Easter is a time for gathering with loved ones, and nothing brings people together quite like delicious food. One of my favorite dishes to prepare for this occasion is Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups. These delightful little bites are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. The combination of silky cream cheese, savory smoked salmon, and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering appetizer that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time celebrating and less time in the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering. At the time, I wanted something quick but impressive to serve. I remember the first bite of those perfectly rolled-up creations, just the right balance of rich creaminess and bright, fresh flavors. As I watched everyone savor these roll-ups, I knew I had found a winner. They have since become a staple at every gathering, especially during Easter brunch and spring celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try them too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time, these roll-ups are super easy to whip up.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cheese and smoky salmon blend wonderfully with fresh veggies.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These pretty roll-ups will give your table a festive, elegant touch.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a light snack, an impressive appetizer for parties, or even a brunch side.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be tailored to be gluten-free or dairy-free by swapping ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp everything bagel spice blend: This adds a savory crunch and a unique flavor profile to every bite, enhancing the overall dish.
1 lb smoked salmon, sliced: Choose high-quality smoked salmon for the best taste. If you’re looking for a lower-budget option, you could use a different type of smoked fish or even a deli-style lox.
3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened: Whipped cream cheese spreads easily and helps to create a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese.
2 green onions, sliced: These lend a fresh crunch and mild flavor. Feel free to substitute with chives for a more delicate taste.
2 tsp lemon zest, freshly zested: Lemon zest brightens the dish, making it more refreshing. Fresh zest is best, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.
1 medium avocado, sliced: The buttery texture of avocado adds richness. If you’re avoiding avocados, a layer of sliced cucumber can add creaminess.
Low-sodium soy sauce: This serves as a tasty dip for an umami kick. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari sauce instead.
1 medium jalapeño, sliced: A little heat gives the roll-ups a zing. To reduce the spice, remove the seeds or skip it altogether.
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber provides a satisfying crunch. You can swap this with bell peppers for a different flavor.

How to Make Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Prepare the Plastic Wrap: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop, ensuring it’s big enough to roll the completed salmon log. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning evenly across the wrap, allowing the seasoning to stick to the salmon as you layer it.

Arrange the Salmon: Take your 1 pound of sliced smoked salmon and arrange it over the seasoning, overlapping the slices slightly to form a rectangle. This creates a robust base for the roll-ups, and the everything seasoning infuses delicious flavor directly into the fish.

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ¾ cup of whipped cream cheese, 2 sliced green onions, and 2 teaspoons of freshly zested lemon. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. This creamy filling will bind the ingredients together and add a burst of flavor to each roll-up.

Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once well combined, spread the cream cheese mixture over the arranged salmon. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even coating, reaching all corners to maximize flavor in each bite.

Add the Veggies: On one end, place the avocado and cucumber slices in a line about 2 inches from the bottom edge of the salmon. This addition not only boosts flavor but also gives a lovely color contrast, making the roll-ups even more appealing.

Roll It Up: Carefully use the plastic wrap to lift the edge of the salmon closest to you and begin to roll it tightly away from you, enclosing the avocado and cucumber within the salmon layers. The plastic wrap helps keep everything tight and clean as you roll.

Slice and Plate: Once you’ve formed a tight log, remove the plastic wrap and slice the log into ¾-inch pieces. Arrange these beautiful little bites on a serving plate, and if you like, you can present them with a slice of jalapeño on top for an added kick.

Serve with Soy Sauce: Finally, drizzle some low-sodium soy sauce over the roll-ups or serve it on the side for dipping. This savory component complements the richness of the salmon and cream cheese, making each bite even more delightful.

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the uncut roll for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently thaw in the fridge overnight. While you can serve them cold, I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious with fresh jalapeños as they can vary in heat; taste and adjust according to your preference.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to spread easily; microwave it for a few seconds if needed.
To add even more crunch, consider incorporating sliced radishes or carrots.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of smoked fish for varied flavors.
If making ahead, keep the cut roll-ups separate from the soy sauce to prevent sogginess.

These Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups are not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor with each bite. They’re versatile, appealing, and a surefire hit at any gathering, especially as the spring season blossoms. Plus, who wouldn’t love the opportunity to show off their rolling skills in the kitchen? Once you’ve made them, I encourage you to play around with the fillings and dips, finding your own favorite variations.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these roll-ups in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve them chilled or allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

What if I don’t like smoked salmon?

If smoked salmon isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with thinly sliced turkey, chicken, or even a tasty vegetarian option using roasted red peppers for flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To keep these roll-ups gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize your roll-ups with other vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even sprouts. This adds not only different flavors but also some extra crunch and nutrition!

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Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Roll Ups
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups feature delightful flavors and simple preparation, making them a great choice for appetizers or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp everything bagel spice blend
1 lb smoked salmon, sliced
3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
2 green onions, sliced
2 tsp lemon zest, freshly zested
1 medium avocado, sliced
low-sodium soy sauce
1 medium jalapeno, sliced
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks

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Instructions

Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and sprinkle two tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning over it.
Arrange the smoked salmon slices on top, overlapping to form a rectangle.
In a bowl, combine whipped cream cheese, sliced green onions, and lemon zest; mix until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the salmon.
Place the avocado and cucumber slices in a line about 2 inches from the bottom edge.
Roll the salmon using the plastic wrap to create a tight log.
Slice the log into three-quarter inch pieces and arrange on a serving plate.
Top each piece with a slice of jalapeño and serve with soy sauce.

Notes

For a spicier kick, use more jalapeño slices.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier spreading.
You can substitute the smoked salmon with another fish or a vegetarian option.