Save to Pins Last summer, I was scrolling through my phone while waiting for water to boil when I stumbled on these cucumber roll-ups everywhere. At first, I thought they looked too simple to be worth the effort, but something about that fresh crunch and creamy center kept calling me back. I decided to test one out on a lazy Saturday afternoon, and honestly, I've been making them almost every week since. They hit that perfect sweet spot between "I want something light" and "I actually want to feel satisfied."
I made these for a work potluck on a Tuesday, and I'm not exaggerating when I say they disappeared first. One coworker asked for the recipe three times, and another admitted she'd been watching TikTok videos about them for weeks but thought they'd be complicated. Watching her face when she realized how simple they actually are felt like sharing a real kitchen secret with someone who needed it.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber: English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular ones, which means your strips stay tender instead of getting watery. Look for one that's firm and glossy, not soft or dull.
- 120 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened: This has to be soft enough to spread without tearing the delicate cucumber. I leave mine out for 20 minutes while I prep everything else, and it's perfect every time.
- 120 g (4 oz) sliced turkey breast or ham: Deli counter is your best friend here because pre-sliced meat rolls easily and doesn't shred. Quality matters more than brand, so ask for a sample if they let you.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: These add a gentle onion note without overpowering anything. Dried chives lose too much flavor, so fresh is genuinely worth the small effort.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill and cucumber are basically meant for each other, and this small amount makes everything taste more intentional without tasting herby.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: This is the secret ingredient that people always ask about. Don't skip it because it ties everything together in a way that salt and pepper alone never can.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Taste as you go because different deli meats carry different salt levels, and you don't want an overly salty filling.
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned: This adds color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 1 small avocado, sliced: Creamy avocado adds richness, but only add it if you're eating these within an hour because it browns quickly.
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning: This is optional but honestly transforms the whole thing into something you'll want to make again and again.
Instructions
- Prep your cucumber strips:
- Wash the cucumber under cold water and trim both ends. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice lengthwise into long, thin strips, working carefully so they stay intact. Pat them completely dry with paper towels because any moisture will make your filling slide around and your rolls fall apart.
- Make your seasoned spread:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely smooth and taste it on a piece of cucumber to make sure the seasoning feels right to you.
- Assemble with intention:
- Lay your cucumber strips out on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture along the length of each one. The key is thin enough that it doesn't bulge out when you roll, but thick enough that you actually taste it in every bite.
- Build your filling layers:
- Lay a slice of deli meat on top of the cream cheese, then add a few pieces of red bell pepper or avocado if you're using them. Less is more here because overcrowding makes rolling harder and the flavors compete instead of complement.
- Roll with care:
- Starting from one end, carefully roll up each cucumber strip into a tight spiral, keeping the seam side facing down when you place it on your serving platter. If you feel any resistance, you've probably overfilled it, so remember that for next time.
- Finish and chill:
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if you're using it, then serve immediately for the crunchiest texture or chill for 15 minutes if you prefer them slightly firmer. I usually eat half right away and chill the rest because they taste better cold.
Save to Pins There's something genuinely special about biting into one of these and getting that perfect moment where cool, crisp cucumber, creamy filling, and savory meat all happen at the same time. It's the kind of snack that feels both indulgent and healthy, which is probably why I've made about fifty of them in the past few months.
Why This Became My Go-To Snack
Before I discovered these, I was stuck in a snacking rut of crackers and cheese, which left me hungry an hour later. These hit differently because the combination of protein, fat, and fiber from the vegetables actually keeps you satisfied. I started bringing them to work instead of my usual afternoon snack, and my energy stayed stable through the end of the day, which felt genuinely revolutionary for something so simple.
Customizing Your Roll-Ups
The beauty of this recipe is that it adapts to what you have and what you're craving. I've tried smoked salmon with lemon zest and dill, which felt fancy for a Tuesday. I've done roast beef with horseradish cream for something with more bite. I've even made a completely dairy-free version with hummus for a friend with allergies, and honestly, it was delicious in a different way.
Serving and Storage Wisdom
These are best eaten fresh, but I've learned that chilling them for 15 to 30 minutes actually improves the texture and makes the flavors meld better. If you're making them for a party, you can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, though the avocado will brown if it sits too long. For leftovers, they keep for one day refrigerated, though honestly, that's rarely a problem in my house.
- Make these no more than a few hours before eating if you're using avocado because it browns fast.
- If you want to prep ahead, slice your cucumber and make your filling the night before, then assemble when you're ready to serve.
- Keep them stacked seam-side down on your platter or plate so they don't unroll and create a mess.
Save to Pins These cucumber roll-ups have become my answer to "what do I make when I want something satisfying but don't want to cook." They're proof that the best recipes are often the simplest ones, as long as you use good ingredients and pay attention to the details.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of cucumber is best for roll-ups?
An English cucumber works best due to its long, thin shape and fewer seeds, making it ideal for slicing into strips.
- → Can I substitute deli meats with other proteins?
Yes, smoked salmon or roast beef can be used as alternatives to turkey or ham for varied flavors.
- → How can I make these roll-ups dairy-free?
Replace cream cheese with hummus or your favorite vegan spread for a dairy-free option.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavor of the fillings?
Fresh chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper blend well to create a savory cream cheese filling.
- → Is it necessary to chill the roll-ups before serving?
Chilling for 15 minutes can help firm up the roll-ups but serving immediately is also enjoyable.
- → Can I add extra fillings to these roll-ups?
Yes, julienned red bell pepper or avocado slices add texture and flavor without overpowering the roll-ups.