These Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls are a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or a healthy midday treat, these bite-sized rolls combine creamy cheese, fresh cucumbers, and soft bread for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. They’re quick to assemble, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather
- Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes
- Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes or picnics
- Customizable with herbs, spices, or other veggies
- Elegant and perfect for tea parties, brunches, or appetizers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Fresh cucumber, thinly sliced (English cucumbers work best)
- Fresh dill or chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional, for a citrusy kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the bread: Remove the crusts from the bread slices and flatten each slice gently with a rolling pin to make them easier to roll.
- Mix the spread: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with dill, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese: Evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of bread.
- Add cucumbers: Arrange thin slices of cucumber evenly over the cream cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll each slice of bread into a tight log. Press gently to seal the edges.
- Chill and slice: Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up (optional for neater slicing). Cut each roll into 3-4 bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 rolls (depending on bread size)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 15 minutes (optional)
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Cucumber Rolls: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the cream cheese.
- Herb Cream Cheese: Use flavored cream cheese (like garlic & herb) for added flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace bread with thinly sliced cucumber strips for a keto-friendly version.
- Add Protein: Layer thin slices of smoked salmon, turkey, or ham with the cucumber for a heartier bite.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze: The bread and cucumbers will lose their texture when thawed.
- Serve cold: These sandwich rolls are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make these sandwich rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Soft white sandwich bread or whole wheat bread works best, as they roll easily without cracking.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! Garlic and herb, chive, or veggie-flavored cream cheese can add extra depth to the recipe.
How do I prevent the bread from tearing when rolling?
Flatten the bread with a rolling pin to make it more flexible, and don’t overload it with filling.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or bell peppers work well as additions or substitutes.
Are these cucumber rolls vegan?
They can be made vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based bread.
How thin should I slice the cucumber?
Slice the cucumber as thin as possible using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife for easy rolling.
What herbs work best with cucumber?
Dill, chives, parsley, or mint pair beautifully with cucumbers for a refreshing flavor.
Can I use tortillas instead of bread?
Yes, tortillas can be used for a sturdier wrap and are great for meal prep.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bread to prevent excess moisture.
Conclusion
These Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls are light, fresh, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, picnic snack, or afternoon tea treat, they’re quick to make, easy to customize, and sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, these elegant little bites are as delicious as they are beautiful!
Print
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls are a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or a quick lunch, these rolls feature soft bread spread with creamy herbed cheese and crisp cucumber slices rolled into bite-sized spirals. They’re simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of soft white or whole wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (use a mandoline for even slices)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the cream cheese spread:
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with dill or chives, garlic powder, lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Flatten the bread:
- Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread until thin. This will make rolling easier.
3. Assemble the rolls:
- Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of bread.
- Lay cucumber slices in a single layer across the bread.
- Starting from one end, roll the bread tightly into a log shape.
- Press gently to seal the edge.
4. Chill and slice:
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces.
5. Serve:
- Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve chilled as an appetizer, snack, or part of a tea-time spread.
Notes
- Add thin slices of smoked salmon for a fancier variation.
- Use flavored cream cheese (like garlic and herb) for an extra boost of flavor.
- Substitute gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.