Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to honor the occasion than with a platter of vibrant, flavorful appetizers? If you’re seeking a show-stopper that combines elegance and ease, look no further than these delightful Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups. Their silky texture, paired with the smoky richness of salmon and the creamy tang of cheese, creates a perfect bite-size treat that’s destined to impress your guests.

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

The best part is that these roll-ups don’t require culinary wizardry or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of rolling, you can create an irresistible dish that’s great for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or simply delighting in a spring afternoon snack, these roll-ups offer vibrant colors and delectable flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, these roll-ups are perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick lunch options.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and smoky salmon creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their stunning colors and clean presentation, these roll-ups are bound to be the star of your appetizer spread.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, parties, picnics, or even as a light dinner!
Diet-Friendly Options: These can easily be adapted to fit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tbsp everything bagel spice blend: This blend adds a delicious crunch and complex flavor that complements the salmon perfectly. If you can’t find it, try a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and garlic powder.
1 lb smoked salmon, sliced: Choose high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying gravlax or lox as a substitute.
3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened: Whipped cream cheese is light and spreadable, making it ideal for rolls. Regular cream cheese can be used—just ensure it’s softened for easy spreading.
2 green onions, sliced: These bring a fresh crunch and subtle onion flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use chives.
2 tsp lemon zest, freshly zested: The bright citrus notes of lemon zest brighten the dish. Feel free to swap it with lime zest for a different twist.
1 medium avocado, sliced: Creamy avocado lends a rich texture and balances the saltiness of the salmon. You could swap this for thinly sliced cucumbers for a lighter option.
Low-sodium soy sauce: For dipping! The umami flavor enhances the dish, but feel free to use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
1 medium jalapeño, sliced: This adds a spicy kick. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or skip it entirely if you prefer a subtle heat.
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks: The cucumber contributes crunch and freshness; you can use zucchini or bell peppers as alternatives.

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 counter. This will help you roll up the ingredients tightly without making a mess.

Sprinkle the Bagel Spice: Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of everything bagel spice blend over the plastic wrap. This forms a flavor-packed base for your roll-ups.

Arrange the Salmon: Lay 1 pound of smoked salmon slices on the bagel spice, ensuring they overlap slightly to create a rectangle. The salmon provides a rich, smoky flavor that’s essential for these rolls.

Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup of whipped cream cheese, 2 sliced green onions, and 2 teaspoons of freshly zested lemon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy blend is the glue that holds everything together.

Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the salmon, covering every corner. The key here is to get an even layer for a balanced flavor with each bite.

Layer the Vegetables: Place the slices of avocado and cucumber in a line about 2 inches from the bottom edge of the salmon. This adds a fresh, vibrant crunch that complements the other flavors.

Roll It Up: Using the plastic wrap, start rolling the salmon away from you, tucking in the filling as you go. Be sure to roll tightly to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out, forming a firm log.

Slice Into Pieces: Once you’ve formed a complete log, gently peel away the plastic wrap and slice the log into ¾-inch pieces. You should yield about 12-15 lovely pieces that showcase the beautiful colors within.

Garnish and Serve: Top each roll-up with a slice of jalapeño for an added kick, and serve with a small bowl of low-sodium soy sauce for dipping. These finishing touches elevate the presentation and introduce a savory bite.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for no more than an hour if they get warm. Otherwise, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve fresh. The creamy texture may slightly change after freezing, so a quick spritz of lemon juice can help refresh the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid tearing the salmon by using a sharp knife for slicing the roll-ups.
Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature (especially the cream cheese) for easy mixing and spreading.
For best results, roll tightly but not too tight, which allows them to hold shape without squeezing out the filling.
Prepare the roll-ups a few hours ahead of time, keeping them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap until it’s time to serve for ease and flavor development.
Experiment with veggies; roasted peppers or arugula can add exciting flavors.

Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of spring while bringing friends and family together. Their simplicity allows for some creativity, so feel free to modify the ingredients or try different flavor combinations that suit your palate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing them a few hours ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What can I use in place of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using herbed goat cheese or hummus for a different spin. Both add delightful flavor and creaminess.

How can I spice them up?

For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle some sriracha on top before serving. You can also incorporate a flavored cream cheese, like chive or herb-infused, for an extra layer of taste.

Can leftovers be frozen?

Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. However, note that the texture may slightly change after freezing.

Now that you have the inside scoop on creating these stunning Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups, why not give them a whirl at your next gathering? You might just discover a new favorite dish to welcome in the springtime! Enjoy the flavors and fun these rolls bring to your feast.

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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: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups are an irresistible treat, featuring smooth cream cheese and savory smoked salmon. These roll ups are simple to prepare, making them a perfect choice for a quick snack or a delicious appetizer at gatherings. Enjoy the fresh flavors from the avocado, cucumber, and jalapeño that elevate this dish!

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 everything bagel spice blend over it.
Arrange the smoked salmon slices on top, overlapping to form a rectangle.
In a bowl, mix together the whipped cream cheese, sliced green onions, and lemon zest until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon.
Place the avocado and cucumber slices in a line about 2 inches from the bottom edge of the salmon.
Using the plastic wrap, roll the salmon tightly to form a log.
Slice the log into ¾-inch pieces and arrange on a serving plate.
Top each piece with a slice of jalapeño and serve with soy sauce.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the jalapeño slices in vinegar for a tangy kick.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.