This festive roll up has been a holiday standby in my kitchen for years and it arrives at every Christmas party I host. I first assembled this combination during a week when my pantry ran thin and I wanted something bright to cut through heavy winter flavors. The interplay of creamy softened cheese and sweet dried cranberries surprised everyone at the table. The texture is soft and silky from the cream cheese while crumbly feta gives a satisfying bite and a salty counterpoint that keeps each slice from feeling overly sweet.

I discovered the trick that makes these roll ups truly special the second season I prepared them. Using sheep's milk feta adds a tangy, slightly floral note that elevates the whole appetizer. Chives bring a fresh onion flavor that brightens the filling. They are easy to scale up for a crowd and they travel well when wrapped tightly and chilled. Every year guests ask for the recipe and children love the pinwheel shape. Keep a sharp knife and a cold cutting board nearby because a single clean slice turns a simple tortilla into a festive little bite that looks like a holiday ornament on the plate.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: One cup crumbled sheep's milk feta provides tang and a slightly creamy crumb texture. Choose a block of feta to crumble yourself for the freshest flavor. Avoid overly briny brands that will overpower the sweetness of cranberries.
• Cream cheese: Eight ounces of softened cream cheese makes the filling silky. Full fat cream cheese spreads and holds shape best but light versions will work with slight texture changes.
• Dried cranberries: One and a half cups of sweetened dried cranberries bring holiday color and chewy sweetness. Look for ones labeled sweetened to balance the feta. If you prefer more tartness choose tart cranberries.
• Flour tortillas: Four large tortillas act as the wrapping vessel. Use 10 inch tortillas for an even roll and neat slices. For gluten free, use certified gluten free tortillas of similar size.
• Fresh chives: One third cup chopped chives adds a bright and delicate onion note. Snip them thin so they blend smoothly with the cheese without creating large pieces that tear the wrap.

Instructions

Prepare the cream cheese base Place the eight ounces of cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat until fluffy and smooth using a hand mixer or a whisk. Room temperature cream cheese is easier to work with and will create a spreadable base. Beat for one to two minutes until there are no lumps and the texture feels light. Fold in the remaining ingredients Add one cup of crumbled feta, one and a half cups of dried cranberries and one third cup of chopped chives to the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture forms a uniform spreadable paste. Taste and adjust with a pinch of black pepper if desired. Spread and roll Lay a large tortilla flat on a cutting board and spread about one quarter of the cheese mixture evenly across the surface leaving a half inch border. Roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape making sure the filling stays inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Chill until firm Wrap each rolled log in plastic wrap, pressing gently along the length to maintain shape. Refrigerate for at least one hour to firm the filling and make slicing clean. Chilling overnight is even better for flavor melding. Slice and serve Remove plastic wrap and use a sharp serrated or chef knife to slice each roll into desired thickness. Aim for one third to one half inch slices for bite size portions. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Storage Tips

Store the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for up to three days. Use airtight containers or tightly wrapped plastic to prevent drying. If you need longer storage freezing is effective. Wrap each log in plastic wrap then a layer of foil and place in a freezer safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing. When reheating is desired place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a forty minute low oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit just to take the chill off. Avoid high heat which can melt the cheeses and make the texture runny.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer less salt try a cow's milk feta or a reduced sodium feta and adjust cranberries to taste. For dairy free adaptations use a cultured plant based cream cheese and a firm plant based cheese alternative for the feta. To reduce sweetness swap half the dried cranberries for finely chopped dried tart cherries. Use whole wheat or spinach wraps for added flavor and color. Note that substitutions will change texture so consider chilling time and how the filling binds when choosing alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange slices on a large platter and garnish with a few whole chives or microgreens for contrast. Pair with crisp apple slices, thin cucumber ribbons or marcona almonds for crunch. A drizzle of honey over a few select pieces adds a glossy touch for a sweeter presentation. For holiday buffets place on tiered trays to create vertical interest. Serve with small cocktail picks to make them easy to grab without utensils.

Seasonal Adaptations

During winter use dried cranberries and add a pinch of orange zest to the filling for citrus brightness. In spring swap cranberries for chopped roasted strawberries and add torn basil instead of chives. For autumn incorporate chopped roasted pears and a sprinkle of toasted pepitas. Small changes in fruit and herbs make this template adaptable to every season while preserving the same simple technique.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the filling one day in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container. Spread and roll on the day of serving to keep tortillas from becoming soggy. If preparing ahead wrap tightly and chill. When packing for transportation keep the cut slices cold by placing them on a shallow pan over ice inside a cooler. Use a very sharp knife and a chilled cutting board to keep clean edges when slicing at the venue.

Success Stories

One holiday when my in laws arrived early I cut the rolls into thicker slices and served them with sparkling wine. They commented the texture and balance of sweet and salty reminded them of a gourmet offering but without the fuss. A potluck host later told me these are their go to because they hold up on a table and guests appreciate that they are not overly rich. I have a photo from a New Year gathering where the platter sat untouched for only minutes before emptying which always makes me smile.

Simple to assemble, easy to scale and attractive on a platter. These roll ups invite improvisation while delivering consistent results. Make a batch, share with neighbors and watch them disappear.