Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups – Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a platter of delectable holiday roll ups Christmas pinwheel appetizer cranberry appetizer easy appetizer festive appetizer cream cheese roll up? These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. As a professional chef, I can assure you that this recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to prepare.

Why is it Perfect for You?

These festive pinwheels are ideal for busy hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare them in advance and slice just before serving. The vibrant red cranberries against the creamy white cheese create a visually stunning appetizer that screams Christmas. Plus, they’re versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences with a few simple tweaks.

Ingredients List

◾ 8 oz cream cheese, softened
◾ 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
◾ 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
◾ 1/4 cup chopped pecans
◾ 1 tablespoon honey
◾ 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
◾ 4 large flour tortillas
◾ Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Servings: 24 roll-ups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped cranberries, sliced green onions, chopped pecans, honey, and garlic powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure easy mixing and spreading.

Step 2: Spread the Mixture

Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the tortillas, spreading it in a thin layer, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges. This will prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll them up.

Step 3: Roll and Chill

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and rolling towards the opposite side. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups on a festive platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

These roll-ups are a delightful indulgence, perfect for holiday celebrations. While they’re not low in calories, they do offer some nutritional benefits from the cranberries and pecans.

Calories per Person

Each roll-up contains approximately 120 calories, based on the recipe yielding 24 servings.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this recipe lighter, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a mixture of Greek yogurt and cream cheese. You can also increase the nutritional value by using whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour ones.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are perfect as is, but you can elevate your presentation by serving them with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a festive mocktail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to overfill your tortillas, as this can make rolling difficult and messy. Also, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling time – it’s essential for clean, neat slices.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These roll-ups can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I make these roll-ups gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

How far in advance can I make these?
You can prepare these up to 24 hours before your event. Just keep them wrapped and refrigerated until you’re ready to slice and serve.

Can I freeze these roll-ups?
While it’s possible to freeze them, I don’t recommend it as the texture of the cream cheese may change upon thawing.

What can I use instead of pecans for a nut-free version?
You can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect addition to your holiday appetizer spread. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and bursting with festive flavors. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas party or looking for a quick and impressive dish to bring to a potluck, these roll-ups are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen!