Save I discovered these roll-ups while scrolling on my phone one afternoon, and something about the simplicity caught me off guard. The idea of wrapping cool, crisp cucumber around creamy cheese felt like the kind of snack that belonged at a summer picnic, not on a social media feed. When I actually made them the next day, standing at my kitchen counter with a mandoline and some deli meat, I realized I'd been making things too complicated for too long. These little spirals proved that the best snacks don't need heat or fuss, just fresh ingredients and your hands.
My sister brought these to a family gathering last month, and I watched my mom—who usually sticks to traditional appetizers—grab three in a row without even thinking about it. She was skeptical at first, that look of "what even is this," but then she bit into one and just nodded. No complaints, no modifications, just quiet approval. That moment made me realize good food doesn't announce itself; it just wins people over.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber: Choose one that's firm and feels heavy for its size; those watery, soft ones will fall apart when you slice them thin.
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened: Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes before mixing so it spreads smoothly without tearing the delicate cucumber strips.
- 120 g (4 oz) sliced turkey breast or ham: Ask the deli counter for thin slices; thicker cuts make rolling awkward and the texture doesn't work as well.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here—dried chives taste like hay by comparison.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: The dill is what makes these taste bright and intentional rather than just crunchy.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: This small amount adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Taste as you go; the deli meat is already salty, so you might need less than you'd think.
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned (optional): Adds a slight sweetness and color; I add it more for the visual appeal than anything else.
- 1 small avocado, sliced (optional): Creamy avocado next to creamy cheese might sound redundant, but it works.
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (optional): A sprinkle at the end gives them a restaurant-quality finish.
Instructions
- Prep your cucumber:
- Wash it under cold water and trim off the bumpy ends. Using a mandoline or peeler, slice it lengthwise into long, thin ribbons—think almost transparent if you can manage it. Pat each strip dry with a paper towel so the cream cheese sticks instead of sliding around.
- Make your cream cheese mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it's completely smooth and flecked with green herbs. Taste it; this is your chance to adjust the seasoning before it goes on the cucumber.
- Assemble with care:
- Lay a cucumber strip on your work surface. Using a small spatula or butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture along the length of the strip. Go light—too much filling and it'll explode when you roll.
- Add your fillings:
- Lay a single slice of deli meat on top of the cream cheese. If you're adding red pepper or avocado, place a few pieces along the same line. Keep everything in the center third of the strip so you have room to roll.
- Roll it tight:
- Starting from one end, roll the cucumber strip toward you, keeping it snug but not so tight that the cucumber tears. The seam should end up on the bottom when you place it on your serving platter.
- Finish and serve:
- Arrange all your roll-ups seam side down. If you're using the everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle it on now. You can serve immediately while everything is cold and crisp, or chill them for 15 minutes if you prefer them even firmer.
Save There was a Tuesday morning when I made a double batch of these for a work potluck, thinking they'd be one option among many. By lunchtime, they were gone, and three people asked me for the recipe. It felt silly to be proud of something so simple, but I was—proud that I'd made something that tasted good and looked intentional without stress or complexity.
Variations That Actually Work
The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is without falling apart. I've swapped the turkey for smoked salmon on days when I wanted something fancier, and it transforms the whole thing into something you'd serve at brunch. Other times, I've used roast beef and added a tiny dollop of horseradish cream, which sounds strange until you taste it. The dairy-free version with hummus instead of cream cheese surprised me with how well it works—not the same, but genuinely good in its own right.
Why This Works for Any Occasion
These aren't precious or fussy, which is why they show up in my kitchen constantly. They're the snack I grab on a lazy afternoon, the appetizer I bring to potlucks, and the light lunch when I'm not sure what I want but I know I'm hungry. They've become proof that low-carb eating doesn't mean deprivation; it just means paying attention to what actually tastes good.
The Small Moments Matter
Cooking doesn't always have to be about producing something impressive. Sometimes it's just about standing in your kitchen with fresh herbs and good ingredients, rolling something up with your hands, and knowing it's going to taste clean and bright. There's something grounding about that.
- Keep extra cucumber strips in cold water if you're assembling slowly; they'll stay crispier.
- Make the cream cheese mixture first so the flavors can blend while you prep everything else.
- Don't be shy with the fresh herbs—they're the main event here, not a garnish.
Save These cucumber roll-ups are what I reach for when I want to eat something good without overthinking it. They've earned their spot in my regular rotation, and I suspect they'll find their way into yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cucumbers work best for roll-ups?
Long, firm English cucumbers are ideal as they provide wide, sturdy strips perfect for rolling without breaking.
- → Can I use other spreads besides cream cheese?
Yes, alternatives like hummus or vegan spreads work well, especially for dairy-free preferences.
- → How can I make these roll-ups more flavorful?
Incorporate fresh herbs like chives and dill into the cheese spread, and consider adding everything bagel seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- → Are these roll-ups suitable for low-carb diets?
Absolutely, with cucumber and deli meats as the base, this snack maintains a low carbohydrate content while remaining satisfying.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the roll-ups for up to 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to firm up.