Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups have become my go-to when I need an elegant appetizer that doesn’t require turning on the oven during busy holiday prep. The combination of tangy feta, creamy cream cheese, and tart cranberries creates beautiful red and green pinwheels that look professionally made but take just 15 minutes of hands-on work.

Last Christmas, I was scrambling to put together appetizers for unexpected guests when I remembered this recipe tucked away in my holiday folder. What struck me most was how the cream cheese and feta create this perfect savory-tangy base that balances the sweetness of dried cranberries beautifully. The fresh chives add just enough onion bite without overwhelming the delicate flavors. After one bite, these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups quickly became the most requested recipe at every holiday gathering since. The best part is watching guests try to figure out the ingredients – the combination is unexpected but absolutely perfect for Christmas entertaining.

Simple Ingredients for Holiday Magic

I always pull my cream cheese from the fridge 2-3 hours before making these to ensure it’s perfectly soft for mixing. Here’s everything you need for these festive Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (65-70°F)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (I prefer French feta for milder flavor)
• 1/3 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (look for ones without added sugar)
• 4 large flour tortillas, 10 inches each (burrito-size works perfectly)

Easy Assembly Instructions

I recommend working with one tortilla at a time and keeping others covered to prevent drying out. Here’s my foolproof method for perfect Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:

Step 1: Place softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl (small bowls make electric mixing difficult) and beat for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. The mixture should be light and airy with no lumps visible.

Step 2: Fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped chives, and dried cranberries using a spatula. Mix gently until evenly distributed – you should see red cranberries and green chives scattered throughout the white base. Overmixing can make the filling dense.

Step 3: Lay one tortilla flat and spread about 1/2 cup filling evenly across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon to create an even layer – this prevents lumpy rolls.

Step 4: Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly but gently, keeping the filling contained. The roll should feel firm but not compressed. If the tortilla cracks, warm it for 10 seconds between damp paper towels in the microwave.

Step 5: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal completely. This prevents unrolling and keeps them from drying out during chilling.

Step 6: Refrigerate wrapped rolls for at least 1 hour until firm. The cream cheese needs this time to set up for clean slicing.

Step 7: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick rounds using a gentle sawing motion. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation – this prevents dragging filling between slices.

Perfect Pairings for Your Holiday Spread

These cranberry roll ups pair beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors on your holiday table.

Spinach Artichoke Dip: The warm, creamy dip complements the cold, tangy roll ups for perfect temperature contrast and rich flavors that guests love.

Fresh Vegetable Crudité: Crisp cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips provide refreshing crunch that balances the creamy cheese filling beautifully.

Holiday Cheese Board: Arrange alongside aged cheddar, brie, and crackers for an elegant appetizer spread that offers variety for different taste preferences.

Cranberry Meatballs: Create a complete cranberry theme by serving these best sides for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups together – the warm and cold combination is perfect for entertaining.

Sweet Treats to Complete Your Holiday Entertaining Menu

Now that you have the perfect savory appetizer with these Cranberry Roll Ups, it’s time to plan some irresistible desserts that will make your holiday spread absolutely unforgettable. These sweet treats offer the perfect balance to your tangy-savory roll ups, ensuring your guests experience a delightful variety of flavors and textures throughout the meal.

Start with this addictive Churro Saltine Toffee that brings the beloved carnival flavors of cinnamon and caramel into an easy-to-share format that pairs beautifully with the cranberry theme. For a whimsical crowd-pleaser that requires zero baking time, try these Easy No-Bake Moose Farts – the chocolate-peanut butter combination provides rich indulgence after your lighter appetizers. Create elegant bite-sized treats with No Bake Pecan Pie Balls that capture all the warmth of traditional pecan pie in a perfectly poppable format. For a show-stopping dessert centerpiece that matches the sophistication of your roll ups, this Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse Tart delivers restaurant-quality elegance with make-ahead convenience. Finally, add some variety with Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies that provide rich, nutty flavors and beautiful presentation alongside your festive cranberry appetizers.

Smart Storage Solutions

Store your prepared cranberry roll ups wrapped individually in plastic or together in an airtight container (9×13 inch containers work perfectly) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

For serving, I recommend arranging slices on a platter 15 minutes before guests arrive so the cream cheese softens slightly for the best texture. However, if your kitchen is particularly warm, keep them chilled until the last moment.

Pro tip: These make excellent make-ahead party food – prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and slice just before serving for the freshest presentation and easiest entertaining. Store pre-sliced rolls covered with plastic wrap to prevent the cut surfaces from drying out.

Troubleshooting Your Roll Ups

Your New Go-To Holiday Appetizer

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups prove that impressive holiday food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just five simple ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll have an elegant appetizer that looks like it came from a fancy catering company. The beautiful red and green colors make them perfect for Christmas, while the make-ahead convenience keeps your stress levels low during busy holiday entertaining. The combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors appeals to almost everyone, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe for your next holiday gathering – your guests will be asking for the recipe all season long!

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