Low Carb/Keto Cream Cheese Roll-ups (Pinwheels)

It's almost a new year and for many of us that means new resolutions. According to Inc.com, the top 3 resolutions last year were: eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight. Sounds about right.

It usually takes the first two to accomplish the third. And for me, the best dietary approach to promote weight loss is to shed carbohydrates.

Finding a low carb snack or appetizer can be a real challenge. Which makes this one a winner! Keto friendly without any artificial sweeteners. It'll please the keto AND non-keto folks alike!

Low Carb and Keto

Low-carb diets have been around for a while. But "keto" takes it to a whole 'nother level. In the past, I avoided keto diets. My impression was that they were a version of Atkins, with an emphasis on bacon and red meat. However, there are many variations on the keto diet that can help each of us customize to personal preference.

So for the next few weeks I will be posting some low carb/keto options for appetizers and other dishes. You might find, as I did, that it's actually quite easy to lower carbs with just simple substitutions. 🤓

Appetizers made low carb

Appetizers can seem challenging in low-carb world. I think I've posted a couple dozen dip recipes that say "serve with crackers or chips." But with a thoughtful approach, low-carb appetizers are actually very easy to produce and just as delicious as their carb-heavy cousins.

Today's appetizer is a great example requiring just a few ingredients.

We've all had the roll-ups/pinwheels that start with a soft tortilla and use ham, cream cheese and pickles, right? This version simply eliminates the tortilla. I made my cream cheese pinwheels with multiple types of meat and filling just to provide some variety. All were a big hit. 😀

(looking for more low carb appetizers? Check out these zucchini pizza bites for another yummy choice!)

How to make cream cheese pinwheels (roll-ups)

To start, get some nice big slices of deli ham (or turkey, or roast beef). To each slice, spread on a couple tablespoons of whipped cream cheese.

I used chive flavored and whipped because it's much easier to spread.

Then, I added a little chopped dill pickle or avocado slice to the end - this is where the rolling begins.

Neatly roll up the meat and place it on a plate with the seam side down.

Once all the rolls are made, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then cut the rolls into one-inch pieces and place on the serving plate cut side up.

Serve with toothpicks, but don't be surprised if people just dive in with their fingers! (My personal favorites were the ones with avocado- YUM!)

You can also make these with whole pickles, if you can find the petite sized pickles. Just line up the pickles and roll per usual.