Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups
If you’re looking for a festive, flavorful appetizer that effortlessly steals the show during holiday gatherings, these Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups are an absolute must-try. Bursting with sweet, tangy cranberries and the creamy tanginess of feta, wrapped in a soft yet crispy tortilla, these roll-ups are simplicity and delight combined. Perfectly bite-sized and easy to whip up, they bring a fresh twist to your holiday spread that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: These roll-ups come together quickly, perfect when you want deliciousness without the fuss.
- Festive Flavor Combo: The blend of tart cranberries and salty feta creates a vibrant, crowd-pleasing taste.
- Perfect Finger Food: Ideal for holiday parties where everyone wants easy-to-eat, no-mess snacks.
- Versatility: Suitable for vegetarians and simple to customize for different dietary needs.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright cranberries and creamy cheese add a beautiful pop to any appetizer platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully selected to deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture, making these Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups both irresistible and visually appealing.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they provide the perfect base to hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Cream cheese: Adds a smooth, rich layer that complements the tangy feta and sweet cranberries.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for that salty punch that contrasts beautifully with the fruitiness of the cranberries.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet and tart, they bring that quintessential holiday flavor and chewy texture.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the feta’s saltiness and enhance the cranberries.
- Fresh spinach (optional): Adds a subtle earthiness and vibrant green color.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: For an optional crunch that complements the soft filling perfectly.
- Fresh herbs (like mint or basil): Brighten the flavor with a refreshing note.
Variations for Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own! Whether you want to tweak textures, swap ingredients, or accommodate dietary preferences, these roll-ups embrace customization.
- Go vegan: Substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives without losing creaminess.
- Add protein: Incorporate sliced turkey or chicken for a heartier option.
- Change the fruit: Swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots or figs for a different sweet note.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the cream cheese for a subtle kick.
- Use gluten-free tortillas: Perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities, keeping the taste intact.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, honey, and chopped herbs. Stir well until fully blended into a creamy, evenly distributed mixture.
Step 2: Lay Out Tortillas
Place your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. If you like, warm them slightly to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Using a spatula, spread a generous layer of the cranberry-feta mixture evenly across each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Add Optional Ingredients
If using fresh spinach or chopped nuts, sprinkle these evenly on top of the spread before rolling up.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Chill for 15-20 minutes to set, then slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels perfect for serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups
- Chill before slicing: Pop the roll-ups in the fridge to help them hold their shape and slice neatly.
- Use softened cream cheese: This ensures your filling is smooth and easy to spread, avoiding clumps.
- Balance flavors: Adjust honey amount based on the sweetness of cranberries to keep perfect tart-sweet harmony.
- Fresh herbs boost flavor: Don’t skip them—herbs add freshness that elevates the whole dish.
- Serve chilled or room temp: Both ways work well, so serve based on your party preferences.
How to Serve Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh mint or basil over the roll-ups, or add a drizzle of honey right before serving for extra shine and sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with crisp raw veggies, a light green salad, or cranberry sauce to keep the festive theme going beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary scattered around for a holiday-ready presentation that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze uncut roll-ups wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Reheating
These roll-ups are perfect served chilled or at room temperature, but if preferred warm, pop them briefly in a low-temp oven to soften slightly without melting the filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart and moist than dried, so they’re not ideal for this recipe, which relies on the chewy sweetness and texture dried cranberries provide.
Are these roll-ups gluten-free?
They’re not unless you use gluten-free tortillas, which work just as well and keep the recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
How far ahead can I make Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups?
You can prepare them up to a day before your event—chilling improves sliceability and flavor melding, making them even better the next day.
Can I add meat to these roll-ups?
Absolutely! Sliced turkey or chicken breast pairs wonderfully with the cranberry and feta mix, turning the roll-ups into a more substantial appetizer.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Soft goat cheese is a great alternative, offering a creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups might just become your new holiday favorite. With minimal ingredients, effortless preparation, and festive flair, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a fancy celebration, these roll-ups deliver big-time on taste and charm. Give them a try this season—you might find yourself making them again and again!
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PrintCranberry Feta Roll-Ups
Cranberry Feta Roll-Ups are a festive and flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, tangy mixture of feta and cream cheese combined with sweet dried cranberries, wrapped in soft flour tortillas. These easy-to-make, bite-sized pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a vibrant and colorful presentation with optional fresh spinach, nuts, and herbs. They serve well chilled or at room temperature and can be easily customized to accommodate dietary preferences or add protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 pinwheels)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required (optionally warm tortillas)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free tortillas)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Flour tortillas – soft and pliable (8-inch size, about 4 tortillas)
- Cream cheese – softened, 8 oz
- Feta cheese – crumbled, 4 oz
- Dried cranberries – 1/2 cup
- Honey – 1 tbsp
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh spinach – 1 cup, chopped (optional)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – 1/4 cup (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like mint or basil) – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, honey, and chopped fresh herbs (if using). Stir well until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended.
- Lay Out Tortillas: Place flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Warm them slightly if desired to make rolling easier.
- Spread the Mixture: Using a spatula, spread a generous, even layer of the cranberry-feta mixture across each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Sprinkle chopped fresh spinach and/or nuts evenly over the spread mixture before rolling, if using.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log. Chill the rolls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set. Then slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels, perfect for serving.
Notes
- Chill before slicing to help the roll-ups hold their shape and slice neatly.
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, easy-to-spread filling without lumps.
- Adjust honey amount based on the sweetness of cranberries to balance tart and sweet flavors.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and elevate the overall flavor—don’t skip them if possible.
- Serve roll-ups chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pinwheels
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cranberry appetizers, feta roll-ups, holiday finger food, festive appetizers, easy appetizers, vegetarian appetizers, gluten-free appetizers