Looking for the perfect appetizer to dazzle your guests this holiday season? These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are a delightful combination of festive flavors and creamy textures, perfect for your Christmas table. Not only are they easy to make, but they also add a vibrant splash of color to your spread. Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and why these roll-ups are a must-have for your celebrations!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cranberry roll-ups:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Assemble the Roll-Ups
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the filling evenly across the entire surface.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a log.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 3: Chill and Slice
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the roll-ups firm up for easy slicing.
- Once chilled, unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the cranberry roll-ups on a festive platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a holiday vibe. Serve them as a standalone appetizer or pair them with a tangy cranberry dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Roll-Ups
- Tortilla Alternatives: Use spinach or tomato tortillas to add a colorful twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these roll-ups the day before your event and store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to serve when you are.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap the pecans for sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely for an allergen-friendly version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flair: The red cranberries and green onions make these roll-ups a perfect match for the Christmas theme.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and no cooking required, these are a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful taste and texture.
Conclusion
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Their festive appearance, combined with their deliciously creamy and tangy flavor, makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner or a cozy family gathering, these roll-ups are an appetizer everyone will remember.
Serving and Storage Tips for Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll-Ups
Serving Tips
- Festive Presentation: Arrange the roll-ups on a platter lined with fresh greens, such as arugula or kale, for a vibrant holiday look. Add sprigs of rosemary or small cranberries for extra Christmas charm.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of cranberry chutney or a honey mustard dip to complement the flavors.
- Serving Temperature: These roll-ups taste best when served chilled or slightly cool. Set them out just before your guests arrive to keep them fresh.
- Portion Planning: Plan for 2–3 pieces per guest if served as an appetizer alongside other dishes.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Place any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While fresh roll-ups are ideal, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Avoid Sogginess: If making them ahead, don’t add overly moist ingredients, as this could make the tortillas soggy over time.
With these tips, your cranberry roll-ups will stay delicious and fresh, ready to be enjoyed at any holiday celebration! 🎄
1. Can I make cranberry roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry roll-ups are perfect for preparing ahead of time. Assemble the roll-ups, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
2. What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re looking for a nut-free option or an alternative to pecans, you can use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even finely chopped pretzels for added crunch.
3. Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! You can swap the cheddar cheese for feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor. You can also add ingredients like finely diced bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or herbs like parsley or dill to suit your taste.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from unrolling?
To keep the roll-ups intact, make sure the filling is spread evenly to the edges of the tortilla. Rolling them tightly and chilling them for at least an hour helps them hold their shape. Use toothpicks for extra security if serving immediately.
Print
Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive roll-ups combine creamy cheeses, sweet-tart cranberries, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in soft spinach tortillas. They’re an easy-to-make appetizer that adds a colorful and delicious touch to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach tortillas
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, green onions, nuts (if using), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Lay a spinach tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread an even layer of the cranberry and cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Tightly roll up the tortilla to form a log.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Chill:
- Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up, making slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve:
- Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the filling.
- To enhance the festive appearance, use both spinach and sun-dried tomato tortillas for green and red roll-ups.
- These roll-ups can be made a day in advance; store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.