Pin It Festive Holiday Snack Sushi Rolls are a vibrant, bite-sized sushi option featuring an array of colorful vegetables and festive flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, they bring a cheerful touch to any appetizer or snack table.
I first made these sushi rolls for a family New Year celebration and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared from the platter. Even family members who had never tried sushi before loved the combination of fresh veggies and tangy sushi rice.
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 and 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
- Cook the Sushi Rice:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and water in saucepan, bring to boil, cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Season and Cool Rice:
- Whisk rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into warm rice and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Nori Sheets:
- Place a nori sheet shiny side down on bamboo mat. With damp hands, spread thin layer of rice, leaving 1-inch border at top edge.
- Add Sesame Seeds:
- Sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over rice.
- Add Fillings:
- Arrange bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, avocado, pickled ginger, and cream cheese (if using) in a line across bottom third of rice.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll sushi tightly using bamboo mat, seal edge with little water. Slice each roll into 4 pieces with sharp, damp knife.
- Serve:
- Arrange rolls on festive platter. Serve with soy sauce or tamari, wasabi, and extra pickled ginger.
Pin It This recipe is a tradition at our holiday gatherings, where everyone gets involved—kids love helping fill and roll the sushi. It is always a joyful, hands-on experience that sparks laughter and togetherness.
Holiday Garnish Ideas
For extra festive color, try adding roasted red pepper strips or blanched asparagus inside each roll, and top finished rolls with chopped chives or microgreens.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your sushi rolls with sparkling wine for grown-ups or delicious green tea for everyone. Arrange on a decorative platter for an appealing presentation.
Allergen Information
Contains soy in soy sauce and possibly cream cheese. Contains sesame. Dairy is present if using regular cream cheese. Use tamari and vegan cream cheese for a gluten-free and dairy-free option.
Pin It Enjoy these cheerful sushi rolls at your next holiday party—they are sure to be a hit with all ages and make a delightful centerpiece to any festive feast.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, simply omit regular cream cheese or use vegan cream cheese, and ensure sauces are vegan-friendly.
- → Which vegetables work best for festive colors?
Red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, and avocado all provide vibrant hues and crisp textures.
- → How do I keep rolls from falling apart?
Use a bamboo mat and apply gentle, even pressure when rolling. Seal with a dab of water to secure the edge.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cream cheese for a gluten-free version.
- → What pairs well with these sushi rolls?
Green tea, sparkling wine, or light Japanese appetizers such as edamame make excellent pairings.
- → Can I add seafood?
Cooked shrimp or smoked salmon can be added for a non-vegetarian variation, making each roll more hearty.