Fresh party-ready bites in 25 minutes, no cook
Cool cucumber and herbed cream cheese rolled in tortillas (or layered as tea sandwiches) for crisp, tidy bites that hold up on a platter.
Why you’ll love it
- Classic cucumber cream cheese sandwiches flavor in easy roll-ups
- No-cook; perfect for quick party food appetizers and tea party food
- Make as pinwheel recipes or neat finger sandwiches
- Light, crisp, and customizable for healthy snacks recipes
- Vegetarian-friendly (receitas vegetarianas) with pantry staples
Ingredients (notes only)
Spread
- Cream cheese – room temp for smooth spreading
- Lemon juice + pinch of salt/pepper – brightness
- Dill (fresh or dried) + optional chives – classic cucumber pairing
- Garlic or onion powder – subtle savory note
- Optional: Greek yogurt or light mayo – loosens and lightens
Build
- Large flour tortillas or soft sandwich bread (crusts trimmed)
- English cucumbers – thinly sliced; pat very dry for non-soggy rolls
- Optional barrier: tender lettuce or spinach leaves for extra moisture control
Finish
- Everything bagel seasoning or extra dill for garnish
- Toothpicks for transport-friendly platters
Full amounts are in the Recipe Card below.
Step-by-step
- Prep cucumbers: Slice very thin; spread on paper towels and pat dry.
- Make spread: Beat cream cheese with lemon, dill, salt, pepper, and seasonings until smooth. Loosen with 1–2 tbsp yogurt if needed.
- Assemble:
- Pinwheels: Spread a thin, even layer over a tortilla to the edges. Add a single shingled layer of cucumber. Optional: a few spinach leaves under the cucumbers.
- Tea sandwiches: Spread on bread slices; add cucumbers; top with a second slice.
- Roll/chill: Roll tortillas tightly; place seam-side down. Wrap and chill 20–30 minutes for cleaner cuts.
- Slice/trim: Trim tortilla ends; cut 1-inch pinwheels with a serrated knife. For tea sandwiches, trim crusts and cut into fingers or triangles.
- Serve: Arrange tightly on a platter; sprinkle dill or seasoning.
Pro tips
- Use English (seedless) cucumbers for fewer seeds and less water.
- Pat cucumbers dry—this is the difference between crisp and soggy.
- Spread to the edges; that “glues” the roll.
- Chill before slicing and use a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife.
- For travel, pack pinwheels upright in a snug container lined with paper towels.
Variations (map to interests)
- Everything Bagel Pinwheels: Add everything seasoning to the spread; finish with a pinch on top.
- Herbed Greek Yogurt Light: Swap half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthy snacks recipes angle.
- Mediterranean Veggie: Add thin ribbons of bell pepper and a sprinkle of feta (still vegetarian).
- Tea Party Classic: Bread triangles with extra-dill spread for tea party food.
- Spicy Ranch: Add 1 tsp ranch powder and a pinch of cayenne for game-day trays.
- Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and tortillas.
How to serve
- On a chilled platter with dill and lemon wedges.
- Pair with fruit, nuts, and a small bowl of everything seasoning for dipping.
- For tea: serve as fingers with thinly sliced radish garnish.
Make ahead & storage
- Assemble, wrap tightly, and chill up to 24 hours before slicing.
- After slicing, keep airtight up to 24 hours; line container with paper towels.
- Not freezer-friendly; cucumbers lose texture.
FAQs
How do I stop soggy pinwheels?
Pat cucumbers very dry, use a thin spread layer, add a lettuce barrier if packing ahead, and keep chilled.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. Peel, halve lengthwise, scrape seeds, slice thin, and pat dry.
Tortillas or bread?
Both work. Tortillas give tidy pinwheels; soft white or wheat bread makes classic tea sandwiches.
Can I lighten the spread?
Swap up to 50% of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt; season to taste.
What size cuts for platters?
Pinwheels: 1 inch. Tea sandwiches: fingers or triangles about 2×4 inches.
Simple Nutrition (estimate per 3 pinwheels)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~190 | 20 g | 5 g | 10 g | 330 mg |
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (Pinwheels)
Fresh cucumber and dill cream cheese rolled in tortillas or layered as dainty tea sandwiches. A quick, no-cook recipe perfect for party platters, lunches, and tea parties.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in yogurt (if using), lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat cucumber slices very dry with paper towels.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over tortillas (or bread). Add cucumber slices and spinach/lettuce if using.
- Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down; chill 20–30 minutes. For bread, top with another slice and press gently.
- Trim ends. Slice tortillas into 1-inch pinwheels, or cut sandwiches into fingers/triangles. Garnish and serve chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
Moisture Control: Dry cucumbers thoroughly; a lettuce barrier helps for make-ahead.
Light Swap: Replace up to half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Add-ins: Thin bell pepper strips, shaved carrot, or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Alternate Method: Make tea sandwiches with sandwich bread instead of tortillas.
Equipment: Serrated knife, paper towels, plastic wrap for chilling.
Light Swap: Replace up to half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
Add-ins: Thin bell pepper strips, shaved carrot, or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Alternate Method: Make tea sandwiches with sandwich bread instead of tortillas.
Equipment: Serrated knife, paper towels, plastic wrap for chilling.