Pin It Last summer, I was scrolling through my phone at my desk when a video of cucumber roll-ups caught my attention—something about them being the perfect low-carb snack that felt fancy without any fuss. I made them that afternoon as a test, and my partner asked for them the next day, then the day after that. There's something satisfying about wrapping cool, crisp cucumber around creamy, savory filling that feels both indulgent and light.
I brought these to a potluck thinking nobody would touch them—turns out they disappeared before the actual main course arrived. Someone asked for the recipe, and I realized this simple snack had somehow become the unexpected star of the afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber: English cucumbers are longer, thinner, and have fewer seeds than regular ones, which means less moisture and less chance of soggy roll-ups—trust me on this one.
- 120 g cream cheese, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing so it spreads smoothly without tearing the cucumber.
- 120 g sliced turkey breast or ham: Ask for it sliced thin at the deli counter if you can—it rolls more easily and tastes fresher than pre-packaged.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: The chives add a gentle onion note that makes the cream cheese taste less one-dimensional.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill is the secret that makes people ask what's different about these compared to other versions.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: This prevents the filling from tasting bland, but don't skip it or double it—precision matters here.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Taste as you mix and adjust; the deli meat already brings salt, so go easy at first.
- 1 small red bell pepper, julienned: Optional but adds a slight sweetness and a pop of color that makes these look even more intentional.
- 1 small avocado, sliced: Creamy avocado against crisp cucumber is a combination that just works if you're in the mood for richness.
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning: The finishing touch that nobody expects on a cucumber roll-up but makes total sense once they taste it.
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber into ribbons:
- Wash your cucumber under cold water and trim both ends off. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice lengthwise into long, thin strips—you want them pliable but not so thin they tear. Pat each strip dry with a paper towel, which is the small step that changes everything texture-wise.
- Make the seasoned cream cheese:
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese with your chopped chives, dill, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed and everything looks smooth and creamy. This is where the flavor lives, so don't rush it.
- Assemble the filling layers:
- Lay out your cucumber strips on a clean surface and spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned cream cheese along each one—about the thickness of a pencil. Place a slice of deli meat on top, then add your red bell pepper or avocado if using.
- Roll and secure:
- Starting from one end, carefully roll each strip into a tight spiral, keeping the layers snug as you go. Place each roll seam side down on your serving platter so it doesn't unravel. The seam side down is the detail that makes them look polished.
- Season and serve:
- If you're using the everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle it over the finished roll-ups right before serving. You can serve them immediately while the cucumber is at its crispest, or chill for 15 minutes if you prefer them firmer.
Pin It There's a moment when you finish the last roll and step back to look at them all lined up on the platter—something about their simplicity and how they look almost prissy despite requiring almost no skill. That's when I realized this recipe wasn't just about eating something low-carb; it was about the satisfaction of making something look and taste good without pretending to be a chef.
Why These Work as a Snack
The beauty of cucumber roll-ups is that they feel indulgent—there's creamy cheese, there's deli meat, there's seasoning—but your body knows you're not eating a heavy appetizer. You can eat three or four without that bloated feeling that comes with other snacks, which is probably why they become the thing you reach for in the afternoon. The protein keeps you satisfied, the crunch keeps things interesting, and the herbs make them taste deliberately made rather than thrown together.
The Customization Game
Once you make these once, you'll start seeing them as a template rather than a strict recipe. Smoked salmon instead of turkey changes everything—suddenly they feel elegant enough for brunch. Roast beef if you want something more substantial. Skip the cream cheese entirely and use hummus if dairy isn't your thing, and honestly, it works beautifully. The deli meat, cucumber, and seasonings are the foundation; everything else is you making these your own.
Storage and Timing
Make these the same day you plan to eat them because cucumber loses its crunch after sitting in the fridge for more than a few hours—it's not a recipe that improves with time. If you're prepping for an event, do the cream cheese mixture ahead and even slice the cucumber, but assemble them within an hour of serving. The moment between assembly and eating is when they're at their absolute best, which is kind of the whole point of a 15-minute recipe.
- Keep the cream cheese mixture covered in the fridge until you're ready to assemble, and it'll stay fresh for up to three days.
- If you're bringing these somewhere, don't pack them with the seam side up or they'll roll open in transit.
- A small platter makes them look intentional; a jumbled pile just looks like you didn't try.
Pin It These roll-ups became part of my regular rotation not because they're trendy but because they actually solve the problem of wanting something substantial that doesn't weigh you down. That's the mark of a recipe worth keeping around.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I slice the cucumber for roll-ups?
Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips ideal for rolling.
- → Can I substitute the deli meats?
Yes, smoked salmon or roast beef work well as flavorful alternatives.
- → What cheese is best for spreading?
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with herbs, delivering a creamy texture.
- → How can I add extra flavor without overpowering?
Fresh herbs like chives and dill, along with garlic powder and everything bagel seasoning, add subtle savory notes.
- → Is this suitable for low-carb diets?
Absolutely—this snack is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free when using compliant deli meats.