I absolutely love sharing this Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe because it perfectly balances tangy, creamy, and fruity flavors all wrapped up in a simple, elegant bite. Whenever I make these roll-ups, they never last long, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive holiday party. The combination of tangy cream cheese and feta with sweet dried cranberries, brightened by fresh chives, rolled up inside soft tortillas, is such a delightful and unexpected flavor pairing that I hope you get excited to try as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
Whenever I make this recipe, I’m immediately drawn to the melody of flavors it brings together. The creamy richness of the softened cream cheese combined with the slightly salty feta creates a luscious spreadiness that perfectly offsets the chewy, sweet bursts of dried cranberries. I find the fresh chives add a subtle oniony brightness that keeps every bite vibrant and fresh. This flavor profile hits the spot whether I serve it as an appetizer or a light snack.
What I really appreciate about this Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. You don’t have to fuss around for hours, and there’s no complicated cooking involved. Just a quick mix, spread, roll, and chill. It’s perfect whenever I need a last-minute but impressive dish for get-togethers, holiday parties, or simply when I want to treat myself to something special. The fact that you can prepare it ahead of time and slice it up when guests arrive makes it a real crowd-pleaser and a recipe I return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. These essentials work together to create a medley of creamy texture, sweet-tart flavor, fresh herbal notes, and a mild tortilla base that holds everything perfectly.
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese: Provides the rich, smooth base that helps bind all the flavors together.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a tangy, salty kick and crumbly texture that complements the cream cheese.
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped: Offers a mild onion-like zing that brightens the whole roll-up.
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries: Bursts of natural sweetness that contrast beautifully with the cheeses.
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each): Serve as the soft, pliable wrapper that holds all the delicious fillings.
Directions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend them until you have a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps.
Step 2: Add the chopped fresh chives to the cheese mixture and stir until they are evenly distributed. This will add those fresh, bright notes that balance the richness of the cheeses.
Step 3: Gently fold in the dried cranberries. I like to keep them whole for texture and a lovely surprise sweetness with each bite. Make sure they’re spread throughout the filling.
Step 4: Lay each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cranberry and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, leaving about half an inch around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when rolling.
Step 5: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly but gently, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once rolled, wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap.
Step 6: Chill the wrapped roll-ups in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to slice and serving better texture and flavor.
Step 7: When ready to serve, unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheel pieces. Arrange on a platter and enjoy immediately or cover until serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings, with each large tortilla rolled and sliced into pinwheel-sized portions perfect for sharing. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, mostly mixing and spreading, and chilling the roll-ups takes an additional 30 to 45 minutes. There’s no cooking involved, so the total time until ready to eat is roughly 45 to 60 minutes, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days or events.
How to Serve This Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
I like to serve these roll-ups chilled or at room temperature, which brings out the freshness of the chives and the sweet-cheesy balance beautifully. They work wonderfully as appetizers on a party platter, especially when paired with crisp vegetables like cucumber slices or colorful bell pepper strips for dipping and added crunch. If I’m serving them at a casual gathering, I often set them alongside bowls of mixed nuts and olives to keep the snack vibe going strong.
For presentation, I recommend arranging the pinwheels neatly on a wooden board or pretty ceramic platter. Garnishing with a sprinkle of extra chopped chives or a few whole cranberries around the edges adds a festive touch that makes the dish pop visually. I find that these roll-ups also pair surprisingly well with dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling wine, which cuts through the creaminess of the cheese nicely. For non-alcoholic options, a crisp sparkling water with a splash of lemon brightens the palate.
This recipe shines during fall and winter gatherings but honestly, I make it all year round. It’s fantastic for holiday parties, potlucks, or even weekday lunches when I want something quick and delicious. Plus, the portion size makes it easy to control servings — just a couple of pinwheels is perfectly satisfying without feeling heavy or overwhelming.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to swap out the feta, goat cheese is a fantastic alternative that adds a similarly tangy note but with a creamier, milder flavor profile. You can also use reduced-fat cream cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to accommodate dietary needs.
For those looking for a gluten-free version, I’ve had great success using gluten-free tortillas — just make sure they’re pliable and fresh so the roll-up stays intact. Vegans can switch the dairy cheeses out for plant-based cream cheese and feta-style cheeses; the dried cranberries and chives are already perfect for vegan diets, so this recipe works well with those modifications.
If you want to bring more texture, add finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the filling for a nutty crunch. Alternatively, you can experiment with different dried fruits like chopped apricots or tart cherries instead of cranberries, which provide a similar fruity note but with varied sweetness and tartness. I’ve also seen this recipe baked briefly to warm through and slightly melt the cheeses — around 10 minutes at 350°F works if you like it warm instead of chilled.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roll-ups store beautifully in the refrigerator. I like to keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Stored properly, they’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying the next day or two. Just remember to slice them right before serving to maintain their neat appearance.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing these roll-ups because the texture of the cream cheese, feta, and tortillas can change and become a bit watery or crumbly when thawed. If you want to prepare for later, it’s best to keep them refrigerated and enjoy within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook recipe, reheating isn’t usually necessary — I find the roll-ups are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, you can briefly pop the sliced pinwheels in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, just enough to soften but not melt the cheeses completely. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the tortillas chewy and the filling unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. You can prepare them up to a day ahead and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If you don’t have dried cranberries or prefer a different flavor, dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, or golden raisins all work well and offer a similar sweet-tart flavor profile.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?
Yes! Whole wheat tortillas add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while gluten-free tortillas work well if you need to avoid gluten. Just choose soft, pliable tortillas that roll easily without cracking.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make it vegan by replacing both cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives. Several brands offer vegan cream cheese and feta-style products that work great in this recipe.
How should I serve these roll-ups at parties?
I like to slice the roll-ups into small pinwheels about an inch thick and arrange them on a platter with some fresh herbs or extra cranberries for color. They pair wonderfully with light white wines, sparkling beverages, or fresh fruit juices for a festive touch.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe enough — it’s one of those easy, vibrant dishes that never fails to impress whether you’re serving friends, family, or just indulging yourself. It’s quick to make, bursting with contrasting flavors, and endlessly adaptable, making it a true favorite in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
Print
Savory Cranberry & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Cranberry Roll Ups are a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, tangy feta, fresh chives, and sweet dried cranberries, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a flavorful snack, these roll ups combine creamy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 4 large flour tortillas (10 inches each)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh chives. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Lay out each flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over the entire surface of each tortilla.
- Add Cranberries: Sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the cheese-covered tortillas, ensuring good distribution for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Roll the Tortillas: Starting from one edge, tightly roll each tortilla into a log shape. Make sure they are rolled firmly to hold their shape.
- Chill and Slice: Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help set the roll and make slicing easier. After chilling, remove the wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces to serve as bite-sized appetizers.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
- These roll ups can be prepared a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- You can add a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a dipping sauce for added variety.