Ladies, have I got a game-changer for you today! These Keto Spinach and Bacon Cream Cheese Roll Ups have become my absolute lifesaver for staying on track with low-carb eating without feeling deprived. The first time I brought these to my book club, they disappeared in minutes β even among my friends who aren’t following keto! There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and tangy cream cheese all wrapped up in a perfectly portable package. Trust me, these little rolled beauties are about to become your new favorite snack, lunch, or even party appetizer. They’re ridiculously easy to make but look so impressive β like you spent hours in the kitchen (our little secret)!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These roll-ups are perfectly portable β ideal for lunch boxes, road trips, or quick snacks on busy days.
- With less than 2g of carbs per roll-up, they’re a keto dream come true!
- The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prep a batch for the entire week.
- They’re endlessly customizable with different herbs, spices, and add-ins to keep things interesting.
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups Base:
- Cream cheese β opt for full-fat for the best keto macros and creamiest texture.
- Fresh spinach β provides nutrients, color, and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with everything else.
- Bacon β adds that irresistible smoky crunch factor (choose thick-cut for extra texture).
- Cheddar cheese β adds richness and helps bind everything together.
For the Seasoning:
- Garlic powder β infuses the cream cheese with savory depth.
- Onion powder β adds subtle sweetness without the carbs.
- Fresh chives β brings bright, fresh flavor and pretty specks of green.
- Red pepper flakes β just enough for a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Sea salt and black pepper β the essentials that make all the other flavors pop.
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced jalapeΓ±os β perfect if you like a spicy kick.
- Diced bell peppers β adds color and a sweet crunch.
- Everything bagel seasoning β for a flavor that mimics your pre-keto bagel days!
The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Keto Spinach Bacon Cream Cheese Rolls
- Prep your workspace: Start by laying out all your ingredients within easy reach. This recipe comes together quickly once you get going!
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Remember, floppy bacon is sad bacon β we want that satisfying crunch! Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease and cool enough to handle.
- Prep the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese either by leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwaving it for 20-30 seconds. You want it soft and easily spreadable, but not melted.
- Mix the filling: Add garlic powder, onion powder, chopped chives, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the softened cream cheese. Mix until well combined and all those wonderful flavors are evenly distributed. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the spinach: Wash your spinach leaves and pat them completely dry β this is crucial to prevent soggy roll-ups! Remove any tough stems.
- Assemble your roll-ups: Lay out a large spinach leaf (or overlap smaller ones to create a bigger surface). Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the leaf, leaving a small border around the edges. Place a piece of crispy bacon on top.
- Roll it up: Starting from one end, carefully roll the spinach leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, like you’re making a tiny burrito. The cream cheese will act as the “glue” to hold everything together.
- Chill to set: Place the completed roll-ups seam-side down on a plate or baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow them to firm up and for the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve: For prettier presentation, use a sharp knife to cut each roll-up into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. Or leave them whole for a more substantial snack or lunch option!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
For the crispiest bacon that won’t get soggy in your roll-ups, cook it until it’s just past your normal preference β it will soften slightly as it sits with the cream cheese.
If your spinach leaves are too small or tear easily, try blanching them for just 5 seconds in boiling water, then immediately shocking in ice water. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
The cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to develop even more. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading.
For the cleanest cuts, stick your fully assembled roll-ups in the freezer for about 10 minutes before slicing β this firms everything up just enough for picture-perfect pieces!
How to Serve
These roll-ups are absolutely perfect for a grab-and-go lunch alongside a handful of cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a complete meal that requires zero reheating.
For a keto-friendly party appetizer, arrange the sliced roll-ups on a platter with wooden toothpicks for easy grabbing. Add some olives, cheese cubes, and nuts to create an impressive low-carb grazing board.
If you’re feeling fancy, serve them with a side of homemade ranch or avocado dipping sauce for an extra flavor dimension that’ll make your taste buds sing!
These also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread β the bright green of the spinach looks beautiful alongside deviled eggs and other keto-friendly morning favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make ahead options: These roll-ups actually benefit from being made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 24 hours in advance.
Refrigerator: Store your completed roll-ups in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While technically you can freeze these, I don’t recommend it as the texture of the cream cheese and spinach can change upon thawing. These are best enjoyed fresh!
Meal prep tip: To streamline your week, prep a big batch of the cream cheese filling on Sunday, then assemble fresh roll-ups each morning or as needed. This keeps the spinach at its crisp best while still saving you precious time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh spinach is definitely preferred for its texture and rollability, you can adapt this recipe using frozen spinach in a pinch. The key is properly draining it first! Thaw your frozen spinach completely, then squeeze out every last drop of moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Rather than making traditional roll-ups, you’ll mix the well-drained chopped spinach directly into your cream cheese mixture along with crumbled bacon. Then you can form this into a cheese ball or spread for low-carb crackers or cucumber slices. The flavor will be there, even if the presentation is different!
How can I make these dairy-free while keeping them keto-friendly?
Great question! For dairy-free friends who still want to enjoy these keto gems, substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from nuts (typically almond or cashew-based). Brands like Kite Hill work wonderfully here. For the cheddar cheese, there are several coconut oil-based vegan shredded cheese options that melt reasonably well. Just check the carb counts, as some plant-based products add starches that might increase the carb content slightly. You might need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of dairy-free alternatives, so don’t be afraid to boost the herbs and spices!
My roll-ups keep falling apart. What am I doing wrong?
Don’t worry β we’ve all been there with floppy roll-ups! The most common culprit is excess moisture in your spinach leaves. Make absolutely sure they’re patted completely dry before assembling. Another trick is not overfilling them β start with less filling than you think you need (about 1-1.5 tablespoons) until you get the hang of it. Room temperature cream cheese (not too cold, not melted) spreads more easily without tearing the leaves. Lastly, if your spinach leaves are particularly small or fragile, try overlapping two leaves slightly to create a stronger base. And remember that chilling the assembled roll-ups for at least 30 minutes helps everything set up and stay together!
Can I make these ahead for a party this weekend?
These roll-ups are absolutely perfect for make-ahead party planning! For the freshest results when serving to guests, I recommend making them no more than 24 hours in advance. Store them whole (unsliced) in the refrigerator, wrapped in parchment paper and then plastic wrap to maintain freshness without crushing them. Wait to slice them into bite-sized pieces until about an hour before your party β this prevents the cut edges from drying out. If you need to prepare further in advance, make the cream cheese filling up to 3 days ahead and store it separately, then assemble the roll-ups the day before your event. Your guests will never know they weren’t made minutes before they arrived!
Keto Spinach Bacon Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or Tray for Chilling
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened, full-fat
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
For the Roll-Ups
- 12 large spinach leaves washed and dried
- 12 slices bacon cooked crispy
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Lay out a spinach leaf (or overlap two if small). Spread about 1β2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture evenly over the leaf.
- Place a crispy bacon strip on top of the filling. Roll tightly, burrito-style, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Place seam-side down on a plate or tray. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Chill roll-ups for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Slice into 1-inch pieces or serve whole.