Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups Recipe
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cream cheese with tangy dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas, these pinwheel-style snacks offer a festive burst of flavor and color. Chilled to firm up, they make an impressive and tasty addition to your Christmas brunch, buffet table, or party platter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wraps
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Make the creamy filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, shredded cheese, honey or maple syrup (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the roll ups: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous, even layer of the creamy filling across the entire surface of the tortilla, ensuring full coverage for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Roll tightly: Starting from one edge of the tortilla, roll it up firmly into a log shape. This creates tight spirals that hold together well when sliced.
- Chill for best results: Place the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the roll ups firm up, making them easier to slice cleanly and helps the flavors meld.
- Slice and serve: Using a sharp knife, cut each chilled roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, optionally garnishing with extra dried cranberries or fresh parsley for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- These roll ups can be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated until serving.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans can add a nice crunch if desired.
