If you’re searching for a delightful appetizer that brings both festive charm and irresistible flavor, look no further than these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. This dish beautifully balances creamy, tangy, and sweet elements in every bite, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite holiday tradition that guests will rave about all season long.

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each playing a vital role in boosting the taste, texture, and vibrant holiday spirit of the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups.

8 ounces softened cream cheese: The creamy base that brings everything together with a smooth and rich texture.

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a tangy, slightly salty punch that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of cranberries.
1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor along with a pop of green color to brighten the dish.

1 1/2 cups dried cranberries: The star of this recipe, lending a sweet, tart burst that’s just perfect for holiday flair.
4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each): The soft, pliable canvas to roll all these wonderful flavors into neat, easy-to-eat bites.

How to Make Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Begin by placing your softened cream cheese into a small bowl and beating it until it’s fluffy and smooth. This simple step is key because it ensures your filling will have that luscious, creamy texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Now add the crumbled feta, chopped chives, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the creamy base. Mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. This creates a uniform filling so every slice of your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bursts with consistent, delicious flavor.

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Take each tortilla and spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface. Don’t be shy here—the goal is to have a balanced taste in each bite. Once spread, roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. This ensures that all the tasty ingredients stay tucked inside, creating tidy, eye-pleasing rolls.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Wrap each rolled tortilla snugly in plastic wrap to keep its shape and prevent drying out. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up the rolls, making slicing easier and cleaner. When ready, unwrap and cut the logs into even slices. Arrange these beautiful rounds on a platter and get ready to impress your guests!

How to Serve Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Garnishes

Enhance the festive look of your roll ups by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives on top or a few extra dried cranberries. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also add a subtle kick that complements the creaminess. These simple touches bring vibrant color and an inviting aroma to the dish.

Side Dishes

Serve these roll ups alongside a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Roasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, make a great crunchy companion. If you want to round out the spread, include a cheese board with complementary flavors to keep the palette interested and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups shine on a festive platter adorned with fresh rosemary sprigs or holly leaves for that seasonal touch. You can also thread the slices onto cocktail picks for easy finger food at holiday parties. For a unique twist, serve them stacked in layers with alternating colors of cranberry and chive for a visually striking centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once prepared, these roll ups store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the tortillas from drying out. They’re perfect for making ahead before those busy holiday gatherings.

Freezing

While these roll ups are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze them if needed. Wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. Just keep in mind the texture of the cranberries might soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

Since this appetizer is typically served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary and not recommended. The fresh flavors and creamy texture are at their best chilled, making them an ideal cold snack or starter.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta adds a tangy sharpness that works beautifully, you can substitute goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier alternative. Just keep the texture in mind to maintain the perfect spreadable filling.

Are these roll ups gluten-free?

Not as written, since flour tortillas contain gluten. However, you can absolutely use gluten-free tortillas to make the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Yes, chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can be stirred into the cream cheese mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension. Just be sure to mention any nut allergies to your guests.

How far in advance can I prepare these roll ups?

You can make these up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them tightly wrapped and chilled until serving time to ensure they stay fresh and firm, making your holiday prep easier and more relaxed.

What’s the best way to slice the roll ups?

Use a sharp knife and slice gently to keep the rounds intact. Removing excess filling from the knife between slices can help prevent sticking and maintain neat, beautiful bite-sized pieces perfect for presentation.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to add these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups to your holiday menu. They bring a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, sweet, and fresh flavors that are sure to wow your family and friends. Easy to make and stunning to serve, they’re a festive treat that will keep everyone coming back for more. Give them a try and watch these simple ingredients come alive with holiday spirit!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 16 roll-up slices (approximately 4 slices per tortilla) 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, tangy feta, fresh chives, and sweet dried cranberries all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a festive burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation that’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

Wrap

4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each)

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Start by placing the cream cheese in a small bowl and beat it until it’s fluffy and smooth. This ensures a creamy texture and makes it easier to mix in the other ingredients uniformly.
Mix the Ingredients: Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh chives, and dried cranberries to the beaten cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined and you have a smooth, flavorful spread.

Spread and Roll: Lay each tortilla flat and evenly spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface to ensure balanced flavor in every bite. Then, tightly roll up each tortilla into a log shape to keep the filling secure and create neat slices later.
Chill and Slice: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to keep its shape and prevent drying. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the rolls firm up. After chilling, remove the plastic wrap and slice the rolls into your desired thickness. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.

Use fresh cranberries if preferred, but soak and sweeten them to balance the tartness before use.
These roll ups can be prepared a day in advance and stored wrapped in the refrigerator.
Adjust the thickness of slices based on your preference for bite size servings.

Can be served as finger food or as part of a snack platter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Category: Appetizer
Method: No-cook preparation, cold assembly
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 slices (1 tortilla worth)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g

Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g

Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cranberry roll ups, cream cheese appetizer, holiday party food, savory roll ups