Cucumber Rolls

Have you ever used cucumber instead of bread or tortillas for roll-ups? These cucumber ham and cheese roll-ups are crisp, creamy, and easy to prepare without turning on the oven.

Thin cucumber strips are filled with ham, cheese, and a cream cheese spread flavored with dill and chives. They only take about 20 minutes to make, although the cucumber needs to be patted dry so the rolls hold their shape.

I like these for parties because they can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge. Add an appetizer pick to each one, place them on a serving tray, and they are ready to eat.

Cucumber Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 roll-ups

Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 thin slices ham
• 6 thin slices Swiss or provolone cheese
• 12 appetizer picks

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to cut them lengthwise into long, thin strips.
2. Place the cucumber strips on paper towels and gently pat them dry. This helps keep the roll-ups from becoming watery.
3. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
4. Place one or two cucumber strips on a cutting board, slightly overlapping them if they are narrow.
5. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over the cucumber. Add half a slice of cheese and half a slice of ham.
6. Starting at one end, roll the cucumber tightly around the filling.
7. Secure the roll with an appetizer pick. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
8. Refrigerate the cucumber roll-ups for about 20 minutes before serving.

Tips

• English cucumbers work best because they contain fewer seeds and have thinner skin.
• Do not cut the cucumber strips too thin, or they may tear while rolling.
• Pat the cucumber dry before adding the filling.
• These can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Turkey can be used instead of ham.