Roast Beef Horseradish Roll-Ups: A Deliciously Spicy Appetizer

Roast beef horseradish roll-ups are a classic appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or even a quick and satisfying lunch. The combination of thinly sliced roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and a soft tortilla or wrap is simply irresistible. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating these flavorful bites, along with variations and tips to make them your own.

## Why You’ll Love These Roll-Ups

* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these roll-ups come together in minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The bold combination of roast beef and horseradish provides a delightful kick that’s balanced by the creamy sauce.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, using different types of tortillas, cheeses, or even adding vegetables.
* **Perfect for Entertaining:** They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to handle and serve, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare these roll-ups ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

## Ingredients

* **Roast Beef:** 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef (deli-style is perfect)
* **Horseradish Sauce:** 1/2 cup prepared horseradish sauce (adjust to taste depending on your spice preference)
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces softened cream cheese (or Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option)
* **Tortillas or Wraps:** 8-10 large tortillas (flour, whole wheat, or spinach wraps work well)
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Shredded lettuce or spinach
* Sliced tomatoes
* Red onion (thinly sliced)
* Pickles (dill or sweet)
* Cheddar cheese (shredded or sliced)
* Provolone cheese (shredded or sliced)
* Arugula
* Sprouts
* Avocado (thinly sliced)
* Mustard (Dijon, honey mustard, or whole grain)
* Mayonnaise
* Chives (chopped)
* Dill (fresh, chopped)

## Equipment

* Mixing bowl
* Spatula or spoon
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Plastic wrap or airtight container

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Horseradish Cream Cheese Spread:**

* In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and horseradish sauce.
* Mix well until thoroughly combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the amount of horseradish to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less horseradish and add more as needed. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the mixture.

**2. Warm the Tortillas (Optional):**

* Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll. You can warm them in several ways:
* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for a few seconds per side, until pliable. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become brittle.
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for 5-10 minutes.

**3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:**

* Lay a tortilla flat on a clean cutting board or work surface.
* Spread a thin, even layer of the horseradish cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border at the edge. This will prevent the filling from squeezing out when you roll it up.
* Arrange the thinly sliced roast beef over the cream cheese layer, covering most of the tortilla. Don’t overload the tortilla with too much roast beef, as this will make it difficult to roll and could cause it to tear.
* If using any optional add-ins, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or cheese, sprinkle them over the roast beef layer.

**4. Roll the Roll-Ups:**

* Tightly roll up the tortilla, starting from one edge and working your way to the other. Try to keep the roll-up as tight as possible to prevent it from unraveling.

**5. Cut the Roll-Ups:**

* Using a sharp knife, trim off the ends of the roll-up to create clean, even edges.
* Cut the roll-up into 1-inch thick slices. You can cut them thinner or thicker depending on your preference.

**6. Serve:**

* Arrange the roast beef horseradish roll-ups on a serving platter.
* Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

## Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups

* **Use High-Quality Roast Beef:** The quality of the roast beef will significantly impact the flavor of the roll-ups. Opt for thinly sliced, deli-style roast beef from a reputable butcher or deli.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the horseradish. This will ensure a smooth and creamy spread.
* **Don’t Overfill the Tortillas:** Overfilling the tortillas will make them difficult to roll and could cause them to tear. Use a moderate amount of filling for each roll-up.
* **Roll Tightly:** Rolling the tortillas tightly will help them hold their shape and prevent them from unraveling. If you’re having trouble keeping them closed, you can secure them with toothpicks.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the roll-ups for at least 30 minutes before serving will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.
* **Use a Serrated Knife:** A serrated knife will make it easier to cut the roll-ups without squishing the filling.
* **Make Ahead:** These roll-ups can be made ahead of time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Slice just before serving.

## Variations

* **Spicy Roll-Ups:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the horseradish cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or provolone.
* **Sweet and Savory Roll-Ups:** Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the horseradish cream cheese mixture for a sweet and savory flavor combination. You can also add some chopped dried cranberries or apricots.
* **Vegetarian Roll-Ups:** Replace the roast beef with sliced avocado, cucumbers, carrots, and sprouts for a vegetarian option. Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
* **Italian Roll-Ups:** Use provolone cheese, sliced salami, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired twist. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
* **Mexican Roll-Ups:** Add some shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired variation. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
* **Turkey Roll-Ups:** Substitute the roast beef with thinly sliced turkey breast for a lighter option.
* **Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups:** Use ham and your favorite cheese for a simple and satisfying roll-up.
* **Use Different Spreads:** Experiment with different spreads like hummus, pesto, or even flavored cream cheese.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a quick and easy meal.
* Serve them as a snack on game day.
* Offer them as part of a buffet spread.
* Pair them with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
* Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or horseradish aioli.

## Storage

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the tortillas may become soggy.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tortillas and cream cheese may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* (Per roll-up, without add-ins): Calories: approximately 150-200, depending on the thickness of the roast beef and the size of the tortilla. Carbs: 10-15g, Protein: 10-15g, Fat: 8-12g.

*(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)*

## Tips for Adjusting Horseradish Flavor:

* **Start Small:** Begin with a small amount of horseradish (1-2 teaspoons per 4 ounces of cream cheese) and gradually add more to reach your desired level of spiciness.
* **Different Types of Horseradish:** Prepared horseradish comes in different strengths. Cream-style horseradish is generally milder than straight horseradish. Consider the type you are using when adjusting the flavor.
* **Fresh Horseradish:** If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use fresh horseradish root. Be careful, as it’s significantly more potent than prepared horseradish. Grate it finely and add it to the cream cheese mixture a little at a time.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the spiciness of the horseradish and brighten the overall flavor.
* **Sugar/Honey:** A tiny amount of sugar or honey can also help tame the heat and create a more balanced flavor profile.

## Troubleshooting:

* **Roll-ups are falling apart:** Make sure you are rolling the tortillas tightly. If they still won’t stay closed, secure them with toothpicks. You can also try chilling them for a longer period of time before serving.
* **Tortillas are tearing:** Warm the tortillas before rolling to make them more pliable. If they are still tearing, you may be using too much filling.
* **Horseradish flavor is too strong:** Add more cream cheese or a tablespoon of sour cream to dilute the horseradish flavor. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar.
* **Roll-ups are soggy:** Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the roast beef or other ingredients before assembling the roll-ups. Avoid making them too far in advance, as the tortillas can absorb moisture from the filling over time.

## Conclusion

Roast beef horseradish roll-ups are a versatile and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe and its variations, you’re sure to find a combination that suits your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy these flavorful bites!