If you are searching for an appetizer that captures the joyful spirit of the holidays with a twist of deliciousness, then this Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with creamy texture, bright cranberry sweetness, and fresh hints of green onions, these colorful pinwheels bring both style and flavor to any holiday gathering. They are quick to prepare, visually charming, and guaranteed to become a crowd favorite, making your Christmas celebrations effortlessly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully simple yet essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, providing creaminess, tartness, or a fresh pop of color that makes these roll-ups truly festive.
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened: This creates the luscious, smooth base that holds the filling together perfectly.
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped: Adds a tender chew and naturally sweet-tart flavor that sparks holiday cheer.
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped: Brings a subtle oniony brightness and lovely green flecks throughout the roll-ups.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional): Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that rounds out and balances the cream cheese mixture.
- 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch size): Soft, flexible wraps that hold everything beautifully and slice into perfect pinwheels.
- Optional: fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish: These herbs add a festive green touch and aromatic appeal on the presentation.
How to Make Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is perfectly smooth and evenly blended. This creamy, flavorful filling is what makes these roll-ups so memorable and easy to spread later.
Step 2: Spread the Filling Evenly on Tortillas
Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface, then spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, reaching right to the edges. This ensures every bite will have that festive cranberry pop and creamy goodness throughout.
Step 3: Roll the Tortilla into a Tight Log
Carefully roll the tortilla up tightly from one side to the other, making sure it holds its shape and the filling stays inside. Repeat these spreading and rolling steps with the remaining tortillas and dip mixture until all four logs are ready.
Step 4: Chill the Roll-Ups
Wrap each rolled tortilla log snugly in plastic wrap to keep everything fresh and firm. Refrigerate them for at least one hour—this chilling step is a game changer because it allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to become easier to slice just right.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to impress your guests, unwrap the chilled rolls and slice each one into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces. Arrange the pretty pinwheels on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if you like, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. The beautiful red and green hues on these roll-ups really bring out the festive spirit.
How to Serve Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley and rosemary are excellent choices to add a vibrant green contrast and enhance the presentation of these roll-ups. Their delicate aromas also contribute a lovely sensory layer to the appetizer experience. You can scatter a little extra chopped green onion on top for texture and color as well.
Side Dishes
These savory cranberry roll-ups pair beautifully with a light, crisp salad or a bowl of mixed nuts for crunch. A tangy yogurt dip or hummus on the side complements the creamy and fruity flavors inside, creating a complete and comfortable holiday nibble spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your festive table by serving these roll-ups on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries scattered around for a rustic look. Alternatively, consider using a bright red or green serving platter to highlight their holiday colors. Mini skewers or toothpicks can make them easy finger foods, perfect for mingling guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover roll-ups, store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them chilled maintains their shape and prevents the cream cheese from softening too much, so the roll-ups stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze the uncut rolled tortillas wrapped well in plastic and foil for up to one month. Just thaw completely in the refrigerator before slicing to preserve their texture and taste.
Reheating
Since these roll-ups are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If desired, let any refrigerated leftovers sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much tartier and less sweet than dried ones, which might change the flavor balance. If you prefer, you can lightly sauté fresh cranberries with a little sugar to soften their bite before mixing them in.
Are there vegan substitutions for the cream cheese?
Yes! Plant-based cream cheese alternatives work wonderfully here. Just make sure they have a similar consistency to traditional cream cheese to ensure easy spreading and firm rolling.
Can I prepare the roll-ups a day ahead?
Absolutely. Making these roll-ups the day before saves time and actually improves the flavor as they rest. Just keep them tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.
What size tortillas work best?
8 to 10-inch flour tortillas hold the filling perfectly and slice nicely into bite-sized pinwheels. Larger tortillas can be used but may be trickier to roll tightly.
Is there a way to add more texture to the filling?
If you want a bit more crunch, consider stirring in some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. They add a lovely nutty contrast to the creamy, fruity filling.
Final Thoughts
This Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe is such a delightful way to usher in the holiday spirit with flavor and color. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick festive snack, these roll-ups hit the mark every time. I warmly encourage you to give them a try—they’re sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
Print
Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24–30 pinwheels (about 24 pieces)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive and easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft cream cheese blended with tart dried cranberries, fresh green onions, and a touch of garlic powder is spread on flour tortillas, rolled tight, chilled, and sliced into delightful pinwheels. They make an elegant, no-cook appetizer that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Base
- 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch size)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, green onions, and garlic powder if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the filling: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about one quarter of the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the tortilla, reaching all the way to the edges to ensure even flavor in every bite.
- Roll the tortillas: Carefully roll the filled tortilla tightly into a log shape. Repeat this process with the remaining three tortillas and filling portions, ensuring all are rolled snugly.
- Chill the rolls: Wrap each tortilla roll tightly in plastic wrap to help them hold their shape. Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling firms up the filling and makes slicing easier.
- Slice and serve: Remove the rolls from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice each roll into 6 to 8 even pinwheel pieces. Arrange the pinwheels attractively on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a festive appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese to ensure easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Try substituting dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different fruity note.
- These roll ups can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until serving.
- To add variety, include other finely chopped herbs like chives or dill in the filling.
- Slice the rolls with a sharp knife to maintain clean edges without squishing the pinwheels.
