Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups

This festive cranberry roll-up recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing snack that fits any holiday spread and always disappears quickly at parties. The creamy tang of cheese mixed with sweet cranberries creates an addicting bite guests love to pop in their mouths. Prep ahead to save time and enjoy a colorful finger food on your Christmas table.

Every time I serve these roll-ups at Christmas Eve, someone asks for the recipe. I first made them when searching for an easy starter my picky nieces would love and now they have become a holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: choose full-fat or whipped styles for the best creamy base you need it super soft for easy mixing
• Feta cheese: gives a sharp tangy note that cuts through the richness check for freshness and crumbly texture
• Fresh chives: add mild onion flavor and a burst of green look for bright upright chives with no wilting
• Dried cranberries: provide chewy sweetness and festive red dots choose unsweetened or low-sugar types for balance
• Flour tortillas: create the soft structure that holds it all together larger size makes easier rolling seek out flexible tortillas without cracks

Instructions

Soften and Whip the Cream Cheese:

Use a stand mixer or sturdy spoon to beat the cream cheese in a bowl until it is light and very soft. This step makes spreading smooth later and helps the filling blend evenly.

Mix In Cheeses and Add-Ins:

Add the crumbled feta to the bowl along with freshly chopped chives and dried cranberries. Fold everything together gently so you do not smash the cranberries but make sure the mixture is fully blended.

Spread the Filling:

Lay out each tortilla flat on your work surface. Evenly spread about a quarter of the cheese mixture over each tortilla using a small offset spatula. Leave a narrow border around the edge so the filling does not squeeze out when rolling.

Roll and Chill:

From one edge tightly roll up each tortilla to form a snug log. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to hold its shape. Place in the fridge for at least an hour so the filling sets making for cleaner slicing.

Slice and Serve:

Once firm unwrap the rolls and slice into bite-sized rounds with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between slices for pretty swirls. Arrange the pieces on a plate and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Feta is my favorite cheese to use in holiday appetizers because its salty bold flavor matches so well with sweet cranberries. Every time my sister brings her kids for Christmas dinner they ask for more roll-ups and end up stealing extras for the road.

Storage Tips

These keep wonderfully in the fridge and can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container. To keep the tortilla from drying out line your container with a sheet of damp paper towel before closing the lid. If you find the roll-ups slightly dry after refrigeration let them rest at room temperature for ten minutes before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap chives for thinly sliced green onions or even a little parsley. If you do not have feta try crumbled goat cheese for a tangy swap or even shredded sharp cheddar for a milder taste. Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots can stand in for cranberries if needed and gluten-free tortillas work well here too.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the roll-ups in a wreath shape around a little bowl of cranberry sauce or spiced honey mustard for dipping. Garnish with extra chives or fresh rosemary sprigs for even more holiday flair. Pair these with sparkling cider or mulled wine for a cozy appetizer moment.

Cultural and Historical Context

Roll-ups like these often make appearances at holiday buffets across North America and their colors channel classic red and green Christmas themes. The combination of cream cheese tortilla and dried fruit is inspired by the popularity of easy party pinwheels which have long been a go-to for hosts wanting make-ahead finger foods. In my family these roll-ups have become a symbol of festive gatherings and cheerful moments together.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use dried tart cherries and tarragon for a spring variation. Swap in orange zest and rosemary during winter for a citrusy pine touch. Add chopped toasted almonds in autumn for crunch.

Success Stories

I once brought a tray of these to my child’s class holiday party and not a single piece came back home. Even teachers asked how I made them so creamy. Guests always love that they taste much fancier than the easy prep suggests.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze whole wrapped rolls for up to a month then thaw in the fridge overnight. Slice only after thawing to prevent soggy filling. I recommend letting them come closer to room temperature for best texture when serving after freezing.

Try these roll-ups for your next gathering—your guests will not believe how easy and delicious they are. This will be a new favorite on your holiday table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or shredded sharp cheddar can substitute for feta, each adding a unique flavor.

→ How far in advance can I prepare the roll-ups?

You can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.

→ Can I add nuts or other herbs?

Chopped walnuts or pecans, and herbs like dill or parsley, can be added for extra texture and flavor.

→ Are these served chilled or at room temperature?

They’re best served chilled, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature for a softer bite.

→ What’s the best way to keep roll-ups from unrolling?

Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and chill to help them hold their shape before slicing.