Quick Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Looking for an easy appetizer that’ll impress your Easter guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen? These smoked salmon and cream cheese roll ups are exactly what you need. Between hiding eggs in the backyard, coordinating family visits, and trying to keep the kids’ fancy clothes clean, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe to worry about.

That’s why I love these roll ups – they take just minutes to put together, can be made ahead of time, and always get people asking for the recipe. Plus, they’re a nice change from the usual deviled eggs and ham that show up at every Easter gathering.

What Kind of Smoked Salmon Should I Use?

For these roll-ups, cold-smoked salmon (also called lox) is your best bet since it’s thinly sliced and has the perfect texture for rolling. You’ll find two main types at the store – farm-raised Atlantic salmon and wild-caught Pacific salmon, with Atlantic typically being more mild and buttery in flavor. When shopping, look for salmon that has a nice pink color and feels moist but not slimy. If you’re watching your budget, you can often find good deals on pre-packaged smoked salmon at stores like Costco or Trader Joe’s, but the fish counter at your local grocery store is also a great option where you can specify exactly how much you need.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty flexible and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Smoked salmon: While smoked salmon gives the best flavor, you could use smoked trout or even thin-sliced cooked turkey if you’re not a fish fan. For a vegetarian version, try using thin-sliced roasted red peppers.
• Everything bagel spice: No everything bagel seasoning? Make your own by mixing equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt. Or simply use your favorite herb blend.
• Whipped cream cheese: Regular cream cheese works fine – just let it soften at room temperature. You could also use goat cheese or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Green onions: Chives, finely chopped red onion, or even dill would work great here. Each will give a slightly different but tasty flavor.
• Cucumber: Feel free to swap with celery or bell peppers for that nice crunch. Just make sure to cut them into thin strips.
• Jalapeño: If you’re not into spicy food, just leave it out. Or try some banana peppers or pickled pepperoncini for a milder kick.
• Soy sauce: You can use coconut aminos or tamari as alternatives. Even a light sprinkle of sea salt works fine if you prefer to skip the soy sauce altogether.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making salmon roll-ups is working with cream cheese that’s too cold, which can tear the delicate smoked salmon – always let your cream cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before spreading.

Another common mistake is overfilling the rolls, which makes them difficult to roll and messy to eat – stick to a thin, even layer of cream cheese and just a few pieces of vegetables per roll.

When slicing your vegetables, keeping them uniform and thin is crucial – thick, chunky pieces will make rolling difficult and could tear through the salmon, so aim for matchstick-sized pieces about 1/4-inch thick.

For the best presentation and easier handling, chill your completed rolls for 15-20 minutes before slicing them, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut to prevent the filling from squishing out.

What to Serve With Salmon Roll Ups?

These smoked salmon roll ups are perfect for brunch or as an appetizer, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out your spread. A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a fresh side dish that won’t overshadow the rolls. If you’re serving these for brunch, add some crispy breakfast potatoes or a warm bagel board with extra cream cheese and different toppings. For a party setting, try pairing them with other finger foods like deviled eggs, fresh fruit skewers, or crispy vegetable crudités with dip. The key is keeping the sides light and simple since these rolls are already packed with flavor!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These salmon roll-ups are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, and if you need to stack them, put a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The avocado might brown a bit, but a splash of lemon juice can help prevent this.

Make Ahead: You can prep most components up to a day ahead – mix the cream cheese with green onions and lemon zest, and slice the cucumber and jalapeño. Keep everything separate in the fridge. Wait to cut the avocado and assemble the rolls until you’re ready to serve, as this will keep everything fresh and prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Serve: Take the rolls out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let the cream cheese soften slightly – this makes them easier to eat and brings out the flavors. If you’re bringing these to a party, transport them in a cooler or insulated container to keep them fresh.

Preparation Time	15-25 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	15-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 60-70 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g

Ingredients

For the salmon layer:

• 2 tbsp everything bagel spice blend
• 1 lb smoked salmon, sliced (use a good quality brand like Ducktrap)

For the cream cheese filling:

• 3/4 cup whipped cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tsp lemon zest (freshly zested for best flavor)

For the additional fillings and topping:

• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 medium jalapeno, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Base

Start by laying out a large sheet of plastic wrap, approximately 20 inches long, on a flat surface.

Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning blend over the plastic wrap.

Arrange 1 pound of smoked salmon slices on top of the seasoning, overlapping the pieces to form a rectangle about 18×6 inches.

This will be the foundation for your roll.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of whipped cream cheese with 2 thinly sliced scallions and 2 teaspoons of lemon zest.

Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed and smooth.

This flavorful mixture will complement the salmon beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface of the salmon using a spatula or spoon.

About 2 inches from the bottom edge, place your avocado and cucumber slices in a line across the salmon’s length.

This will become the center of your salmon roll.

Step 4: Roll the Salmon Log

Utilize the plastic wrap to carefully lift and roll the salmon slices over the cream cheese and vegetable fillings, creating a log.

Ensure the roll is tight but gentle to maintain its shape.

If desired, sprinkle additional everything bagel seasoning over the top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon log into bite-size pieces, about ¾-inch thick.

Arrange the pieces on a serving plate so that they stand upright.

Top each roll with a thin slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Serve your salmon rolls with soy sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy your creation!