If you ask anyone who’s hosted a Christmas party before, they’ll tell you, there’s always that one appetizer everyone hovers around. For me, it’s these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. They’ve got all the nostalgic holiday notes, tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs, wrapped in soft, bite-sized pinwheels that disappear faster than you can say “pass the platter.”
What makes them so good? They hit that perfect holiday trifecta: festive colors, comforting flavor, and absolutely zero stress. No stove, no oven, no last-minute chaos. Just mix, roll, chill, and slice. The kind of effortless appetizer that looks like you spent hours, but secretly took 15 minutes between wrapping gifts and refilling the mulled wine.
Ingredients for Cranberry Roll Ups
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- ⅓ cup fresh chives, chopped (or green onion greens)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp orange zest for a citrus lift
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- 1 tbsp honey for a subtle sweet contrast
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. This small step ensures your filling spreads easily and stays creamy once chilled.
Step 2: Combine the Flavors
In a medium bowl, add crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, and fresh chives to the cream cheese. Stir gently until everything’s evenly distributed — every bite should have that perfect sweet-tangy-herb balance.
Step 3: Spread and Roll
Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread about ½ cup of the mixture evenly across the surface, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
Roll tightly from one end to the other, pressing gently to keep everything snug.
Step 4: Chill for Clean Slices
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Once chilled, unwrap and slice into ¾-inch pieces using a sharp serrated knife.
Arrange them on a serving platter, garnish with extra chives or cranberries, and watch them vanish.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Holiday Roll Ups
- Avoid sogginess: Keep your filling spread thin and even — too much and it’ll seep into the tortillas.
- Tight rolls = clean slices: Roll firmly but gently, then wrap tightly in plastic before chilling.
- Make ahead like a pro: These can be made a full day in advance; in fact, the flavor deepens overnight.
- For extra flair: Add crushed pistachios on top or drizzle with a touch of honey right before serving.
FAQ — How do I stop tortillas from getting damp?
Store the rolls in an airtight container or wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Slice just before serving to keep the edges fresh and firm.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cream cheese: Substitute with mascarpone, Neufchâtel, or dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or vegan option.
- Feta cheese: Try goat cheese for a tangier twist or ricotta for mild creaminess.
- Tortillas: Use spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for color contrast — avoid corn tortillas (too stiff).
- Cranberries: Swap for chopped dried cherries, apricots, or even raisins for a unique spin.
- Herbs: No chives? Use fresh dill, parsley, or basil for a fresh, unexpected flavor.
Can I make these cranberry roll ups vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan cream cheese and skip the feta, or replace it with a plant-based crumbly cheese. The texture will differ slightly but the flavors stay balanced.
Serving Ideas for a Holiday Spread
Pair these Christmas cranberry roll ups with:
- A warm spinach-artichoke dip
- Crackers, grapes, and a small cheese board
- A bowl of cranberry-glazed meatballs or cocktail sausages
- Crisp veggies like cucumber slices and bell pepper strips for color and crunch
They also make an excellent addition to a brunch buffet — or a sneaky post-shopping snack while wrapping gifts.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store rolled (unsliced) tortillas in plastic wrap up to 3 days.
- Slice before serving: This keeps edges from drying out or softening.
- To serve: Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing — the texture turns perfectly creamy.
- Freezing not recommended: The texture of cream cheese changes once thawed.
Can I freeze cranberry roll ups?
Technically yes, but not ideally. The cream cheese filling tends to separate upon thawing. For best results, make fresh or refrigerate instead.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
(Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients.)
A Bite of Christmas Simplicity
At the end of a long holiday week, these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups feel like a small mercy, festive, fuss-free, and genuinely delicious. They remind you that not every Christmas treat needs to come from the oven or demand hours of cleanup.
Serve them at your next gathering, wrap a few in parchment for a friend, or just snack on them while binging holiday movies. Either way, they bring that same cozy, cranberry-bright joy to your table, and isn’t that what the season’s really about?
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups | Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- ⅓ cup fresh chives, chopped (or green onion greens)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp orange zest for a citrus lift
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- 1 tbsp honey for a subtle sweet contrast
Instructions
- Whip the Cream CheeseStart by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. This small step ensures your filling spreads easily and stays creamy once chilled.
- Combine the FlavorsIn a medium bowl, add crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, and fresh chives to the cream cheese. Stir gently until everything’s evenly distributed — every bite should have that perfect sweet-tangy-herb balance.
- Spread and RollLay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread about ½ cup of the mixture evenly across the surface, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.Roll tightly from one end to the other, pressing gently to keep everything snug.
- Chill for Clean SlicesWrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). Once chilled, unwrap and slice into ¾-inch pieces using a sharp serrated knife.Arrange them on a serving platter, garnish with extra chives or cranberries, and watch them vanish.