Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

This simple seasonal appetizer became part of my holiday rhythm the year I hosted a last-minute cookie swap and realized I needed something bright, make-ahead, and entirely fuss-free. The combination of tangy sheep's milk feta, ultra-smooth cream cheese, and chewy sweetened cranberries hits the contrast between savory and sweet that lifts every holiday spread. I first paired it with sharp crackers at a neighbor's potluck, and people kept circling back to the platter, which is when I knew these roll ups belonged on my celebration menu.

The texture is what makes these small bites memorable: a soft, creamy interior studded with jewel-like cranberries and a fresh oniony lift from chives, wrapped in tender flour tortillas. Each slice gives a balanced mouthful without being heavy, so guests can nibble and still save room for pie. These are ideal when you want something pretty, portable, and reliably delicious; they travel well in the fridge and slice neatly once chilled.

Ingredients

• Sheep's milk feta (1 cup, crumbled): Choose a quality block-style feta for tang and creaminess; sheep's milk varieties like Dodoni or Athenos provide a richer, nuttier flavor than standard cow's milk feta and crumble smoothly into the filling.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Full-fat is best for a silky mouthfeel; let it come to room temperature and beat until airy so the spread is easy to work with and holds together when sliced.
• Dried cranberries (1 1/2 cups, sweetened): Sweetened cranberries balance the salty feta — look for plump, glossy pieces or soak briefly in warm water if they seem dry to restore chewiness.
• Flour tortillas (4 large): Use large burrito-style tortillas for even rolling and uniform slices; warmed slightly they roll without cracking but cool before slicing so they don't compress awkwardly.
• Fresh chives (1/3 cup, chopped): Adds a bright onion note and visual contrast; snip with kitchen shears for even pieces that distribute across every bite.

Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese base: Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until smooth and slightly fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This aeration not only softens the texture but helps the other ingredients suspend evenly in the mixture and prevents dense pockets when you slice. Combine the filling: Add the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped chives to the beaten cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and you can see even distribution of cranberries and herbs; use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides and ensure no pockets of plain cream cheese remain. Spread and roll: Lay a tortilla flat and spread about one quarter of the mixture over the entire surface to the edges, leaving no gaps. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for a thin, even layer. Roll the tortilla away from you as tightly as you can without squeezing the filling out of the seam. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Wrap and chill: Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap to secure its shape and prevent drying. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour; chilling firms the filling so the logs slice cleanly and keeps the texture cohesive. For best slicing, chill up to 4 hours or overnight if preparing ahead. Slice and serve: Unwrap each log and use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch slices, wiping the blade between cuts for neat rounds. Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra chopped chives or a few whole cranberries for a festive look.

Storage Tips

Store wrapped logs in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally wrapped first in plastic wrap and then in an airtight container to avoid absorbing other smells. Prepared and sliced rounds keep well for 3 to 4 days; arrange in a single layer or use parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze whole wrapped logs for up to 3 months. To serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then slice with a serrated knife. Reheat is not necessary — these are best served chilled or at cool room temperature for texture and structure.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sheep's milk feta is unavailable, substitute a good-quality Greek-style feta or a tangy goat cheese for a similar flavor profile; goat cheese will be softer and slightly earthier. For a lower-sugar option, choose unsweetened dried cranberries and mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to taste. Swap flour tortillas for spinach or sun-dried tomato wraps for extra color and flavor — these will slightly alter moisture and rolling behavior, so spread thinner and chill thoroughly before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Present slices on a long platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for holiday flair. They pair beautifully with crunchy crackers, thinly sliced pears, or a small drizzle of aged balsamic for guests who like an extra layer of acidity. For a grazing board, scatter toasted nuts and a small dish of whole grain mustard nearby to contrast textures. These are also excellent alongside a winter green salad and can be a meatless option on a buffet where diverse tastes need to be balanced.

Cultural Background

While these roll ups are not tied to a specific traditional cuisine, they draw on common holiday flavors found in Western Christmas spreads: the use of cranberries as a winter fruit and salty cheeses in canapés. The concept of rolled, filled flatbreads appears in many culinary traditions, adapted here into an American holiday context where portable, shareable bites are prized. The combination of sweet dried fruit and tangy cheese echoes classic European cheese-and-fruit pairings commonly seen on festive boards.

Seasonal Adaptations

To make these feel summer-leaning, swap dried cranberries for finely chopped dried apricots and add a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness. For autumn gatherings, fold in toasted pecans and a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for warmth. During spring brunches, replace chives with fresh dill and add a scattering of thin cucumber ribbons for freshness. Small ingredient swaps allow the same technique to sing across seasons while keeping assembly identical.

Meal Prep Tips

Assemble the filling and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days; this shortens day-of work to spreading and rolling. For large crowds, assemble multiple logs and slice just before service to retain clean edges and vibrant color. Use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion, wiping the blade between cuts. Pack sliced rounds in single layers separated by parchment paper for portable entertaining or boxed catering service.

These roll ups are a cheerful, unfussy part of my holiday hosting toolkit — easy to scale, simple to store, and reliably admired. Try them in your next gathering and feel free to make them your own: swap cheeses, tweak the fruit, or arrange them with seasonal garnishes for a signature touch.