Pin it
Fresh vegetable tortilla roll ups are my answer to no-fuss lunches or appetizers that everyone loves. They are creamy veggie-packed and stay fresh for days making them perfect for busy weeks or making ahead for gatherings. Every bite offers a mix of flavors and crunch thanks to vibrant veggies tucked in a soft tortilla.
My family gobbles these up on road trips and picnics. I always make extra for snacking the next day and they are just as delicious.
Ingredients
- Diced broccoli carrots and red bell pepper: use bright firm veggies for the freshest taste mince everything small for best bite
- Softened cream cheese: the creamy base that helps everything hold together let it soften on the counter for easy mixing
- Mayonnaise: makes the filling rich and a little tangy choose good-quality mayo for a fresh flavor
- Garlic powder: simple way to boost savory notes in the filling
- Dried dill: for a herby lift try to find it fragrant and green rather than faded
- Salt: essential for bringing out all those veggie flavors
- Ground black pepper: adds gentle warmth try freshly ground for a bigger punch
- Large flour tortillas: opt for soft burrito-sized ones so they roll easily check they are pliable and not dry
- Shredded cheddar cheese: brings a sharp rich bite sharp or medium cheddar both work
- Sliced green onions: for pops of flavor and color use the freshest you can find no wilting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Ingredients:
- Dice broccoli carrots and bell pepper as finely as possible. This gives you perfect texture in each bite. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature so it blends without lumps.
- Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Combine softened cream cheese with mayonnaise garlic powder dill salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir until completely smooth and fluffy. This is your flavor-packed base.
- Prepare and Fill the Tortillas:
- Warm flour tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds so they are soft and flexible. Spread the cream cheese filling generously over each tortilla all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the veggies cheddar and green onion evenly so each roll up is balanced.
- Roll and Secure the Tortillas:
- Gently but firmly roll each tortilla starting at one edge. The filling helps hold the rolls together. Use toothpicks if needed to keep rolls tight and together. To make slicing easier chill the rolls in the freezer for about twenty minutes or in the fridge if making ahead.
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove toothpicks and slice rolls into bite-sized pinwheels. Serve chilled or let them warm up a bit for best flavor.
Pin it
You Must Know
- Vegetarian and full of bright fresh nutrition
- Great source of protein and fiber from veggies and cheese
- Can be made a day ahead and sliced just before serving for best presentation
Cheddar cheese is my star ingredient here its sharpness ties the whole roll up together. My kids actually help shred it of course nibbling along the way. Rolling these together has become our favorite pre-party ritual and everyone sneaks a few before they hit the plate.
Pin it
Storage tips
Keep the pinwheels or whole rolls tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh for two to three days and helps the flavors meld without the tortillas getting soggy. I find they are perfect for grab-and-go lunches all week long.
Ingredient substitutions
Switch up the veggies based on what is in your fridge. Zucchini cucumber or even baby spinach can easily step in for the broccoli carrots or peppers. If you need these dairy-free use plant-based cream cheese and vegan mayo. For extra flavor a little chopped jalapeno or fresh herbs amp things up nicely.
Serving suggestions
Lay out the roll ups on a big platter for parties or pop them into lunchboxes for a cheerful surprise. They work beautifully as a side with soup or salad or as portable snacks for the park. For a heartier snack add sliced turkey or a smear of hummus inside.
Cultural or historical context
Tortilla roll ups are a modern riff on classic tea sandwiches and have roots in both Mexican tortilla traditions and American appetizer trends. They became party favorites in the 1980s when quick entertaining took off and for good reason. Everyone loves them because they are easy to make for a crowd and can be tailored with endless fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I keep the roll ups from getting soggy?
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cream cheese mixture helps prevent moisture buildup in the tortillas.
- → What vegetables work best for these tortilla roll ups?
Broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper offer crunch and color, but cucumber, spinach, or zucchini can also be used.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- → How should I slice the roll ups for serving?
Chill the rolls first, then use a sharp knife to cut into pinwheels just before serving for best presentation and texture.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep or parties?
Absolutely! They're ideal for gatherings, lunchboxes, or snack prep and keep well in the fridge for up to three days.