Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
These Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups are a fresh, colorful, and flavor-packed snack that perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, and savory textures in every bite.
Soft flour tortillas are filled with a smooth cream cheese base, crisp vegetables, and a touch of sharp cheese — creating a satisfying roll that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility — whether served as a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a quick grab-and-go snack, it brings the comfort of creaminess and the brightness of garden-fresh veggies together in perfect harmony. Easy to prepare ahead and endlessly customizable, these roll ups prove that simplicity can still be deeply flavorful and beautifully elegant.
Why People Will Love Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Fresh yet Comforting: The combination of crisp vegetables and creamy cheese delivers a perfect balance — refreshing but still rich and satisfying.
Visually Appealing: Every slice reveals a burst of color from the bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, making it as beautiful to serve as it is to eat.
Quick and Effortless: With no cooking required, these roll ups come together in minutes — ideal for busy days, parties, or meal prep.
Creamy and Flavorful: The soft cream cheese base pairs with cheddar and mozzarella for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adapt it to your mood or occasion — swap in your favorite veggies, add herbs, or even toss in some protein.
Perfect Make-Ahead Snack: They can be chilled in advance and sliced just before serving, staying fresh and flavorful for hours.
Light Yet Nourishing: Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich cheese, and fiber from the tortillas, it’s a wholesome option that doesn’t feel heavy.
Key Ingredients:
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): These create the luscious, tangy base that binds everything together, giving the roll ups their signature creamy texture and light richness. Greek yogurt adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.
Fresh Vegetables (Bell Pepper, Carrot, Broccoli, Green Onion): Each brings its own personality — the bell pepper offers crisp sweetness, the carrot adds gentle earthiness, the broccoli contributes a mild bite, and the green onion infuses a touch of zest and freshness.
Cheddar & Mozzarella: The duo of sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella ensures depth and creaminess — one bold, one gentle — creating harmony in flavor and texture.
Seasonings & Herbs: Garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning or fresh herbs elevate the mixture from simple to irresistible, layering aroma and subtle savory warmth throughout.
Soft Flour Tortillas: The perfect vessel — pliable yet sturdy enough to hold the creamy filling, allowing every slice to reveal a swirl of color and flavor in every bite.
Expert Tips:
Start with Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese can make your filling lumpy and hard to spread. Let it soften naturally — this ensures a silky, cohesive texture that glides easily over the tortillas.
Finely Dice the Vegetables: Uniform, finely chopped veggies not only make each bite balanced but also prevent tearing or uneven rolling. The smaller the pieces, the smoother your roll ups will slice.
Roll Tightly but Gently: When assembling, use even pressure while rolling to create a compact log without squeezing out the filling. A firm roll ensures clean, professional-looking pinwheels when sliced.
Chill Before Cutting: This step is essential. Chilling allows the cream cheese to firm up, stabilizing the filling and preventing it from smearing or falling apart during slicing.
Balance Flavor and Texture: Taste the filling before spreading — you want a good mix of tang (from yogurt or sour cream), saltiness (from cheese), and freshness (from herbs). Add a small squeeze of lemon or a pinch of ranch seasoning if it feels flat.
Choose the Right Tortillas: Use soft, fresh flour tortillas that are flexible but not too thin. Slightly warm them before spreading if they feel stiff — this prevents cracks and ensures smooth rolling.
Make It Ahead for Better Flavor: The flavors deepen as they rest in the fridge. Prepare the rolls a few hours in advance, allowing the cream cheese and herbs to infuse the veggies with extra richness and aroma.
Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients
For the Creamy Base:
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch, soft and flexible)
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt — for a lighter, tangier texture
For the Cheese & Veggie Filling:
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese — adds richness and body
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese — for creaminess and stretch
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper — adds color and crunch
½ cup grated carrot — for sweetness and texture
⅓ cup chopped green onion — mild onion flavor and freshness
½ cup finely minced broccoli florets — adds nutrients and a subtle earthy note
For the Seasoning:
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning or a mix of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) for an extra flavor boost
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
Beat together with a spatula or hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and — if you like — a touch of ranch seasoning or freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Vegetables
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, followed by the finely diced red bell pepper, grated carrot, minced broccoli, and chopped green onions.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable-cream cheese filling onto the tortilla and spread it evenly to the edges using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, keeping the filling compact inside.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Chill Before Slicing
Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to allow the filling to firm up and make slicing easier.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Unwrap the chilled rolls and place them seam-side down.
Using a sharp knife, slice into 1-inch rounds for bite-sized pinwheels.
Arrange them neatly on a platter and serve chilled or slightly cool as a refreshing, colorful appetizer or party snack.
Important Notes When Making Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Texture Harmony Is Key: The success of this recipe lies in balancing creamy and crunchy textures — the cream cheese mixture should coat the vegetables without overwhelming their natural crispness.
Use Fresh, Dry Vegetables: Moist or watery vegetables (like un-drained peppers or freshly washed broccoli) can cause the filling to become soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing.
Chilling Is Non-Negotiable: Refrigerating the rolls before slicing not only helps them firm up but also allows the flavors to meld — the result is a cleaner cut and a more cohesive, flavorful bite.
Avoid Overfilling: A generous spread may seem tempting, but too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open. A thin, even layer ensures tidy pinwheels and balanced flavor distribution.
Herbs and Seasoning Are Transformative: Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) and a touch of garlic or onion powder elevate the simple ingredients into something vibrant and aromatic. Taste and adjust before rolling.
Storage and Freshness: Store the roll ups in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
Serving Temperature Matters: These are best served chilled or slightly cool — too cold, and the flavors dull; too warm, and the filling softens too much. A few minutes at room temperature before serving is ideal.
How to Enjoy Vegetable Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe After Cooking:
Serve Slightly Chilled for Best Texture: After slicing, let the roll ups sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the cream cheese to soften just enough, creating a smooth, creamy bite while keeping the tortillas firm and fresh.
Presentation Matters: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter in concentric circles or colorful layers. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or shredded cheese for an inviting, elegant look — perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Pair with Dips or Sauces: Elevate the flavor by serving with light accompaniments — think ranch dressing, herbed Greek yogurt dip, or a zesty salsa for a fresh contrast. Each dip highlights a different note in the roll ups.
Enjoy as a Versatile Snack or Light Meal: These roll ups work beautifully as an appetizer, lunchbox addition, or mid-afternoon snack. Pair with soup or salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Savor the Layers of Flavor: Take a mindful bite to enjoy how the cool, tangy cream cheese mingles with the crisp bell pepper, sweet carrot, and subtle heat of green onion — each ingredient contributing to a symphony of textures and tastes.
For Next-Day Enjoyment: If you’ve stored leftovers, remove them from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes before eating to bring out the full flavor and creaminess. Serve fresh rather than reheated to maintain the integrity of the vegetables and cheese.
Pairing Ideas: These roll ups pair wonderfully with sparkling water infused with lemon, iced tea, or even a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc if you’re serving them at a casual gathering.
Nutrition Information
YIELDS: 24–28 bite-sized pinwheels | Servings: 6–8 (as an appetizer or snack)
Calories: 165 kcal | Total Fat: 10.8 g | Saturated Fat: 5.3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 190–240 mg (depending on added salt and cheese) | Total Carbohydrates: 10.6 g | Dietary Fiber: 1.2 g | Sugars: 2.1 g | Protein: 6.8 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These roll ups are perfect for meal prep or party prep. You can make them up to 24 hours in advance, tightly wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Slice them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure the vegetables—especially bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli—are patted dry before mixing. Avoid overloading the filling with sour cream or yogurt; stick to the listed quantities so the mixture stays creamy but firm.
Can I use different vegetables or cheeses?
Yes! This recipe is highly flexible. Try spinach, cucumber, or finely chopped cauliflower for a new twist. You can also swap in pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or feta cheese for varied flavor profiles.
What’s the best way to slice the roll ups cleanly?
For neat, even slices, refrigerate the rolls for at least 1 hour before cutting. Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This ensures crisp edges and prevents the filling from smearing.
Can these roll ups be frozen?
It’s best not to freeze them, as the cream cheese mixture may become watery when thawed. However, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days—then assemble and chill the tortillas fresh before serving.
How soft should the cream cheese be before mixing?
The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature—smooth enough to blend easily but not melted. If it’s too firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make mixing easier. This ensures a creamy, lump-free base that spreads evenly across the tortillas.
What type of tortilla works best for roll ups?
Use soft, fresh flour tortillas (10-inch size)—not refrigerated ones that crack or tear easily. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas also work beautifully for added flavor and color contrast. Avoid corn tortillas; they’re too stiff and will break when rolled.
How can I make the filling more flavorful?
For a flavor boost, mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, or add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. A few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the taste without overpowering the vegetables.
My filling is too loose — what should I do?
If your mixture feels runny, add a little extra shredded cheese or a tablespoon of finely crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture. Always ensure the veggies are well-drained and dried before adding them to prevent wateriness.
How can I store leftovers without them drying out?
After slicing, arrange the roll ups in an airtight container and cover them with a slightly damp paper towel before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps retain moisture and keeps the tortillas soft and fresh.