Cucumber pinwheels, or cucumber and cream cheese sandwich rolls, are always a huge hit, no matter where or when you serve them. Great for picnics, bbqs, school or work packed lunches, afternoon tea or even a light dinner!
Originally published August 7th, 2012.
When my daughter had to bring a dish to share with her class in elementary school, these cucumber pinwheels were always the most requested item. Yes, even more than cupcakes!
They are very simple and delicious, and if you like traditional cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, you’ll love these too.
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You’ll need lavash bread, so make sure you can find it (Trader Joe’s carries it in LA) before attempting to make these. It is a traditional, Middle Eastern flatbread (unleavened) and it looks like this:
You may also enjoy this cucumber and ham sandwich!
If you’re having a picnic, check out my wine and bottle picnic sticks on my Amazon page. I saw them at a Shakespeare play and had to have them! They hold a bottle of wine and two glasses when you’re on the grass!
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (Cucumber Pinwheels)
- lavash bread
- several cucumbers, thinly sliced (if you don’t have a mandoline slicer like mine, this is an inexpensive option which I also have)
- cream cheese, at room temperature
- Kosher salt
Special equipment: Sandwich picks. I use these.
First of all, place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt.
Make sure the cucumbers are mixed with the salt, then let drain over the sink for about 10 minutes. Rinse and place on paper towels and dry gently.
Lay a piece of lavash bread on your workspace and spread some cream cheese evenly (as shown in the picture) leaving one of the short ends with some empty space.
Next, layer the cucumber slices over the cream cheese.
Begin rolling the bread by the short end, but not the end with the space. Roll it tightly, not allowing any air gaps to form. I’m taking a photo which is why I’m doing it with one hand, but if you use two hands it’s MUCH easier! :)
Now, cut the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich roll with a sharp bread knife (wipe in between cuts) into 4 equal pieces and secure with a long sandwich pick.
Serve the cucumber pinwheels immediately for best results, or refrigerate, for just a few hours.
The sandwich rolls should be made and eaten within 3 or 4 hours, as the bread will get soggy if left any longer.
These cucumber and cream cheese sandwich rolls are perfect for a summertime lunch, brunch or a picnic outing. I made the cucumber pinwheels you see in the photos to take to the beach in Malibu last week!
Malibu
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- lavash bread
- several cucumbers, thinly sliced (if you don't have a mandoline slicer like mine, this is an inexpensive option which I also have)
- cream cheese, at room temperature
- Kosher salt
- First of all, place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt.
- Make sure the cucumbers are mixed with the salt, then let drain over the sink for about 10 minutes. Rinse and place on paper towels and dry gently.
- Lay a piece of lavash bread on your workspace and spread some cream cheese evenly (as shown in the picture) leaving one of the short ends with some empty space.
- Next, layer the cucumber slices over the cream cheese.
- Begin rolling the bread by the short end, but not the end with the space. Roll it tightly, not allowing any air gaps to form. I'm taking a photo which is why I'm doing it with one hand, but if you use two hands it's MUCH easier! :)
- Cut the cucumber and cream cheese sandwich roll with a sharp bread knife (wipe in between cuts) into 4 equal pieces and secure with a long sandwich pick.
- Serve the cucumber pinwheels immediately for best results, or refrigerate, for just a few hours.
Mimi
wrote on
What fun! They’re like rustic cucumber tea sandwiches
!!
Christina
wrote on
Yes, they are! :)
Valentina
wrote on
Christina, I love, love these! My mom used to always make sandwiches with super thinly sliced cucumbers and cream cheese. These roll are so practical for on-the-go. And if the kids said they’re better than cupcakes . . . well then! :-)
Christina
wrote on
How lovely, Valentina! I bet you must think of your mom when you make them. <3
David
wrote on
We have found so many uses for this Trader Joe’s lavash! But this one is new to me! Lovely flavors and textures in this, Christina!
Christina
wrote on
Yes, so many uses, David, and this is one of my favorites! I sometimes do butter, thin ham, tomato and lettuce, too! YUM!
A_Boleyn
wrote on
Very attractive.
Christina
wrote on
Thank you, they’re tasty, too! :)
Kristine
wrote on
Probably a chive cream cheese would be good also!
Christina
wrote on
Absolutely, Kristine! :)
Cassie
wrote on
Shared with my readers and pointed them here for directions. Thanks for the recipe!
Christina
wrote on
Hi Cassie, thank you. Could you do me two favors and add credit to my photo that you used (something like Photo by Christina Conte or Christina’s Cucina). Also, you’ve put your name as the recipe author instead of mine. Thank you! Christina
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Christine @ myblissfulmess
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Absolutely wonderful! I love cucumbers. They’re so light and refreshing and give that awesome crunch. Love this!
Christina
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Thanks, Christine! I agree, they’re so good!
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Karen
wrote on
I bet thin slices of smoked salmon would be a delicious addition as well
Christina
wrote on
Great idea, Karen! I’m sure you’re right!
Louise
wrote on
I AM IN South Africa. Substitute for Lavesh bread please?? Thankyou. Louise
Christina
wrote on
Hi Louise, I am so sorry, but I would have no idea what to advise you. Lavash is a flatbread with no yeast in it, so if you have something similar there, that should be a good substitute. Good luck! CC
Edith
wrote on
I’m also in South Africa & i tried it with chapatti and they came out well. You can use the chapatti or baked samoosa dough it’s really good.
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Just Jo
wrote on
Ooo what a great idea – I like how you salted then rinsed and dried the cucumbers, that should intensify their flavour nicely. I love cucumber sandwiches in an afternoon tea. Oh now, I’m thinking I need to make these next time I make my Panettone Scones and get the cake stand out! Great recipe, I love it!
Christina
wrote on
The salting also makes them crunchier, Jo! They are very tasty sandwiches! :)
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
wrote on
This is our go-to for a quick and easy lunch. It’s so light and fresh, and perfect for a hot summer day.
Christina
wrote on
absolutely!
Charla @ That Girl Cooks Healthy
wrote on
Never heard of Lavash bread before but this looks so darn tasty, do share!
Christina
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If there is a Trader Joe’s near you, Charla, you should find some there! Good luck, I hope you try it!
Dana
wrote on
These look so fresh and tasty, Christina! I’m definitely going to be whipping up some of these for lunches. Cream cheese and cucumbers are so deliciously creamy and cool. Hnnnggggg… I’m hungry now.
Christina
wrote on
Yes, definitely a creamy and cool lunchtime treat! :)
Donna
wrote on
Oh yum, these sound delicious! I love cucumber and cream cheese together. I will have to keep an eye out for that lavash bread at TJ’s, I haven’t noticed it before!
Christina
wrote on
I really like their lavash as it’s not dry like some others I’ve tried, Donna.
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Peggy Nikolaou
wrote on
I love cream cheese and cucumber, it’s also good with some finely diced radish, poppy seeds and ground pepper mixed with the cheese. Thin slices of pumpernickel work well. These would work so well with the lavish, I wish I was back in Scarborough where any ingredient could be found.
Christina
wrote on
Missed this comment, yes it’s frustrating when you can’t get ingredients you want/need! :(
Sierra
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Where do you find Lavash bread?
Christina
wrote on
I don’t know where you are Sierra, but in the US Trader Joe’s carries it. Any Middle-Eastern market will also have it.
pat
wrote on
Wal Mart carries it. By the deli.
Suzanna
wrote on
Lavash is a traditional Armenian bread, so you may find it in armenian shops.
Shelby
wrote on
Can you use tortilla shells as a substitute for lavash bread?
Christina
wrote on
Hi Shelby, you could use soft tortillas, but because they are round, it will be hard to roll and cut.
Lauren McCann
wrote on
I would say next time, slicing cucumbers horizontally with a knife or on a mandolin may save some time!
Christina
wrote on
That definitely would save time if you were using a mandoline, Lauren! I wouldn’t attempt it with a knife as it’d be too difficult to get the long slices thin enough. Let me know if you try it! :)
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Medeja
wrote on
Easy and yummy! I always like such rolls, you can add whatever you have and that is just great!
Christina
wrote on
very true!!