Pin
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are always my shortcut to a festive appetizer everyone raves about. These creamy tangy sweet pinwheels look so impressive on a holiday table but really take less than half an hour to make from start to finish. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s both cheerful and effortless you have found it.
My family devours these every Christmas Eve and they disappear within minutes. I have even made extra batches to send as gifts and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Softened cream cheese: brings rich creamy texture and helps everything stick together use brick-style for easy spreading
- Feta cheese, crumbled: adds tangy salty flavor contrast use good-quality feta from a block for best taste
- Fresh chives, chopped: provide mild onion flavor and fresh green color pick bright crisp chives free of wilting
- Dried cranberries: supply sweet tart chewiness and festive color look for plump unsweetened berries if possible
- Flour tortillas: soft and sturdy wrap everything up choose large fresh tortillas for best rolling results
How to Make It
- Soften the Cream Cheese:
- Leave your cream cheese out on the counter for at least 30 minutes to soften fully. It should feel very soft and spreadable so your filling is extra creamy without lumps.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta. Use a sturdy spatula or hand mixer to blend them together until completely smooth and fluffy. Add the chopped fresh chives and most of the dried cranberries. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed so you get flavor in every bite.
- Assemble the Roll Ups:
- Spread one fourth of the filling mixture over each flour tortilla. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer all the way to the edges. Sprinkle a few extra cranberries over the surface for a festive look and an extra pop of sweetness.
- Roll and Chill:
- Starting from one edge gently roll each tortilla up as snugly as possible without squeezing out the filling. Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes so the filling firms up and slicing is neater.
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove chilled rolls from the fridge and unwrap them. Use a sharp chef knife to slice each roll into one inch pinwheels. Arrange the slices cut side up on a serving platter for maximum holiday wow factor and watch them disappear.
Feta is what makes these irresistible for me—it lends such a salty brightness to balance all the creamy layers. The first time my niece tried these her eyes lit up and now she always asks if I brought “the cranberry pinwheels” to family gatherings.
Flavor Boosters
Goat cheese works instead of feta if you prefer a different creamy tang. For a milder onion flavor try chopped parsley in place of chives. If you need to swap the tortillas whole wheat or gluten free versions both roll up perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels are perfect on a party platter by themselves or paired with other small bites like roasted nuts and olives. They make a festive lunch tucked into a bento box or served with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Creative Twists
In spring swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots and add a bit of lemon zest for freshness. In summer fold in fresh herbs like basil or dill plus thin strips of roasted peppers.
These cheerful cranberry roll ups are always a showstopper. Make them ahead and enjoy an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next holiday gathering.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of cheese works best in these roll ups?
The combination of softened cream cheese and crumbled feta provides the perfect creamy and tangy filling for the roll ups.
- → Can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake or serve.
- → Are fresh or dried cranberries preferred?
Dried cranberries are used for their chewy texture and concentrated flavor, which pair well with the creamy cheeses.
- → What tortillas are best for these roll ups?
Large, soft flour tortillas hold the filling well and create a tender texture when sliced or baked.
- → How should I serve cranberry roll ups?
Slice them into rounds and arrange on a platter for easy holiday appetizers or finger food at parties.