Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. These bite-sized treats are not only versatile but are also an ideal appetizer or snack for parties, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. The base is made of a creamy spread, usually flavored with herbs and vegetables, which is wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly snack or an elegant party appetizer, these roll-ups are both easy to make and delicious to eat.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Start by softening the cream cheese. You can do this by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving it for 10-15 seconds. The softened cream cheese will mix easily, making the filling creamy and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sour cream. The sour cream helps to loosen up the texture of the cream cheese, making it easier to spread on the tortillas.
- Add ranch seasoning (if using) for an extra kick of flavor. This seasoning is optional but can bring a lot of zesty taste to your roll-ups.
2. Chop and Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely dice your vegetables. For the best texture, aim for small, even pieces. You can use a combination of any veggies you like, but bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and broccoli work especially well. These add color, crunch, and nutrients to your roll-ups.
- Finely chop the green onions, as they add a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
3. Mix in the Vegetables and Cheese:
- Fold in the diced vegetables, green onions, and shredded cheese into the cream cheese mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined. The vegetables should be evenly distributed throughout the creamy base for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you want a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to spice it up.
4. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese and vegetable mixture over the entire tortilla, making sure it’s even and reaches the edges. This will ensure that the roll-up stays intact once rolled.
- Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
5. Roll the Tortillas:
- Once the tortillas are evenly spread with the filling, it’s time to roll them up. Start at one end and roll the tortilla tightly, similar to how you’d roll a burrito.
- Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down to prevent it from unrolling.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
6. Chill Before Slicing:
- For the best results, refrigerate the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling them makes slicing easier and ensures the roll-ups maintain their shape.
- If you’re short on time, you can place them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
7. Slice the Roll-Ups:
- After chilling, remove the rolled tortillas from the fridge. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll-up into ½-inch thick rounds. The sharpness of the knife ensures clean cuts, so your roll-ups remain intact without squishing.
- Discard the uneven ends or snack on them before serving!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately. These bite-sized roll-ups are perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or ranch dressing, or they can be enjoyed as is.
Variations and Customizations:
One of the best things about Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups is their versatility. Here are some ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences:
1. Add Protein:
- If you want to make these roll-ups heartier, consider adding shredded chicken, turkey slices, or even crumbled bacon to the filling. This will give them a satisfying boost of protein and make them more filling.
2. Spice it Up:
- If you’re a fan of spicy food, try incorporating chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper into the cream cheese mixture. You can also use a spicy ranch seasoning instead of the traditional one for added heat.
3. Different Tortillas:
- You don’t have to stick to plain flour tortillas. Try using spinach or tomato-flavored tortillas for a burst of color and flavor. Whole wheat tortillas are also a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
4. Swap the Vegetables:
- Feel free to swap out or add any veggies you like. Zucchini, radishes, or even corn kernels can add interesting textures and flavors. Just make sure to chop them finely to keep the roll-ups easy to slice and eat.
5. Herb Variations:
- Fresh herbs can change the flavor profile entirely. Basil, cilantro, dill, or even mint can be used in place of parsley for a refreshing twist. Experimenting with herbs can give the roll-ups a new depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups are great for various occasions. Here are some serving ideas:
- Party Appetizer:
- Serve these roll-ups at your next party or gathering. They can be made ahead of time and served cold, which makes them a stress-free option for entertaining. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces for extra fun.
- Lunchbox Friendly:
- Pack these roll-ups in a lunchbox for a delicious and easy-to-eat meal. They’re perfect for both kids and adults, offering a good mix of protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite.
- Potluck Star:
- These roll-ups travel well, making them an ideal dish for potlucks or picnics. Since they don’t need to be reheated, they can be served directly from the fridge, maintaining their fresh and crisp texture.
Storage:
- Refrigeration:
Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or meal. - Freezing (Optional):
If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can freeze the rolled tortillas (before slicing). Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups are a simple, customizable, and crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether you’re preparing for a party, making a quick snack, or looking for a fun way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, these roll-ups hit the mark every time. With a few basic ingredients and endless possibilities for flavor combinations, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. These bite-sized treats are not only versatile but are also an ideal appetizer or snack for parties, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. The base is made of a creamy spread, usually flavored with herbs and vegetables, which is wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly snack or an elegant party appetizer, these roll-ups are both easy to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red and green bell peppers, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, and chopped green onions. Mix everything well so the veggies are evenly distributed.
3. Season the Mixture:
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Spread on Tortillas:
Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and veggie mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Roll the Tortillas:
Roll each tortilla up tightly to ensure the filling stays inside. Press down gently as you roll.
6. Chill the Rolls:
Place the rolled tortillas in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will make them easier to slice.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once chilled, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pieces to create bite-sized roll ups.
8. Arrange and Serve:
Arrange the roll ups on a platter and serve immediately, or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: These roll-ups can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even olives. You can also switch up the cheese for different flavors.
- Tortilla Options: Use flavored tortillas like spinach, whole wheat, or sun-dried tomato for extra color and taste.