Name: Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 8 oz 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-inch)

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If you’re searching for something both festive and irresistibly delicious to grace your holiday table, look no further than these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups. Imagine creamy, tangy cheese mingling with bursts of sweet-tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla and sliced into pretty pinwheels. This clever little appetizer strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, comes together in no time, and never fails to steal the show—whether at a holiday potluck or your family’s Christmas Eve gathering. Bring these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups anywhere, and watch them disappear in minutes!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of ingredients, these roll-ups are as simple as they are festive. Each element contributes something special: creamy tang, pop of color, or that addictive sweet-salty contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Cream cheese: The rich, silky base that brings all the flavors together and gives the filling its luscious texture.
Feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a salty punch and irresistibly creamy tang that elevates the filling above ordinary.
Fresh chives, chopped: Lively green flecks that cut through the richness and deliver a subtle oniony bite.
Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart bursts dotted throughout each bite, giving these roll-ups their holiday flair and gorgeous pop of color.
Large flour tortillas (10-inch): Soft and flexible, perfect for rolling and slicing into those beautiful spirals—make sure they’re fresh for easy wrapping.

How to Make Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Start by making sure your cream cheese is straight-from-the-fridge cold but not rock-hard—it should be nicely softened for smooth mixing. Beat it in a bowl with a sturdy spoon or handheld mixer until it’s fluffy, creamy, and ready to welcome the mix-ins. Taking a minute to whip the cream cheese first guarantees a filling that spreads effortlessly and stays light.

Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Now it’s time to build flavor and texture. Fold in the crumbly feta, fresh chives, and dried cranberries right into your fluffy cream cheese. Mix thoroughly so that every spoonful has a little of everything—make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed so you get those delightful pops of sweetness in every single bite.

Step 3: Spread Filling Over Tortillas

Lay out each large flour tortilla on a clean surface. Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among them, then use an offset spatula or butter knife to gently spread it from edge to edge. An even layer means every pinwheel will showcase that gorgeous swirl of cheese, herbs, and cranberries.

Step 4: Roll and Secure the Tortillas

Carefully roll up each tortilla as tightly as you can, forming a snug log. Take your time—tight rolling keeps the filling from falling out and creates those picture-perfect spirals when sliced. A gentle squeeze while rolling helps keep things secure.

Step 5: Wrap for Chilling

One final step before slicing: wrap each tortilla roll snugly in plastic wrap. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the tortillas from drying out. Pop the wrapped rolls in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up—this patience ensures neat, clean slices.

Step 6: Slice Into Pinwheels

Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap. Using a sharp serrated knife (a bread knife works beautifully), cut each log into thick pinwheels. Clean the knife between cuts for the sharpest look. Arrange those lovely spirals on your favorite platter and get ready to wow your guests with your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups!

How to Serve Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups

Garnishes

Add a final festive flourish before serving by sprinkling chopped extra chives and a few whole dried cranberries over the platter. A light dusting of fresh cracked pepper or a handful of microgreens gives an elegant finish and a dash of holiday color.

Side Dishes

These roll-ups play beautifully with so many sides—think bowls of mixed nuts, sliced fresh pears or apples, or even a sparkling cranberry punch. Pair them with a crisp green salad for a light lunch, or nestle them among richer appetizers at your holiday buffet.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups on a wooden board, nestled around little bowls of extra cheese and herbs, or stack them tree-style for a whimsical centerpiece. You can even thread them onto appetizer skewers for easy, mess-free mingling at party time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days, and are just as delicious cold for a quick holiday snack—or even the next morning’s breakfast treat!

Freezing

While these roll-ups are best fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Wrap the uncut rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing just before serving for best results.

Reheating

These pinwheels are meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which means no reheating required! If you do prefer a warmer bite, a very brief stint (about 30 seconds) in the microwave will bring out the melty cheeses—just don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that pretty swirl.

FAQs

Can I use other cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta brings a wonderful tang, goat cheese, blue cheese crumbles, or even sharp white cheddar can give your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups a new twist. Just make sure the cheese is flavorful and crumbly for best results.

How far in advance can I make these roll-ups?

You can assemble and chill the wrapped rolls up to 24 hours in advance, making them the ultimate make-ahead party snack. Slice just before serving to keep them looking their best.

Are there any nut-free options for extra crunch?

Definitely! Try adding finely chopped celery for crunch without nuts, or sprinkle some roasted sunflower seeds inside the filling for an allergy-friendly pop of texture.

What’s the best way to transport these for a potluck?

These beauties travel like a dream. Once sliced, arrange in a single layer in a container lined with wax paper. Place another sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and keep them chilled until it’s time to serve.

Do the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups work as a vegetarian appetizer?

Yes! All the ingredients in the base recipe are vegetarian-friendly, so they’re perfect for any holiday table where you’re feeding a crowd with mixed dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Every holiday gathering deserves a signature bite, and Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups just might become yours. Once you see those pretty spirals vanish from the platter and hear the rave reviews, you’ll want to make them all season long. Give them a try and share the festive cheer with everyone you love!

Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 roll-ups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy and tangy, with a burst of sweetness from dried cranberries, they are sure to be a hit at any festive celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Base:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

Filling:

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

Additional:

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

Prepare cream cheese base: Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy and smooth for easy mixing.
Combine filling ingredients: Add feta cheese, chopped chives, and dried cranberries to the cream cheese. Mix well until evenly combined.
Spread filling over tortillas: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, covering the entire surface for balanced flavor in every bite.
Roll and secure tortillas: Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape, keeping the filling secure inside.
Wrap for chilling: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain shape and prevent drying.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Remove plastic and slice into pinwheels with a sharp serrated knife.
Serve: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy these festive bites!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Mixing, Rolling
Cuisine: Holiday