The holiday season is all about coming together, and what better way to celebrate than with Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups? These delightful appetizers are a quick solution for festive gatherings, effortlessly marrying tart cranberries with a creamy filling all wrapped up in soft tortillas. Not only are they a breeze to whip up ahead of time, but they also offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The refreshing crunch from fresh herbs adds a delightful twist, tantalizing your taste buds and elevating your holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a lively holiday party, these roll ups provide a sophisticated touch that will keep everyone coming back for more. Curious about how to create these delicious bites that will steal the spotlight at your next festive gathering? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are These Roll Ups a Must-Try?

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these roll ups in no time, making them a hassle-free addition to your holiday menu.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them up to 24 hours in advance! Just wrap and refrigerate for stress-free entertaining.

Creamy, Dreamy Filling: The blend of cream cheese and feta creates a velvety filling that perfectly complements the tart cranberries.

Versatile Flavor: Feel free to substitute ingredients—swap feta for goat cheese, or explore different herbs for a personalized twist!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Their vibrant colors and festive appeal will impress your guests, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. For more ideas on appetizers, check out our delicious Cheese Fatayer Savory pockets or Spanish-inspired rolls for a fuller spread!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Ingredients

For the Creamy Filling
• Crumbled Feta Cheese – Adds tanginess and flavor; sheep’s milk feta is recommended for best taste.
• Softened Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy base for the filling; ensure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
• Dried Cranberries – Provide sweetness and a burst of flavor; use sweetened variety for balance.
• Chopped Fresh Chives – Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor; can be replaced with green onions if preferred.

For the Wrap
• Large Flour Tortillas – Serve as the wrapping, holding the filling together; any large tortillas can be substituted.

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are not only a delightful treat but also a breeze to make, perfect for your holiday gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth. This step ensures a creamy base for your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. Next, gently fold in 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup of dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives until everything is well incorporated and vibrant.

Step 2: Spread the Filling
Lay 2 large flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula, spread an even layer of the creamy filling across each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. This helps prevent overflow when rolling. Ensure the filling is spread evenly and covers as much surface area as possible to maximize flavor in your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups.

Step 3: Roll the Tortillas
Carefully lift one edge of the tortilla and start rolling it tightly away from you, maintaining the filling inside. As you roll, apply gentle pressure to form a firm log shape. Repeat this process with the second tortilla. This step is crucial to achieving well-formed Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups that hold their shape while chilling.

Step 4: Chill the Roll Ups
Once rolled, wrap each tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. This chilling step ensures that your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are easy to slice and have a cohesive flavor profile, making them even more delightful.

Step 5: Slice the Roll Ups
After chilling, carefully unwrap the tortilla logs from the plastic wrap. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each log into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. This slicing technique ensures clean cuts, revealing the beautiful layers of filling in your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, perfect for presenting at your holiday gatherings.

Step 6: Arrange and Serve
Finally, arrange the sliced pinwheels on a festive serving platter, displaying their colorful layers. If desired, garnish with additional chopped chives or cranberries for an extra festive touch. These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are now ready to be enjoyed by your guests, making them a delightful addition to your holiday celebration!

What to Serve with Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Elevate your festive gatherings by pairing these holiday delights with a variety of complementary flavors and textures.

Warm Spinach-Artichoke Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip that brings richness to your appetizer spread; perfect for scooping with crispy chips.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie, gouda, and sharp cheddar to enhance the savory and sweet notes, creating a delightful balance.
Crisp Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and bell pepper sticks provide a refreshing crunch, lightening the richness of the roll ups and adding vibrant color to your table.
Holiday Fruit Salad: A fruity medley with pomegranate seeds and citrus offers a refreshing contrast, making every bite burst with bright, zesty flavor.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This bubbly beverage adds a festive touch, with its sweet notes complementing the savory cranberry filling beautifully.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty treats create a fun twist, satisfying cravings for something indulgent to round out the festive snacking experience.
Miniature Meatballs: Serve with a tangy dip for a hearty option, providing a savory companion that contrasts the sweeter aspects of the roll ups.
Chocolate Mousse Cups: End on a sweet note with rich chocolate mousse, offering a silky finish to your holiday platter.

Mix and match these delightful pairings to create a memorable celebration bursting with flavor and joy!

Expert Tips for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Filling Control: Avoid overfilling the tortillas; keep to about 1/2 cup each for easy rolling and neat presentation.
Chill Time Matters: Refrigerate roll ups for at least 1 hour to firm them up; this helps maintain their shape during slicing.
Perfect Slicing: Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts; this way, you’ll avoid squishing your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups!
Taste Check: Always taste your creamy filling before spreading. Adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a delightful blend of flavors.
Herb Substitutions: Feel free to swap chives with other herbs like parsley or dill for a unique twist that matches your palate!

Make Ahead Options

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance; simply roll and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their delightful taste and texture. To ensure the quality remains intact, keep the filling even (around 1/2 cup per tortilla) and slice just before serving. When you’re ready to impress your guests, simply unwrap, slice into pinwheels, and arrange on a platter. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade holiday appetizers ready with minimal last-minute effort!

How to Store and Freeze Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Fridge: Keep the roll ups wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container; they can last for up to 3 days while maintaining their fresh flavor and texture.

Freezer: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, freeze the wrapped roll ups for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.

Reheating: While best served cold, you can gently reheat sliced pinwheels in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you prefer them warmed.

Make-Ahead Tip: Feel free to prepare the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring you have stress-free festivities!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups: Your Personal Touch

These mouthwatering roll ups can be easily customized to suit your taste, ensuring everyone finds their favorite flavor!

Cheese Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different tang and smoothness. This simple change enhances the flavor profile and gives a delightful twist.
Herb Variety: Try using fresh basil or cilantro in place of chives. This adds a unique freshness that transforms the dish with aromatic depth.
Sweetness Kick: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the filling for an extra layer of sweetness. This accentuates the tartness of the cranberries beautifully!
Crunchy Texture: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch. Their nutty taste complements the creaminess and brings extra texture to each bite.
Spicy Zing: Kick up the heat by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This exciting addition will awaken the taste buds at your holiday gatherings!
Tortilla Variety: Use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for a pop of color and flavor. These options not only look festive but also contribute unique tastes to the roll ups.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or avocado spread. This variation makes it accessible for those following a dairy-free diet.
Serving Suggestion: Serve your roll ups with a side of tangy cranberry dipping sauce for an additional flavor burst. A perfect pairing, reminiscent of classic holiday tastes!

For more creative ideas, explore our enticing Cranberry Orange Bundt as a sweet treat or our delightful Biscoff Cookie Rolls for a unique spin on dessert!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, use sweetened dried cranberries. These will provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Be on the lookout for cranberries that are plump and have no dark spots—those can indicate they’re overly dried out!

What is the best way to store leftover roll ups?
You can keep the roll ups wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will maintain their fresh flavor and texture. Just remember to slice them before serving if you haven’t already!

Can I freeze the roll ups for later use?
Definitely! If you’d like to prepare these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time, they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Simply wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy later, thaw them in the fridge overnight before slicing.

What should I do if my roll ups are difficult to slice?
If you find slicing challenging, it may be due to the roll ups being too warm or not chilled long enough. I recommend chilling them for at least 2 hours; this will help firm them up for cleaner cuts. Also, using a sharp serrated knife will help you slice through easily without squishing the roll ups.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re making these for guests, consider common allergies like dairy from the cream and feta cheeses. You could substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and a nut-based cheese if needed. Additionally, check for gluten sensitivities with the tortillas; you can find great gluten-free alternatives that work just as well!

Can pets eat any of the ingredients used in the roll ups?
It’s best not to share these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups with pets, as ingredients like garlic chives (if used) and dairy aren’t suitable for many animals. Always consult your vet if you have questions about sharing food with your furry friends!