Flavored Cucumber Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups

Finding crowd-pleasing party appetizers that you can make ahead of time can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between coordinating guest arrivals, setting up decorations, and making sure your house is presentable, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen assembling snacks at the last minute.

That’s where these cucumber cream cheese tortilla roll ups come to the rescue: they’re easy to prepare in advance, look nice on any serving platter, and always seem to disappear faster than any other appetizer on the table. Plus, they’re totally customizable based on what you already have in your fridge.

What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?

Persian and English cucumbers are both excellent choices for these roll-ups, and there’s a good reason why. These varieties have fewer seeds and thinner skins than regular garden cucumbers, which means you won’t get that soggy texture that can make your roll-ups messy. Persian cucumbers are shorter and sweeter, making them perfect for neat, bite-sized pieces, while English cucumbers work well too since they’re less watery than regular cucumbers. If you can’t find either type, regular garden cucumbers will work in a pinch – just make sure to scoop out the seeds and pat the slices dry with paper towels before using them. Remember to slice your cucumbers thinly and evenly so your roll-ups will hold together well.

Options for Substitutions

This simple recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps if needed:

• Lavash bread: Large flour tortillas work perfectly here, but you can also try spinach wraps, sun-dried tomato wraps, or even grain-free tortillas. Just make sure whatever you choose is fresh and pliable to prevent cracking when rolling.
• Persian cucumbers: English cucumbers are a great swap for Persian ones. If using regular cucumbers, make sure to remove the seeds and pat them dry to prevent your rolls from getting soggy. You’ll need about 2 medium regular cucumbers to replace the Persian ones.
• Cream cheese: Regular cream cheese works best, but you can try light cream cheese if you prefer. For dairy-free options, dairy-free cream cheese alternatives work well – just make sure they’re well softened. You could also use whipped cream cheese, but you might need to use a bit more since it’s lighter in texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is using cream cheese that’s too cold, which can lead to uneven spreading and torn tortillas – make sure to let it soften at room temperature for at least an hour before starting. Working with wet cucumbers is another common mistake that can make your rolls soggy, so be sure to pat them completely dry with paper towels after slicing and remove any seeds if using English cucumbers. To get the tightest, most secure rolls possible, avoid overfilling your tortillas and leave a small border around the edges when spreading the cream cheese – this prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll them up. For the cleanest cuts, wrap your rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing with a sharp knife.

What to Serve With Cucumber Roll Ups?

These fresh and creamy roll ups are perfect for parties and make a great addition to any appetizer spread or light lunch setup. They pair really nicely with other finger foods like fresh veggies and ranch dip, or some crispy chips and salsa for contrast. Since these roll ups are on the lighter side, you might want to serve them alongside some heartier options like chicken wings or meatballs if you’re hosting a party. For a casual lunch spread, I like to add some fresh fruit and maybe a bowl of potato chips to round things out.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These cucumber cream cheese roll ups are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumbers will release moisture over time, so I don’t recommend making them too far in advance.

Make Ahead: If you want to prep these ahead, you can mix the cream cheese filling and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just spread the filling on your lavash or tortillas, add fresh cucumbers, and roll them up. This way, you’ll get the best texture and freshness!

Serving Tip: For the best presentation, slice your roll ups right before serving. If you need to transport them to a party, keep them whole and wrapped in plastic wrap, then slice them when you arrive. This helps prevent them from getting soggy or falling apart.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 32-40 g
• Fat: 80-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of lavash bread (or large flour tortillas)
• 8 persian cucumbers (or 2 large english cucumbers)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

Begin by peeling the cucumber and then thinly slicing it into even pieces.

This will be used as one of the layers in your pinwheel sandwich.

Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese

Lay a piece of lavash bread on your workspace.

Spread an even layer of cream cheese over the bread, making sure to leave one of the short ends free of cream cheese.

This empty space will help seal the roll later.

Step 3: Layer the Cucumber Slices

Place the cucumber slices evenly over the spread cream cheese, covering the entire surface except for the empty edge.

This will ensure that each bite includes cucumber.

Step 4: Roll the Lavash Bread

Begin rolling the lavash bread from the short end with cream cheese and cucumber, being careful not to include the empty end until the very end.

Roll it tightly to prevent any air gaps, ensuring a firm pinwheel.

Step 5: Cut and Secure the Pinwheels

With a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich roll into four equal pieces.

For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp paper towel between cuts.

Secure each pinwheel with a long sandwich pick to hold them together.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve the cucumber pinwheels immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

If you choose to refrigerate them, do so for just a few hours to maintain their quality.

Enjoy your refreshing pinwheel sandwiches!