Name: Cucumber rolls with cream cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers, ends trimmed; 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 2 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced; 1 tsp lemon juice; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste; ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Short Description

These elegant cucumber rolls feature thin ribbons of crisp cucumber wrapped around a smooth, herb-infused cream-cheese filling. They deliver the refreshing bite of a salad and the indulgent creaminess of an hors d’oeuvre in one neat, finger-friendly package—perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or sophisticated canapés.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing yet satisfying. The combination of cool cucumber and rich cream cheese strikes a pleasing balance between lightness and indulgence.
No cooking required. All components are assembled cold, making this an ideal no-heat appetizer for warm days or busy kitchens.
Visually striking. The spiral pattern and fresh green color make these rolls a centerpiece on any platter.
Customizable flavor profile. A multitude of herb and seasoning options allows you to tailor the filling to your palate or event theme.
Make-ahead friendly. The rolls hold their texture when chilled, freeing you to focus on other dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

English cucumbers (seedless)
Full-fat cream cheese, softened
Fresh dill, finely chopped
Fresh chives, finely sliced
Lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper
Fine sea salt

Recipe Card (for quick reference)

Ingredient	Quantity
English cucumbers (large)	2
Cream cheese	225 g (8 oz)
Dill, chopped	1 Tbsp
Chives, sliced	1 Tbsp
Lemon zest	½ tsp
Sea salt	¼ tsp
Black pepper	⅛ tsp

Directions

Prepare the cucumbers. Using a mandoline or Y-shaped vegetable peeler, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into ribbons roughly 2 mm thick. Lay ribbons on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt; let stand 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
Make the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, pepper, and salt. Beat with a spatula until smooth and evenly flecked with herbs.
Assemble each roll. Spread a thin, even layer of cream-cheese mixture onto one side of a cucumber ribbon, leaving a 1 cm border at the end. Starting at the coated end, roll the ribbon tightly yet gently into a spiral; the plain tail helps the roll seal.
Chill and serve. Arrange rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate at least 10 minutes (up to 4 hours) to firm before transferring to a serving platter.

Servings and Timing

Yield	Active Prep	Chill Time	Total Time
24 bite-sized rolls (8 appetizer portions)	15 min	10 min	25 min

Variations

Smoked-salmon twist. Place a narrow strip of smoked salmon on the ribbon before the cream cheese for a classic Nordic flavor.
Spicy kick. Add a pinch of finely minced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Mediterranean profile. Replace dill with fresh mint and parsley, fold in crumbled feta, and sprinkle with sumac.
Vegan alternative. Substitute plant-based cream cheese and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Everything-bagel style. Dust the exterior of the finished rolls with everything-bagel seasoning for crunch and umami.

storage/reheating

Store the rolls in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Because the rolls are served cold, reheating is neither necessary nor recommended; warming would cause the cucumber to wilt and release water.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Yes—assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Pat surfaces dry if slight moisture appears before serving.

Which cucumbers work best?

English or Persian cucumbers are preferred because their thin skin and minimal seeds yield sturdy, flexible ribbons.

How do I keep the rolls from unravelling?

Ensure the cucumber ribbons are patted dry and roll with moderate tension. The cream cheese acts as adhesive, and setting time in the refrigerator firms the spiral.

Can I freeze cucumber rolls?

Freezing is not advisable; the high water content in cucumbers leads to textural breakdown upon thawing.

What herbs can replace dill and chives?

Fresh parsley, basil, mint, or tarragon pair well with cucumber; use individually or in combination.

Is low-fat cream cheese acceptable?

It will work, but the filling may be slightly less stable and flavorful. Full-fat yields a creamier texture.

How thin should the cucumber slices be?

Aim for approximately 2 mm thickness—thin enough to roll easily yet thick enough to hold shape.

Can I add garlic?

A small clove of finely minced fresh garlic or ⅛ tsp garlic powder can be incorporated for a sharper taste.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel offers color contrast and structural integrity.

What can I serve alongside these rolls?

They complement sparkling wine, light white wines, or iced herbal teas and sit well on a crudités platter with hummus or tzatziki.

Conclusion

Cucumber rolls with cream cheese turn humble ingredients into a refined hors d’oeuvre in under half an hour. Their crisp texture, cool temperature, and adaptable flavor profile make them an indispensable addition to warm-weather gatherings and elegant spreads alike. Prepare a platter in advance, and enjoy effortless sophistication at your next event