Appetizers

Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Name: Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 8 ounces smoked salmon; 1/4 cup capers, drained; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1 cucumber, sliced thin; 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

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Bright, creamy, and full of fresh spring flavor, these Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups make a lovely appetizer for brunch or a holiday table. Soft tortillas hold a tangy layer of cream cheese, smoky ribbons of salmon, salty capers, bright dill, and crisp cucumber. The bites look pretty when sliced into pinwheels, and they taste rich, fresh, and a little briny. If you like easy make-ahead appetizers, try this recipe for a relaxed holiday gathering and compare it to other festive treats like Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups for a sweet-salty contrast.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 (about 32 pinwheels; 4 pinwheels per serving)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 210 kcal (approximate)
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 700 mg (approximate)

Why Make This Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

These roll ups are fast to assemble and look festive on a platter. They balance creamy, smoky, salty, and bright flavors in each bite. The texture mix—soft tortilla, silky cream cheese, delicate salmon, crisp cucumber—pleases many palates. They are perfect for an Easter brunch, a light starter, or a party tray. You can make them ahead, they travel well, and the slices make a beautiful garnish for a holiday table.

How to Make Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

You’ll spread, layer, roll, chill briefly, and slice. Keep the cream cheese soft but spreadable. Drain capers and slice the cucumber paper-thin for a clean bite. Chill the rolled tortillas for 10–15 minutes to help them hold shape when cutting into pinwheels. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand for smooth slices.

Ingredients:

4 large flour tortillas
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces smoked salmon
1/4 cup capers, drained
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced thin
1 lemon, sliced (for serving)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla. Work quickly so the cheese stays smooth. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 15–20 minutes if needed.

Step 2: Mixing

Layer smoked salmon, drained capers, chopped dill, and thin cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese. Press the layers lightly so they stick to the cheese. Add a little lemon zest if you like extra brightness.

Step 3: Cooking

(There is no cooking step for this recipe.) After layering, roll each tortilla tightly from one edge to the other. Press the seam gently so the roll holds.

Step 4: Finishing

Chill the rolls wrapped in plastic wrap for 10–15 minutes. Unwrap and slice each roll into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. Arrange on a platter and serve with lemon slices on the side.

How to Serve Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Arrange pinwheels on a platter with lemon wedges and extra dill sprigs. They pair well with bubbly, light white wine, or a bright non-alcoholic citrus spritz. For a brunch buffet, place alongside fresh fruit, deviled eggs, and a green salad to balance the richness.

How to Store Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Place a paper towel under the pinwheels to absorb excess moisture.
Do not freeze: Freezing changes the texture of cream cheese and smoked salmon.
Make-ahead: Assemble and roll, then wrap tightly and chill. Slice into pinwheels just before serving for the best appearance.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups

Soften cream cheese but keep it cool. It spreads easily but shouldn’t be runny.
Dry the capers and cucumber slices well on paper towels to avoid soggy rollups.
Chill before slicing. A short rest in the fridge firms the roll and makes cleaner pinwheels.
Use a very sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion for neat slices. Wipe the blade between cuts if needed.
For lower sodium, rinse the smoked salmon lightly and use low-sodium capers. Add lemon to brighten flavor in place of extra salt.

Delicious Variations

Whole wheat or spinach tortillas for color and extra fiber.
Use thinly sliced pumpernickel or rye bread for a classic smoked salmon base.
Add thin avocado slices or a smear of mustard-dill sauce for creamier richness.
For a vegetarian twist, use smoked carrot “lox” or roasted beet slices instead of salmon.
Swap cream cheese for herbed goat cheese or a yogurt-cheese blend for tang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble and roll the tortillas, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate. Slice into pinwheels just before serving for best texture and appearance. They keep well for up to 48 hours.

Q: Can I use lox instead of smoked salmon?
A: Yes. Lox works beautifully. Lox is saltier and more moist, so you may want to reduce capers or rinse the lox lightly.

Q: How many pinwheels does one tortilla make?
A: If you slice each roll into 8 pieces, one tortilla makes about 8 pinwheels. With four tortillas you’ll get about 32 pinwheels total.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese and smoked salmon change texture when frozen and thawed. Eat within 48 hours for best quality.

Q: What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
A: Try lavash, thin flatbreads, sliced pumpernickel, or large spinach tortillas. For gluten-free, use gluten-free wraps. Choose a pliable wrap to avoid tearing.

Q: How do I reduce the saltiness?
A: Use low-sodium smoked salmon, rinse capers, and skip any added salt. Bright lemon juice also balances salt without extra sodium.

Conclusion

These Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups are quick, pretty, and full of flavor—smoky salmon, creamy cheese, crisp cucumber, and a pop of caper tang. They make an easy, elegant starter that you can prep ahead and serve with confidence. For another quick smoked-salmon pinwheel idea with similar flavors and fast prep, see the 10-Minute Smoked Salmon Pinwheels – Ambitious Kitchen. Give these roll ups a try at your next gathering—the bright lemon and fresh dill really bring them to life.