If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant appetizer that’s as elegant as it is easy, this Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe is a total winner. Perfect for casual get-togethers or a fancy brunch, these roll-ups bring together silky smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and crisp veggies in a deliciously handheld bite. I love making them when friends come over because they’re impressive without any stress.
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Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
This roll-ups recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, and smoky, making it one of those crowd-pleasers you'll want to keep in your repertoire. I always get compliments on how it looks almost too good to eat, but the real magic is in that fresh, zingy bite you get with each roll.
- Texture you want: Silky smoked salmon with creamy filling and crisp cucumber for a delightful crunch.
- Flavor that pops: Bright lemon zest and a hint of jalapeño provide just the right kick.
- Everyday ingredients: Simple staples you likely have handy, like cream cheese and scallions.
- Works for any night: Great for quick appetizers, brunch, or light lunches that feel special.
Ingredient Spotlight
The key to nailing this Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients and knowing which swaps keep it just as tasty. Using whipped cream cheese makes spreading a breeze, and don’t skip the everything bagel seasoning—it adds a savory crunch that’s hard to beat.
- Smoked Salmon: Choose thin, even slices for easy rolling and the best texture.
- Cream Cheese: Whipped cream cheese spreads smoothly; if using regular, bring it to room temp first.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds that iconic flavorful crunch—try to avoid pre-ground versions with additives for the best impact.
Seasonality & Sourcing
While smoked salmon is available year-round, you’ll find the freshest bundles at your local fishmonger or specialty grocery. Spring and summer bring brighter avocados and crisp cucumbers, which elevate the roll-ups wonderfully. For budget-wise shopping, grab avocado and cucumbers in season and keep an eye out for sales on quality smoked salmon. If fresh jalapeños are scarce, mild peppers or just a pinch of cayenne can stand in for the heat.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by unrolling a large sheet of plastic wrap about 20 inches long—this will help you roll the salmon beautifully. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly across the plastic wrap first; this little trick helps keep the seasoning evenly distributed rather than clumping or falling off. Lay your smoked salmon slices over the seasoning in a neat rectangle, overlapping gently so you get a neat 18 by 6-inch surface. Be patient here; uneven layering can cause the roll to tear later!
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
This no-cook recipe focuses on layering fresh flavors. In a small bowl, blend the whipped cream cheese, scallions, and fresh lemon zest until smooth and fragrant. Spread this mixture evenly over the salmon rectangle—aim for a thin, even coat so the roll won’t be too dense. Then, arrange your avocado and cucumber matchsticks about two inches from one edge of the salmon. This placement helps you create a neat log without the fillings escaping. If you find the mixture too thick to spread, warming the cream cheese slightly helps.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Use the plastic wrap to carefully lift and roll the salmon around the filling, tucking it in as you go to keep everything tight. Once rolled, sprinkle a touch more everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flair and flavor. Let the roll chill for at least 15 minutes—it allows the flavors to meld and firms up the roll for easier slicing. When ready, slice into uniform ¾-inch pieces, stand them up on a plate, and adorn with a thin jalapeño slice for just the right pop of heat. Serve right away, or cover and keep chilled.
Troubleshooting Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
If your roll-up feels dry, add a little extra cream cheese or even a light drizzle of olive oil before rolling. For bland bites, fresh lemon zest and scallions really brighten the flavors and can be adjusted. Sogginess usually means watery cucumbers—pat them dry with a paper towel to keep everything crisp. And if rolling feels tricky, chill the assembled roll first before slicing to avoid squishing.
Pro Tips
Having made these roll-ups countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a world of difference. Whipping your cream cheese beforehand means less frustration spreading it on delicate salmon, and using plastic wrap while rolling keeps things tidy and compact. Lastly, don’t skip the extra everything bagel seasoning—this detail is a game-changer for savory crunch.
- Heat control: No heat needed here—just keep everything cool to preserve texture.
- Timing window: Chill for 15-30 minutes for flavor marrying and easier slicing.
- Make-ahead move: Assemble roll-ups a few hours ahead, wrapped tightly, and slice right before serving.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t overload with filling or the roll will be hard to manage and may tear.
Variations & Substitutions
The cool thing about this Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe is how adaptable it is. Swap scallions for fresh chives if you prefer a milder onion note. If jalapeños are too spicy, thin slices of red bell pepper add color without heat. For a dairy-free twist, try a vegan cream cheese alternative—just keep it soft and spreadable. You can also add capers or fresh dill for a briny hit that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Great Debates
One fun debate I’ve had is whether to use whipped cream cheese versus regular. Whipped is easier to spread but sometimes feels less rich. I like whipping my own cream cheese from regular for the best texture and flavor control. And while some folks debate whether to add soy sauce for dipping, I say try a little splash—it brightens the smoky flavor perfectly without overpowering the dish.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
You can make these roll-ups up to a day in advance—just wrap the entire log tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Slice them just before serving to keep edges clean and textures crisp. Because of the fresh veggies and delicate salmon, freezing isn’t really recommended—it changes the texture and can get watery upon thawing. For best freshness, enjoy within 24 hours.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe yields about 24 bite-sized roll-ups, perfect for serving 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. To double, simply double all ingredients and use a larger plastic wrap sheet or two sheets side by side. For a smaller batch, halve ingredients easily. For metric lovers: 1 lb salmon equals about 450 g, and ¾ cup cream cheese is roughly 170 g.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve these roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of fresh crudités for a refreshing light meal. A squeeze of additional lemon or a small bowl of low-sodium soy sauce for dipping adds a lovely tang. I also love them with pickled ginger or a dab of horseradish cream for a little zing that wakes up the palate.
FAQs
Yes! Just make sure to bring regular cream cheese to room temperature and soften it before spreading to get a smooth, even layer without tears.
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Avoid freezing to maintain texture and freshness.
Absolutely! Swap in a plant-based cream cheese and choose vegan smoked salmon alternatives or marinated smoked carrots for that smoky vibe.
You can omit the jalapeño or replace it with thin slices of sweet bell pepper or cucumber for a refreshing crunch without heat.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
A large sheet of plastic wrap is essential for rolling without mess. A sharp knife (serrated works well) helps slice clean pieces without squashing. If you want to get fancy, a small offset spatula makes spreading the cream cheese easier. No special tools are needed beyond these basics, which keeps this recipe accessible and straightforward.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
Delight in these elegant Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups, a perfect appetizer combining silky smoked salmon with a tangy cream cheese filling, fresh avocado, crisp cucumber, and a hint of lemon zest, all seasoned with everything bagel seasoning for a burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- 2 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning blend
- 1 lb smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup whipped cream cheese, or room temperature regular cream cheese
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (can substitute with chives)
- 2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
- 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick strips
- 1 small cucumber, cut into ¼-inch thick matchsticks
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, very thinly sliced
- Low-sodium soy sauce, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap about 20 inches long and sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning blend. Arrange the smoked salmon slices overlapping on top to form an approximately 18 by 6-inch rectangle.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup whipped cream cheese with thinly sliced scallions and fresh lemon zest. Stir well until fully blended.
- Assemble the roll-ups: Using a spatula or spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire salmon surface. Then, about 2 inches from the bottom edge, place the avocado strips and cucumber matchsticks across the length of the salmon rectangle.
- Roll into a log: Using the plastic wrap to assist, gently lift and roll the salmon slices over the filling, forming a tight log. Optionally, sprinkle more everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Cut and serve: With a sharp knife, slice the log into bite-size pieces about ¾ inch thick. Arrange the pieces upright on a serving plate and top each with a thin jalapeño slice. Serve with low-sodium soy sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use plastic wrap to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
- Whipped cream cheese spreads more easily, but regular softened cream cheese works well too.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or omit for less heat.
- Substitute scallions with chives for a milder onion flavor.
- Serve chilled for best taste and texture.
- These roll-ups are great as appetizer bites for parties or gatherings.
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