Cream Cheese Roll Ups

If you’re searching for the ultimate party appetizer, look no further than these Cream Cheese Ranch Roll-Ups. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for any gathering. Featuring smooth cream cheese, a zesty ranch dressing mix, and a colorful array of chopped vegetables, all wrapped in soft tortillas, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to be a hit at your next event.

These roll-ups are ideal for serving at parties, game nights, or as an easy snack for the family. What makes them even more appealing is their versatility—whether you stick to the classic recipe or opt for one of the many possible variations, these appetizers never disappoint.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cream Cheese Ranch Roll-Ups is not only simple but also packed with flavor:

2 (8-ounce) packages of softened cream cheese: Cream cheese serves as the rich and creamy base for this recipe. It provides a smooth texture and a slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the ranch seasoning and veggies.
1 package of ranch dressing mix: This adds that signature zesty ranch flavor we all love. If you’d prefer to use a homemade ranch seasoning mix, simply substitute 3 tablespoons of it for the packet.
Generous ½ cup of finely chopped red bell peppers: Red bell peppers bring a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances the creaminess of the cheese. If you’re looking for an alternative, jarred pimentos or roasted red peppers can also be used.
Scant ½ cup of finely chopped green onions: Green onions add a mild, zesty kick to the roll-ups, enhancing the flavor of the ranch mix.
1 small can (2.25-ounce) of chopped black olives: Black olives add a subtle briny taste. Even if you’re not a fan of olives, they blend so seamlessly into the filling that you’ll hardly notice them.
4 (12-inch) flour tortillas: Soft flour tortillas provide the perfect vessel for holding all the flavors together. You can also use 5 smaller (10-inch) tortillas if you prefer.

Optional Ingredients and Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding some of your favorite ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Bacon: Swap the black olives for crumbled bacon to make bacon ranch roll-ups. This adds a smoky, savory element to the dish.
Diced green chiles or fresh jalapeño: Want a bit of heat? Adding finely diced green chiles or jalapeños will do the trick. Make sure to drain the chiles well to avoid any sogginess.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Add extra flavor by sprinkling finely shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese mixture before rolling.
Ham slices: Thin slices of deli ham can be layered on top of the filling before rolling the tortillas for an added protein boost.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cream Cheese Ranch Roll-Ups

These roll-ups are incredibly easy to prepare, and the steps are so straightforward that even kids can help out.

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

Start by combining all of the ingredients (except for the tortillas) in a large bowl. If you have a hand mixer, use it to make this step even easier, blending everything until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a hand mixer, don’t worry—you can mix it by hand using a spatula or spoon. Just ensure the cream cheese is softened enough to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

The mixture should be well-combined and have a spreadable consistency. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a pinch of salt or more ranch mix depending on your flavor preference.

Step 2: Assembling the Roll-Ups

Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface. Spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, using a spatula or butter knife. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges of the tortillas to prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll them up.

If you want to take your roll-ups to the next level, now’s the time to add any extra ingredients, like ham slices or cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Rolling the Tortillas

Tightly roll each tortilla, starting at one end and working your way to the other. Once rolled, wrap each tortilla tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps maintain the shape and prevents the roll-ups from drying out.

Place the wrapped tortillas in the refrigerator and allow them to chill overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together and firms up the roll-ups, making them easier to slice.

Step 4: Slicing and Serving

When you’re ready to serve, remove the tortillas from the refrigerator. Slice each roll into ¼-inch thick slices using a sharp knife. Be sure to cut off the ends, as they won’t form full pinwheels (but don’t discard them—they make for a tasty chef’s snack!).

Arrange the sliced roll-ups on a platter and serve them as an appetizer or snack. They’re perfect for serving alongside dips like salsa or guacamole.

Pro Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups

Use an offset spatula: Using a small offset spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture will make the process easier and more even.
Refrigerate overnight: Chilling the roll-ups overnight is essential for the best texture and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, try to chill them for at least 3-4 hours.
Chef’s snack: The ends of the tortillas may not be pretty, but they’re still delicious. Consider them a bonus snack for yourself!

Recipe Variations and Customizations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to make it your own. Here are a few reader-tested variations that add extra flavor or texture:

Jarred pimentos or roasted red peppers: Swap the fresh red peppers for jarred pimentos or roasted red peppers. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the filling.
Green chiles: For a bit of spice, add canned or fresh diced green chiles. Again, drain them well before mixing them into the cream cheese.
Ham or turkey slices: Lay thin slices of ham or turkey on top of the cream cheese mixture before rolling for a heartier version.
Cheese lovers: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese over the filling for an extra cheesy roll-up.
Herbs: For a fresh twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro to the filling.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made in advance. In fact, the roll-ups are best when prepared a day ahead so the flavors can develop.

If you want to get a head start, mix up the cream cheese filling up to three days before you plan to serve the roll-ups. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, let the filling come to room temperature to make it easier to spread.

Once assembled, the roll-ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them the perfect party food that doesn’t require last-minute preparation.

Total Time: 8 hours, 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 packet of ranch dressing mix
½ cup finely chopped red bell peppers
½ cup finely chopped green onions
1 small can (2.25-ounce) of chopped black olives
4 (12-inch) flour tortillas

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, chopped peppers, onions, and olives. Mix well until smooth.
Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each one, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll up each tortilla tightly and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Before serving, slice the tortillas into ¼-inch thick slices and arrange on a platter. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 152
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0.2mg
Sodium: 549mg
Potassium: 87mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 286IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 71mg
Iron: 2mg