Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bring instant holiday cheer with their colorful, savory-sweet flavor combination. These festive bites perfectly blend creamy, tangy, and salty notes, all wrapped in soft tortillas for a party-ready presentation. In this guide, you’ll discover how to make the best Christmas Roll Ups, learn smart ingredient swaps, and get expert serving and storage tips. Whether you’re preparing Easy Christmas Party Recipes or searching for creative Christmas Eve Treats, these roll ups will be the star of your festive table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe
The Story Behind the Recipe
Hi, I’m Barbara Anderson, the creator behind KoyaRecipes.com. My love for simple, flavorful meals began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the joy of feeding family and friends. Now, as a busy mom, I focus on recipes that make every gathering feel special without the stress. These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups capture that same spirit simple to prepare, festive to look at, and delightful to share.
Key Reasons This Recipe Stands Out
These Ham Cheese and Cranberry Rollups deliver a balance of creamy and tart flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla. They’re ideal for Simple Christmas Finger Foods because you can make them ahead, slice them easily, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Their red-and-white color combination makes them perfectly suited for Christmas Style Food displays or New Year’s Party Food Ideas.
Ingredients
Ingredient List with Tips and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Large flour tortillas | 4 | Use spinach wraps for a festive green twist |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz | Substitute with whipped goat cheese for tang |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Use sweetened for milder flavor |
| Sliced ham | 8 slices | Turkey or prosciutto works too |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | ½ cup | Swap with Swiss or Havarti for variety |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 tbsp | Optional for extra flavor |
| Honey | 1 tsp | Adds balance to the tart cranberries |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust for desired flavor |
Ingredient Notes and Pro Tips
- Cream cheese spreads best when softened. Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Dried cranberries add a pop of sweetness perfect for balancing the saltiness of ham and cheese.
- For vegetarian Christmas Shower Food, skip the ham and double up on cheese or roasted red peppers.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, honey, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the roll ups: Lay out a tortilla, layer ham slices evenly, and spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Roll tightly: Starting at one end, roll the tortilla firmly into a log shape.
- Chill: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This helps it firm up for clean slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut each roll into ½-inch slices using a sharp knife. Arrange on a serving platter.
Common Variations or Flavor Adjustments
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Sweet twist: Swap ham for turkey and add a drizzle of cranberry sauce for Christmas Eve Treats.
- Kid-friendly option: Use plain cream cheese and omit onions for a mild version perfect for Christmas Road Trip Snacks.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Christmas Roll Ups shine on holiday appetizer boards. Pair them with:
- Mini cheese balls or Easy Christmas Party Recipes like spinach puffs.
- Fresh fruit skewers for color balance.
- Sparkling cider or cranberry mocktails as festive Christmas Holiday Drinks Non Alcoholic.
How to Make It Look Beautiful on the Plate
- Arrange slices in a circular wreath shape on a white platter.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds for that true Christmas Style Food vibe.
- Serve on tiered trays for elegant presentation at New Year’s Party Food Ideas gatherings.
How to Perfect Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill before slicing to avoid messy edges.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Don’t overload the filling thin, even layers roll tighter and hold shape better.
Troubleshooting Advice
- Too soft? Chill longer before cutting.
- Tortilla tearing? Warm slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds before spreading filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Typical Prep Errors
- Overfilling the tortilla makes it hard to roll.
- Using cold cream cheese causes uneven spreading.
How to Fix or Prevent Them
- Measure filling evenly and roll gently.
- Always soften cheese first for easy mixing and spreading.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Best Way to Store Leftovers
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheating Methods That Maintain Flavor and Texture
These are best served cold, but if you prefer them slightly warm, heat uncut rolls in foil for 5 minutes at 250°F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes! They’re perfect for prep. Make up to 24 hours in advance and slice just before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives a rich flavor, but Swiss or Havarti are excellent alternatives for milder taste.
Can I use dried cherries instead of cranberries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries or raisins make great substitutes for a sweeter variation.
Are these good for road trips or potlucks?
Yes, they travel well and make ideal Christmas Road Trip Snacks or Christmas Shower Food.
These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With their beautiful swirl of red, white, and gold, they add instant cheer to any holiday table. Whether you’re preparing Simple Christmas Finger Foods or looking for new New Year’s Party Food Ideas, this recipe brings joy, flavor, and convenience together in one perfect bite. Try them this season and share your creations I’d love to see your holiday twist!
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Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Recipe: Festive Party Favorite
A festive and easy-to-make appetizer, these roll-ups feature a creamy blend of feta and cream cheese, balanced with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the fresh kick of chives, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Ingredients
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (sheep’s milk feta recommended)
8 oz softened cream cheese
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries (sweetened)
4 large flour tortillas
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy and smooth.
2. Add the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped chives to the bowl. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly over the entire surface of each flour tortilla.
4. Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape.
5. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and cut them into slices of your desired thickness to serve.
Notes
These roll-ups can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to slice and serve.
Swap in goat cheese for a tangier twist, or use flavored cream cheese for added depth.
Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added color and variety.
Perfect for potlucks, holiday platters, or a festive snack board.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 roll ups
- Calories: 1600
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 1800
- Fat: 85
- Saturated Fat: 50
- Unsaturated Fat: 30
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 190
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 140
