Pin it
Transform luxurious smoked salmon into elegant roll-ups that deliver the essence of sushi with half the effort. These beautiful spirals combine creamy, smoky, and fresh elements for a perfect lunch or sophisticated appetizer that's sure to impress.
The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of both bagels and sushi, combining the best elements of both into one perfect bite.
Essential Ingredients
- Smoked Salmon: Choose high-quality, thinly sliced
- Whipped Cream Cheese: Lighter texture for easy spreading
- Persian Cucumbers: Crisp and seedless
- Ripe Avocado: Perfectly ripened for smooth texture
- Fresh Lemon: Both zest and juice
- Green Onions: Fresh and thinly sliced
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds texture and flavor
- Plastic Wrap: Essential for perfect rolling
Pin it
Creating Your Masterpiece
- Cream Cheese Preparation
- Blend cream cheese with lemon zest and green onions until smooth.
- Salmon Layout
- Arrange overlapping slices on seasoning-dusted plastic wrap.
- Filling Distribution
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over salmon.
- Vegetable Placement
- Arrange cucumber and avocado in neat lines.
- Rolling Technique
- Use plastic wrap to create tight, even rolls.
- Chilling Period
- Brief freezer time ensures clean slicing.
- Final Presentation
- Slice with sharp knife and arrange artfully.
My journey with this recipe began in a small deli where I learned that quality ingredients and proper technique create extraordinary results.
Perfect Pairings
- Citrus soy dipping sauce
- Fresh micro greens
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi paste
Creative Variations
- Add microgreens or sprouts
- Include thin radish slices
- Try different cream cheese flavors
- Experiment with seasonings
Storage Success
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours
- Keep wrapped tightly in refrigerator
- Don't freeze completed rolls
- Store components separately for longer storage
Perfect Rolling Mastery
- Ensure plastic wrap is large enough for easy handling
- Pull wrap tightly while rolling to compress ingredients
- Twist ends firmly to create uniform cylinder
- Roll away from you with gentle, even pressure
- Double-wrap if needed for extra security
Temperature Control
- Keep salmon chilled until ready to use
- Allow cream cheese to soften slightly for spreading
- Chill rolls 5-10 minutes before cutting, not longer
- Serve at cool room temperature for best flavor
Cream Cheese Mixture Refinements
Whip cream cheese before adding ingredients. Add herbs gradually to control flavor. Consider adding capers (finely chopped), fresh dill, horseradish, or cracked pepper.
Pin it
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Falling Apart: Roll tighter initially, ensure proper chilling time, don't overfill, and use thinner vegetable strips.
Uneven Slices: Use serrated knife, clean blade between cuts, keep rolls well-chilled, and use gentle sawing motion.
Soggy Results: Pat cucumber very dry, don't prepare too far ahead, keep components separate until assembly, and use less cream cheese if needed.
Professional Presentation Tips
Cut rolls at slight angle for dramatic effect. Garnish with micro herbs, lemon wedges, extra EBTB seasoning, or edible flowers. Arrange in odd numbers and consider height when plating.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prepare cream cheese mixture 1-2 days ahead
- Slice vegetables morning of serving
- Store components separately
- Final assembly within 4 hours of serving
These rolls represent the perfect balance of texture contrast, temperature variation, visual appeal, and flavor complexity.
Remember: Success lies in preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Each roll should be treated as its own small masterpiece.
This elevated yet approachable recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish suitable for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do these salmon roll ups keep in the refrigerator?
- These roll ups are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The avocado may brown slightly over time.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
- Yes, you can prepare them up to 2 hours ahead. Keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and slice just before serving.
- → What type of smoked salmon works best?
- Thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon (lox) works best for these roll ups as it's pliable and easy to roll without breaking.
- → Can I substitute the Everything Bagel seasoning?
- Yes, you can use a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried garlic, or simply use plain sesame seeds for a similar effect.
- → How do I prevent the roll ups from falling apart?
- Make sure to overlap the salmon slices slightly when laying them out, and don't overfill with ingredients. The brief freezing step helps firm everything up for clean slicing.