Christmas is a time for indulgence, but it doesn’t always have to be heavy. If you’re looking for an appetizer that strikes the perfect balance between festive flavors and easy preparation, these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are exactly what you need. With a delightful mix of tangy cranberries, creamy filling, and fresh herbs wrapped in soft tortillas, these roll-ups will quickly become a holiday favorite. Not only are they quick and simple to make, but they also add a touch of elegance to your Christmas spread. Let’s dive into the details of this crowd-pleasing treat!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are more than just a beautiful appetizer. Here’s why they stand out:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance, making them ideal for stress-free holiday entertaining.
- Simple Ingredients: With just five basic ingredients, you can create these delicious bites without a complicated shopping list.
- No Cooking Required: Forget turning on the stove or oven—just spread, roll, and chill.
- Perfect for Parties: The red cranberries and green chives offer a festive touch, while the creamy filling makes them irresistible.
Ingredients for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Gather the following ingredients to create your own festive roll-ups:
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy base for the filling.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a tangy, salty flavor.
- Fresh Chives: These offer a mild onion flavor and a burst of green.
- Dried Cranberries: The sweetness and tartness of dried cranberries bring the perfect balance.
- Flour Tortillas: The soft tortillas are the perfect vessel to hold everything together.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Cream Cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, try mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt-based cream cheese for a twist.
- Feta Cheese: Not a fan of feta? You can substitute it with goat cheese or blue cheese for a stronger flavor, or use queso fresco for a milder option.
- Fresh Chives: Fresh parsley or dill can offer a different flavor, or use green onions for a similar taste.
- Dried Cranberries: Feel free to swap these with dried cherries or raisins for a change in sweetness.
- Flour Tortillas: Spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps can add extra color and flavor to the roll-ups.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy. This will help the mixture spread easily and create a creamy texture. - Mix the Ingredients
Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped chives, and dried cranberries to the cream cheese. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth spread. - Spread and Roll
Lay out the tortillas and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each one. Make sure to cover the entire surface. Once spread, tightly roll up each tortilla to form a log. - Chill and Slice
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the rolls firm up, making them easier to slice. After chilling, remove the wrap and cut the rolls into bite-sized slices.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Don’t Overfill: A common mistake is overfilling the tortillas. Stick to about 1/2 cup of filling per tortilla to avoid spills.
- Wrap Tightly: Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible and wrap them individually in plastic wrap before chilling. This helps maintain their shape.
- Refrigerate Before Slicing: For the cleanest slices, refrigerate your rolls for at least 2 hours before serving. Use a serrated knife for smooth cuts.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are versatile and can be paired with various sides and appetizers. Here are some ideas:
- Pairing with Vegetables: Crisp vegetables like cucumber, baby carrots, and bell pepper strips complement the creamy filling.
- Warm Options: Serve alongside warm appetizers like spinach-artichoke dip or meatballs in cranberry sauce.
- Cheese Board: A cheese board with a variety of crackers and nuts makes an excellent accompaniment for these festive rolls.
How to Store Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These rolls can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for holiday prep. Here’s how to store them:
- Before Serving: Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors blend nicely after resting in the fridge.
- Serving Tip: Take the rolls out of the fridge about 15 minutes before slicing. This softens the cream cheese and makes them easier to cut.
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful addition to your holiday menu. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they’re sure to be a hit at your next Christmas gathering.
Conclusion
Incorporating these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups into your holiday spread is an easy and delightful way to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and fresh herbs wrapped in soft tortillas creates a balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a large party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these roll-ups add a festive touch that’s both delicious and eye-catching. Make-ahead friendly and customizable to suit different tastes, this appetizer is bound to become a holiday staple. Try them today and watch them disappear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups in advance?
Absolutely! These roll-ups are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them up to 24 hours before your gathering, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simply store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to slice and serve when needed.
Can I use fresh cranberries in the recipe?
While fresh cranberries would add a great tartness, it’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe. The dried version provides a chewy texture and a more concentrated sweetness that balances the creamy filling. If you prefer fresh cranberries, consider chopping them and sweetening them slightly before use.
Can I substitute the cream cheese for a non-dairy alternative?
Yes! If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. There are plenty of plant-based options available that will give a similar creamy texture to the rolls. Just be sure to check the consistency, as some dairy-free versions might differ slightly from regular cream cheese.
More Relevant Recipes
- Cheesy Pizza Pockets: These bite-sized pizza pockets offer a savory, cheesy filling wrapped in a soft dough, making them a perfect party appetizer to complement the flavors of the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. They’re easy to prepare and great for family gatherings.
- Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log: This creamy and savory appetizer features a blend of goat cheese and bacon, creating a rich flavor profile. Like the cranberry roll-ups, it’s ideal for holiday celebrations and pairs beautifully with festive beverages.
- Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Tots: If you’re looking for a lighter, veggie-based appetizer, these cheesy cauliflower tots make a great option. Their crispy exterior and cheesy interior are perfect for those who enjoy savory, bite-sized snacks during the holiday season.
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 75-80 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect appetizer for your holiday gatherings. With a creamy, tangy filling made from cream cheese, feta, and dried cranberries, wrapped in soft flour tortillas, they offer a deliciously festive bite that is both easy to prepare and make-ahead friendly. The balance of flavors makes them an irresistible treat for guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the crumbled feta, chopped chives, and dried cranberries to the cream cheese. Stir until fully combined.
- Spread and Roll: Lay out the tortillas and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly. Roll the tortillas tightly to form a log shape.
- Chill and Slice: Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. After chilling, slice into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent the filling from spilling out during rolling.
- Wrap the roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap to maintain their shape while chilling.
- Refrigerating for at least 2 hours ensures cleaner slices.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing to avoid squishing the roll-ups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150-170
- Sugar: 10-12g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 4-5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2-3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20-22g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
