hummus or a vegan spread provides a creamy texture while keeping the roll-ups dairy-free.
- → What deli meats work well in this snack?
Sliced turkey, ham, smoked salmon, or roast beef can be used depending on your preference.
- → How can I add extra flavor to these roll-ups?
Incorporate fresh herbs like chives and dill, add spices such as garlic powder, or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning for a flavor boost.
- → Are these roll-ups suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with cucumber, cream cheese, and deli meats as main ingredients, they make a satisfying low-carb snack option.