Save to Pinterest Festive Holiday Snack Sushi Rolls are a vibrant, bite-sized treat featuring colorful vegetables and festive flavors, designed especially for seasonal gatherings and parties. These sushi rolls combine classic Japanese techniques with playful holiday presentation for a truly unique appetizer.
I first made these sushi rolls for our annual holiday party and they became the highlight of the snack table. Each roll is easy to customize with favorite veggies and festive garnishes, making them fun for friends and family to assemble together.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice, 1 1/4 cups water, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Fillings: 1/2 small red bell pepper (julienned), 1/2 small yellow bell pepper (julienned), 1/2 small cucumber (julienned), 1 small carrot (peeled, julienned), 1/2 ripe avocado (sliced), 2 tbsp pickled ginger (chopped), 2 tbsp cream cheese or vegan cream cheese (optional)
- Assembly: 6 sheets nori (seaweed), 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, soy sauce or tamari (for serving), wasabi and extra pickled ginger (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Season Rice:
- Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into the warm rice and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Set Up Nori:
- Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat. With damp hands, spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
- Add Sesame Seeds:
- Sprinkle a mixture of black and white sesame seeds over the rice.
- Add Fillings:
- Arrange a colorful line of bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, avocado, pickled ginger, and cream cheese (if using) across the bottom third of the rice.
- Roll Sushi:
- Roll the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, sealing the edge with a little water.
- Slice Rolls:
- Slice each roll into 4 pieces with a sharp, damp knife for clean cuts.
- Serve:
- Arrange rolls on a festive platter. Serve with soy sauce or tamari, wasabi, and extra pickled ginger.
Save to Pinterest When everyone gathers in the kitchen to make these sushi rolls together, it quickly turns into a festive holiday tradition of its own. Kids especially love choosing their fillings, while adults appreciate the colorful, healthy snack option.
Required Tools
Bamboo sushi rolling mat, sharp knife, small saucepan, and mixing bowls are essential for smooth preparation and neat rolling.
Allergen Information
Contains soy in the soy sauce and cream cheese, and sesame. If using regular cream cheese, dairy is included. This can be fully gluten-free by choosing tamari and gluten-free cream cheese. Always double-check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (4 pieces) provides about 130 calories, 3 g total fat, 24 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein—making these rolls a light, flavorful holiday snack.
Save to Pinterest Add a sprinkle of chives or microgreens just before serving for extra holiday sparkle. These sushi rolls pair perfectly with sparkling wine or green tea, bringing a festive touch to any snack table.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls a few hours in advance. Keep them covered and chilled until ready to serve for best freshness.
- → Is there a vegan version available?
Absolutely. Use vegan cream cheese or omit it entirely, and ensure the other fillings are plant-based for a vegan-friendly snack.
- → How do I achieve clean slices without squashing the rolls?
Use a sharp knife moistened with water. Wipe between cuts to keep slices neat and avoid sticking.
- → What are some festive garnishes I can add?
Try microgreens, finely chopped chives, roasted pepper strips, or blanched asparagus for celebration-worthy presentation.
- → Can I use regular soy sauce if gluten-free is not required?
Yes, soy sauce can be used unless you're accommodating a gluten-free diet. Both soy sauce and tamari pair well with these rolls.
- → Are there options for adding seafood?
Add cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a non-vegetarian twist. Layer seafood alongside the vegetable fillings.