Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

If you are searching for easy Christmas party recipes that everyone will rave about, these savory Christmas cranberry roll ups are the ultimate festive finger food ready in under an hour. Loaded with creamy feta, tangy cranberries, fresh chives, and smooth cream cheese, this Christmas appetizer recipe is designed for effortless entertaining, delivering crowd pleasing flavor with bold color in just 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking.

I first made these Christmas cranberry roll ups for our annual ugly sweater night and was amazed at how quickly they vanished. The combination of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and fresh chives is always a holiday win—plus, rolling each tortilla feels almost as fun as decorating cookies. Now, my family expects these savory roll ups to appear on every Christmas appetizer platter, and we even like to get creative by adding extra chives for a ‘holiday wreath’ effect.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Crumbled feta cheese (Christmas appetizer): Delivers tangy, salty richness and balances the cranberries. Sheep's milk feta gives best flavor and creaminess—choose brine packed for supreme taste; can swap for cow's milk or vegan feta in dietary variations.
• Softened cream cheese (cream cheese roll ups): Adds the smooth creamy base, essential for spreadability and stability. Full fat yields best texture, but Neufchâtel is lighter; ensure it's room temperature for easy mixing.
• Dried cranberries (Christmas party snack): Sweet and chewy, bringing festive flavor and color. Pick sweetened for a milder bite or unsweetened for more tartness; rehydrate briefly if they're very firm.
• Large flour tortillas (savory roll ups): Provide structure for clean slicing and presentation. Use pliable, fresh tortillas to avoid cracks; gluten free or whole wheat tortillas can be substituted as needed.
• Chopped fresh chives (holiday herbs): Offer gentle onion flavor and a pretty pop of green. Use finely chopped scallions if chives aren't available; fresh herbs always give the best look and taste.

How to Make Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Mix the cheeses and herbs for the filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese and softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Fold in the chopped fresh chives until evenly distributed, which ensures the herbal flavor and color is present throughout the creamy filling.

Fold in the dried cranberries:

Add the dried cranberries to your cheese mixture and stir gently with a spatula. Aim for whole, even cranberry pieces rather than mashed fruit for the best texture. For tough berries, soak them in warm water, drain well, and pat dry before stirring in to keep the roll ups tender.

Spread and roll for neat spirals:

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a quarter of the filling on top and spread evenly with the back of a spoon, leaving a half inch border to prevent overflow. Roll the tortilla tightly from one end, pressing gently as you go, to form a log with even layers. Repeat with all tortillas to use all the filling.

Chill and slice:

Wrap each filled tortilla log tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the filling and ensures tidy slices. When ready to serve, use a sharp serrated knife to cut the rolls into pieces approximately one inch thick, wiping the blade between slices for neat edges and minimal mess.

Bake for warm, savory flavor:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the sliced roll ups on a parchment lined baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cheese melts slightly, signaling rich aroma and a toasty finish. Serve warm or at room temperature for parties and gatherings.

The first time I substituted sheep’s milk feta instead of the cow’s milk version, I was amazed by the creamy, tangy depth it brought to the roll ups. My kids love helping decorate the finished slices with extra chives for a festive touch, and it’s become our favorite holiday kitchen ritual. With so many colors and bright flavors, this is one Christmas appetizer everyone requests year after year.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Christmas cranberry roll up recipe adapts beautifully to any need or available ingredients. For gluten free guests, use your favorite gluten free tortillas and swap standard cream cheese for a dairy free or plant based version for a vegan twist. Change up the flavor by using dried cherries or apricots for the cranberries, or fresh herbs like parsley if chives are out of season. For a fun change during other holidays, try sun dried tomatoes, diced bell pepper, or smoked gouda for deeper, seasonal flavor you can enjoy year round.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Store leftover Christmas roll ups in the refrigerator after letting them cool fully. Arrange slices in an airtight container, ideally with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking, and they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer before sealing in a freezer-safe box or bag—they keep for up to 2 months this way. When ready to reheat, place the slices on a parchment lined tray and warm gently in a 325 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through. Always thaw frozen roll ups overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

Savory Christmas cranberry roll ups shine on appetizer platters with other colorful Christmas snacks like endive boats filled with goat cheese or pomegranate seeds. Pair them with sparkling cranberry spritz or hard cider to match the sweet tart flavor. For a complete party spread, include crisp vegetable crudités and a Greek yogurt dip, and plan on about three pieces per person for a satisfying snack at holiday gatherings, white elephant parties, or work potlucks.

Nutritional Benefits

These savory roll ups provide more than eye catching presentation; they offer real nutritional benefits. Every serving contains protein from cheese and fiber from cranberries, supporting energy and satiety at holiday gatherings. Vegetarian friendly and adaptable for gluten free or dairy free diets, with a calorie count of about 350 per serving, these Christmas appetizers are a treat that fits many healthy eating plans. Feta and cream cheese offer calcium and some healthy fats, while cranberries bring beneficial antioxidants for an added boost.

Recipe Success Tips

For best results with these Christmas cranberry roll ups, make sure all cheeses are soft and at room temperature for smooth blending. Over stirring dried cranberries can toughen or stain the filling, so gently fold them in. If tortillas are hard to roll, microwave each one wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel for 10 seconds to soften. Be careful not to overfill the tortillas or the mixture will squeeze out when you slice. If you are short on chilling time, pop the rolls in the freezer for 15 minutes for cleaner cuts in a hurry.

These savory Christmas cranberry roll ups bring festive flavor, creamy texture, and brilliant color to any holiday party. Try them for your next Christmas get together and enjoy an easy, crowd-pleasing snack everyone will remember.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I prepare cranberry roll ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them the night before. Store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and slice before serving for the freshest texture.

→ Which feta cheese works best?

Sheep’s milk feta is preferred as it offers a creamy texture and robust flavor, but any good-quality feta will work in this dish.

→ Are there substitutes for dried cranberries?

Chopped dried cherries or dried apricots can be used if cranberries are unavailable, but expect a change in flavor and sweetness.

→ Can I use a different herb instead of chives?

Fresh parsley or green onions can substitute for chives if needed, adding a slightly different herbal note.

→ Should the roll ups be served cold or warm?

These are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them ideal for potlucks and parties where easy serving is needed.