Is there anything better than a holiday appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to devour? These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are my go-to for holiday work parties, busy Christmas Eves, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing snack that comes together in a flash. They’re the perfect mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all rolled up into one delightful little bite.
Why You’ll Love This
Seriously. These little pinwheels are a total lifesaver. They require zero cooking, which means you can whip them up without ever turning on the oven—a major win during a hectic holiday season. They’re incredibly versatile, so you can tailor them to your guests’ tastes or whatever you have in the fridge. And the best part? They look so fancy and festive, but they are secretly one of the easiest Christmas party food ideas you’ll ever try. They’re the kind of dish that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: For that perfectly smooth, spreadable base.
- 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce: Gives a sweet and tangy punch and that gorgeous festive color.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful toasty crunch.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Brings a mild, fresh bite to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A little savory depth that makes all the difference.
- 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas: The sturdy vessel that holds all the goodness together.
- 1 cup finely chopped smoked turkey: A fantastic smoky, savory substitute that pairs perfectly with the cranberry.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, green onions, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat everything together until it’s completely smooth and well-combined.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, all the way to the edges.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the chopped smoked turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer. Then, top with a handful of baby spinach leaves, gently pressing them down so they stick.
- Starting at the edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla up, keeping the filling snug inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time is crucial—it firms everything up and makes them so much easier to slice neatly.
- When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the rolls and use a sharp serrated knife to slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps you get those perfect, clean slices.
Delicious Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is more of a guideline—feel free to get creative! For a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans or swap them for sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Not a fan of smoked turkey? Thinly sliced roast beef or even shredded rotisserie chicken would be delicious. If you want a little extra zip, a teaspoon of orange zest mixed into the cream cheese is absolutely fantastic. And honestly, if you’re bringing these to a party where you’re unsure of preferences, the basic cranberry and cream cheese combo is always a surefire hit on its own.
Perfect Serving Ideas & Pairings
I love arranging these Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups on a large platter garnished with extra rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries for a beautiful holiday presentation. They’re the ultimate finger food for any Christmas work party or holiday gathering. They pair wonderfully with other easy Christmas food ideas snacks like a simple veggie platter with hummus, a tray of assorted cheeses and crackers, or a big pot of comforting soup for a more substantial meal. So good.
Holiday Roll Ups Tips For Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft. This is the key to a smooth, spreadable mixture that won’t tear your tortillas.
- Don’t overfill! It’s tempting to load them up, but a thinner, even layer of filling ensures a tight roll that won’t spill out the sides when you slice it.
- That chilling time in the fridge is non-negotiable. It transforms them from messy to magnificent.
- Use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for the cleanest cuts without squashing your beautiful pinwheels.
- Get the kids involved! Spreading the filling and rolling the tortillas is a fun and easy job for little helpers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These Christmas roll up appetizers are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they will keep well. Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They might weep a little moisture from the cranberry sauce, but they’ll still taste great. I do not recommend freezing them, as the tortilla can become soggy upon thawing. There’s no need to reheat—these are meant to be served cold straight from the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these roll ups ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the whole rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before you need to slice and serve them. This actually makes them a perfect make-ahead option for your holiday party food ideas.
- What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from cracking? Letting your tortillas sit at room temperature for a bit before assembling helps. Also, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) makes them incredibly pliable and easy to roll.
- Can I use a different spread instead of cream cheese? For sure! For a lighter option, try whipped cream cheese or even a plain Greek yogurt cheese spread. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work wonderfully.
- Are there any other easy Christmas day food ideas that use similar ingredients? You bet! Any leftover cranberry cream cheese mixture is divine smeared on crackers or used as a sandwich spread. It’s a fantastic way to reduce waste and create another snack in minutes.
