Introduction
Picture
this: a platter of gorgeous, pinwheel appetizers that look like you spent hours
in the kitchen, but secretly came together in mere minutes. That’s the magic of
these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! They are the ultimate
trifecta: creamy, tangy, and bursting with festive flavor and color. I
have a fun little tradition in our house – we call these our "Holiday
Helper" because they’ve saved me from more than one last-minute "I
need an appetizer to bring!" panic. The brilliant red from the cranberries
and green from the chives just screams Christmas cheer, making them the
prettiest addition to any holiday spread. What makes this dish so special is
its incredible simplicity. With no cooking required and a quick 20-minute prep
time, it’s a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. It’s a recipe that even
the kids can help assemble, making it a truly family-friendly activity. If you
loved the ease of my Cranberry Brie Bites, you’re going to adore
this even simpler, no-bake cousin. Get ready to become the appetizer hero of
every holiday gathering this year!
What is
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups?
So, why the
name "Roll Ups"? It’s not exactly a mysterious culinary term, I know!
But have you ever noticed how something as simple as rolling up a tortilla
suddenly transforms it from a humble wrap into a fancy, sliceable party food?
It’s a bit of kitchen magic, really. We take a creamy, dreamy filling, slather
it on a soft tortilla, and give it a little roll—voilà! You’ve created
elegant little spirals that are as fun to eat as they are to make. I like to
think of them as the edible version of a Christmas present; the real gift is
inside! And let's be honest, the way to everyone's heart during the holidays is
through their stomach, and these roll-ups are a direct path to pure joy. So,
let’s get rolling and make some magic happen!
Why
You’ll Love This Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
You are
going to be absolutely smitten with this recipe, and here’s why:
- The Ultimate No-Bake Party
Star: The
star of the show is undoubtedly the incredible, creamy filling. The
combination of fluffy, tangy cream cheese and salty, crumbly feta creates
a rich base that is perfectly balanced by the sweet and chewy pop of dried
cranberries and the fresh, mild onion kick from the chives. Every single
bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have your
guests begging for the recipe.
- Incredibly Wallet-Friendly: Let’s talk value. For the
cost of a few simple ingredients, you can create an impressive platter
that looks and tastes gourmet. Compared to buying pre-made appetizers from
the store, which are often loaded with preservatives, making these at home
saves you money and ensures you’re serving fresh, high-quality food to
your loved ones.
- A Festive Flavor Fiesta: The toppings and
ingredients are what make this dish so special. The vibrant red
cranberries and green chives aren’t just for flavor—they provide that
classic Christmas color palette that makes your table look so festive.
It’s a simple, yet stunning, visual feast. If you're a fan of these sweet
and savory combos, you simply must try my Holiday Charcuterie
Board for more pairing inspiration.
Ready to
make the easiest, most delicious appetizer of your holiday season? Let’s dive
into the recipe!
How to
Make Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Quick
Overview
This recipe
is the definition of easy, delicious, and satisfying. In about 20 minutes of
active prep time (plus a short chill), you’ll have a stunning appetizer
featuring a luxuriously creamy cheese filling packed with sweet cranberries and
fresh chives, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and sliced into perfect, pretty
pinwheels.
Key
Ingredients for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- 8
ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1
cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3
cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1
1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 4 large flour tortillas (10
inches each)
(Image:
A high-quality, well-lit photo showing a small bowl of fluffy cream cheese, a
bowl of crumbled feta, a pile of vibrant red dried cranberries, freshly chopped
chives, and soft flour tortillas all arranged together.)
Step-by-Step
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a hand
mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the cream cheese until it’s fluffy and
completely smooth. This crucial first step makes it much easier to blend in the
other ingredients and guarantees a silky, lump-free filling that spreads like a
dream.
Step 2:
Mix the Ingredients
To the bowl with the beaten cream cheese, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped
fresh chives, and dried cranberries. Now, mix everything together thoroughly
until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and you have a uniform,
pink-speckled spread. This ensures that every single bite you take is packed
with flavor.
Step 3:
Spread and Roll
Lay one of the large flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Take a generous
portion of the cream cheese mixture and spread it in a thin, even layer across
the entire surface of the tortilla, all the way to the edges. Once covered,
start at one end and tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape. Repeat with
the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4:
Chill and Slice
Individually wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap. This step
is key—it helps the roll keep its shape and prevents the outside from drying
out. Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour,
or until they are firm. This makes slicing clean, neat rounds so much easier.
When you're ready to serve, unwrap the logs and use a sharp serrated knife to
slice them into ½-inch to 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a beautiful
platter and watch them disappear!
What to
Serve Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups With
These
roll-ups are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine as part of a larger
holiday spread! Here are a few pairing ideas:
- With Soups: Serve them alongside a
warm, creamy bowl of tomato basil soup or a hearty chicken tortilla soup
for a comforting meal.
- On a Charcuterie Board: Tuck a few pinwheels onto
your holiday cheese and charcuterie board for a delightful, colorful
addition.
- With Other Appetizers: Pair them with other
festive finger foods like mini sausage balls, bacon-wrapped dates, or a
simple veggie platter.
- Festive Drinks: They pair wonderfully
with a crisp glass of Prosecco, a festive Christmas Margarita, or even a
simple mug of sparkling cider for the kids.
Top Tips
for Perfecting Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Softening Cream Cheese is
Non-Negotiable: Truly
softened cream cheese is the secret to a smooth, spreadable filling. Take
it out of the fridge at least an hour beforehand. For a quick method, you
can microwave it on a plate for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt
it.
- Get a Tight Roll: When rolling, use gentle
but firm pressure to get a tight log. If the first bit is loose, unroll it
and try again—a tight start means a tight roll all the way through.
- Use a Serrated Knife: For the cleanest slices
that don’t squish the beautiful spiral, a sharp serrated bread knife is
your best friend. Use a gentle sawing motion.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to get
creative! Try using goat cheese instead of feta, or add in some finely
chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. A teaspoon of orange zest
would also be lovely with the cranberries.
Storing
and Reheating Tips
Storing: These roll-ups are best made
ahead! You can store the unsliced, plastic-wrapped logs in the refrigerator for
up to 2 days before slicing and serving. Once sliced, arrange them in a single
layer in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. They will keep
well for 1-2 days, though the tortilla may soften slightly.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing
the assembled roll-ups, as the tortillas can become soggy and the texture of
the cream cheese can change upon thawing. For the best taste and texture, enjoy
them fresh.
Reheating: These are meant to be served
cold! No reheating is needed or recommended.
Nutrition
Facts (Estimated for the entire recipe):
Calories: 1500-1700 | Protein: 35-45g | Fat: 80-90g | Carbohydrates: 180-200g
