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These cranberry roll ups bring pure holiday magic to my kitchen every Christmas season. The sweet dried cranberries blend perfectly with creamy cheese filling all tucked inside soft tortillas. My family goes crazy for these festive bites whenever I serve them at our holiday gatherings.
What Makes These Roll Ups Special
I discovered this recipe years ago when looking for stress free holiday appetizers and it's been my go to ever since. The simple ingredients come together beautifully with no cooking required. The red cranberries and green herbs create such a pretty holiday look. Plus the combo of tangy cheese and sweet cranberries makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Your Shopping List
- Cream Cheese: Grab one 8 ounce block and let it soften on your counter. Trust me this makes mixing so much easier.
- Feta Cheese: One cup crumbled gives these rolls the perfect salty kick that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Chives: I use 1/3 cup finely chopped. The subtle onion flavor works wonders here.
- Dried Cranberries: You'll need 1 1/2 cups chopped up small. This ensures cranberry goodness in every bite.
- Flour Tortillas: Four large 10 inch ones work best. They roll up like a dream.
Let's Make These Together
- Start With The Cream Cheese Base
- Take your softened cream cheese and beat it until it looks light and fluffy in your mixing bowl.
- Mix Everything Together
- Now add your feta, chives and those lovely cranberries. Mix until you get an even spread.
- Fill and Roll Time
- Spread this mixture over each tortilla making sure to cover it completely. Roll them up nice and tight.
- Chill Then Slice
- Wrap each roll in plastic and pop them in the fridge for an hour. Once firm slice into pretty pinwheels.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Keep the filling light when spreading so it stays put. Wrap those rolls super tight in plastic or they might unravel in the fridge. My secret for perfect slices is using my sharpest serrated knife with gentle pressure.
Perfect Pairings
These roll ups taste amazing next to fresh cucumber slices and baby carrots on your appetizer table. When I host holiday parties I love serving them alongside warm spinach artichoke dip and a beautiful cheese board. Sometimes I add cranberry glazed meatballs to round out the spread.
Switch Things Up
- Cream Cheese: Sometimes I use mascarpone or Greek yogurt cream cheese for a lighter version. Plant based cream cheese works too.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese gives a milder taste while blue cheese adds bold flavor. Queso fresco works beautifully too.
- Fresh Chives: Green onions work great here. Or try fresh parsley or dill for different flavors.
- Dried Cranberries: Try dried cherries, chopped apricots or golden raisins for something different.
- Flour Tortillas: Spinach or sun dried tomato wraps add gorgeous color. Skip corn tortillas they just crack when rolled.
Make Life Easier
I often make these roll ups the day before my parties. They stay fresh wrapped tight in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream cheese keeps everything moist and delicious. Just remember to let them sit out for 15 minutes before slicing so they cut smoothly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much filling makes rolling tricky. Stick with about 1/2 cup per tortilla for perfect results.
- Loose rolling leads to messy slicing. Take time to roll them tight and wrap each one well.
- Cold rolls cut cleaner. Let them chill at least 2 hours then use your sharpest knife with a gentle back and forth motion.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
- You can make these roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge, and slice just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of feta cheese?
- Goat cheese works great as a substitute for feta. Blue cheese also adds a nice tangy flavor that pairs well with the cranberries.
- → Why do my roll-ups sometimes get soggy?
- Excess moisture from the filling can make tortillas soggy. Make sure to drain any wet ingredients well and avoid overfilling the tortillas.
- → Can I freeze these roll-ups?
- Freezing isn't recommended as the cream cheese mixture can become grainy. The tortillas may also become tough when thawed.
- → What's the best way to slice the roll-ups?
- Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. For the cleanest slices, chill the rolls thoroughly first and cut with a gentle sawing motion.