If you are looking for a festive appetizer that is both simple and bursting with flavor, this Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe is absolutely perfect. Imagine creamy, tangy cream cheese combined with chewy dried cranberries and a hint of fresh green onion, all wrapped snugly in tender flour tortillas. These bite-sized pinwheels bring a joyful pop of color and a delightful balance of textures, making them an instant holiday hit. Whether you’re hosting a party or want to add a special treat to your Christmas spread, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing addition that’s as effortless to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to complement one another. Every element, from the creamy cheese to the tangy cranberries and sharp green onions, works to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that shine on any holiday table.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a rich and smooth base that brings everything together with creamy indulgence.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds a sweet-tart burst of flavor plus festive red color that brightens the roll-ups.
- Green onions (¼ cup, finely chopped): Offers a fresh, mild onion crunch to balance the sweetness and creaminess.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp, optional): A subtle savory touch that boosts the overall flavor complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors for a perfectly seasoned appetizer.
- Flour tortillas (4 large, 8–10 inch): Soft and pliable, ideal for rolling up the filling into neat pinwheels.
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs (optional): Great for garnish, adding a lovely green contrast and a hint of herbal aroma.
How to Make Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese in a bowl with the finely chopped dried cranberries and green onions. Stir in the garlic powder if you are using it, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Blend everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, colorful filling that is bursting with flavor with the tart cranberries mingling beautifully with the fresh onion.
Step 2: Spread the Filling onto Tortillas
Lay one of your tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Spread a generous quarter of your prepared filling evenly across the surface, making sure to reach right to the edges. This ensures that every bite has that delightful mix of cream cheese and cranberry goodness.
Step 3: Roll the Tortillas Tightly
Carefully roll each tortilla up into a tight log, being mindful to keep the filling contained and the roll snug. This makes slicing easier and keeps those scrumptious layers intact. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas and filling until you have four beautiful logs ready to chill.
Step 4: Chill to Set
Wrap each rolled log tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and shape. Refrigerate for at least one hour, which allows the cream cheese to firm up and makes slicing the roll-ups into neat pinwheels much easier. You can also prepare them up to 24 hours in advance, making them a fantastic make-ahead appetizer.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, unwrap each log and slice into 6 to 8 even pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a festive platter, garnishing with sprigs of fresh parsley or rosemary if you like. These roll-ups are delightful when served cold or at room temperature, making them flexible for any holiday gathering.
How to Serve Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate the presentation of your Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe enormously. Try fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs for a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant cranberries. A light dusting of extra pepper or a drizzle of honey mustard on the side can also add visual appeal and a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups pair wonderfully with other holiday classics. Consider serving alongside a crisp mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette or a bowl of warm spiced nuts. Their creamy texture and balanced sweetness can complement everything from roasted vegetables to savory charcuterie boards, making them a versatile appetizer choice.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything at the holidays, and your roll-ups are no exception. Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern around a small bowl of cranberry sauce or horseradish dip. You can also thread toothpicks through each pinwheel and display them upright on a decorative platter for an fun, interactive appetizer tray that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover roll-ups, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The fresh flavors and creamy texture hold up nicely, so you can enjoy them as a snack the next day or pack them for an easy holiday lunch.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The cream cheese and tortillas may lose their appealing texture after thawing, turning soggy or crumbly. Instead, plan to make these roll-ups no more than a day ahead for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Since these roll-ups are typically served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them slightly warmed, allow them to come to room temperature naturally for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without compromising the texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! Using a dairy-free cream cheese will still give you that creamy texture needed for the filling. Just make sure the alternative you choose is firm enough to spread easily and holds up well when chilled.
Are there any other fruits that work well instead of dried cranberries?
Dried cherries or finely chopped dried apricots can be great substitutes, adding a unique sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory cream cheese filling perfectly.
Can I make these roll-ups gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas. Make sure they are pliable to allow for rolling without cracking for the best results.
How far ahead can I prepare the roll-ups?
You can prepare and roll them up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to slice and serve. This makes them a convenient make-ahead option for any holiday celebration.
What is the best way to slice the rolled tortillas evenly?
Using a sharp serrated knife and slicing gently with a steady sawing motion helps produce clean, even pinwheels without squashing the rolls. Chilling the roll-ups thoroughly beforehand also makes slicing much easier.
Final Thoughts
This Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that you’ll want to make every holiday season. It’s quick to prepare, visually stunning, and hits every note of festive flavor with creamy, sweet, and savory layers all wrapped into perfect bite-sized treats. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite that your friends and family ask for year after year.
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 (from 4 tortillas)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Festive and Easy Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are perfect for holiday gatherings. Featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, tangy dried cranberries, and fresh green onions, spread inside soft flour tortillas, this no-cook appetizer is simple to prepare and delightful to serve chilled or at room temperature.
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
Wraps
- 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch size)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Spread the Filling: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread ¼ of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, reaching all the edges for full flavor.
- Roll the Tortilla: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape to ensure the filling stays inside. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill the Rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow flavors to meld and the rolls to firm up for easier slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Unwrap each roll and slice into 6 to 8 pinwheel pieces. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder to suit your taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- You can prepare the roll ups a day in advance, making them ideal for parties and holiday gatherings.
- Chilling the roll ups helps in slicing clean pinwheels without the filling oozing out.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add visual appeal and a hint of fresh flavor.
