Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups

The tantalizing aroma of warm, flaky pastry filled with tart cranberries and savory herbs will make your holiday gathering truly memorable. These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups transform traditional cranberry sauce into an elegant appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The crimson cranberries peeking through golden, buttery pastry creates a festive presentation that’s perfect for your Christmas table. You’ll learn how to create these impressive yet surprisingly simple roll ups that will have your guests reaching for seconds before the main course even arrives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are about to become your new holiday tradition for several compelling reasons. First, they strike that perfect balance between tart cranberries and savory herbs, creating a complex flavor profile that’s irresistible. The contrast between the crispy, flaky exterior and the soft, jammy interior provides a delightful textural experience with each bite.

What truly sets these roll ups apart is their versatility. They work beautifully as a sophisticated appetizer for formal gatherings, yet they’re equally at home as a casual snack during gift-wrapping sessions. The make-ahead potential is another game-changer for busy hosts – prepare them earlier in the day and bake just before serving.

Perhaps most importantly, these festive cranberry treats strike that elusive balance between “impressive” and “achievable.” Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but the simple technique and readily available ingredients make them remarkably stress-free to prepare during the busy holiday season.

Ingredients

For the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups, you’ll need:

• 2 sheets puff pastry (17.3 oz/490g package), thawed but still cold
• 1 cup (240ml) cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 oz (113g) goat cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped toasted walnuts
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6ml) ground black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.2ml) flaky sea salt

The cranberry sauce provides the perfect tart foundation, while the goat cheese adds creamy richness. Fresh thyme and orange zest bring aromatic complexity that elevates these roll ups from simple to sophisticated. The walnuts introduce a subtle textural contrast that complements the flaky pastry perfectly.

Pro Tips

Achieving roll up perfection requires attention to a few critical details. First, temperature management is crucial – keep your puff pastry cold until the moment you’re ready to use it. If it becomes too warm while you’re working, the butter within the layers will melt prematurely, resulting in dense rather than flaky pastry. If you notice the dough becoming too soft, simply pop it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing.

Second, don’t overload your pastry sheets with filling. It’s tempting to pile on the cranberry mixture, but restraint yields better results. A thin, even layer allows for proper rolling and ensures the pastry cooks through completely. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent filling from escaping during baking.

Finally, the egg wash isn’t optional – it’s essential for that gorgeous golden finish that makes these roll ups so visually appealing. Apply it generously but evenly, and don’t skip the chilling time before baking. This final cold rest helps the pastry maintain its shape and achieve maximum flakiness during baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining the cranberry sauce, softened goat cheese, thyme leaves, orange zest, chopped walnuts, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, maintaining some texture in the mixture. Avoid overmixing, as you want distinct pockets of flavor in your Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry, keeping the second sheet refrigerated until needed. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry to smooth out creases and create a slightly larger rectangle, approximately 10×12 inches. The pastry should remain about 1/8-inch thick.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread half of your cranberry mixture evenly across the pastry sheet, leaving that crucial 1/2-inch border around all edges. Press the filling gently into the pastry to help it adhere during rolling. For a professional touch, use an offset spatula to create an even layer.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Starting with the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the pastry away from yourself, creating a log shape. Once rolled, press the seam firmly to seal and position the log seam-side down. Wrap the log in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up. Repeat with the second sheet of pastry and remaining filling.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/2-inch rounds. Place the rounds on your prepared baking sheets, allowing about 2 inches between each piece.

Brush the tops and sides of each roll up with beaten egg wash, then sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown. The filling may bubble slightly, which adds to their rustic appeal.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

While the Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are still warm from the oven, drizzle each with a small amount of honey for a final sweet touch that balances the savory elements. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and orange zest for an elegant presentation.

Variations

Mediterranean Cranberry Roll Ups: Replace the goat cheese with feta, swap walnuts for pine nuts, and use rosemary instead of thyme. Add a tablespoon of minced olives for a Mediterranean twist on the classic Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups. This variation pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine.

Spiced Holiday Cranberry Spirals: For those who enjoy more complex flavor profiles, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, and 2 tablespoons of finely diced crystallized ginger to the cranberry mixture. The warming spices complement the tart cranberries and create a more aromatic experience.

Vegan-Friendly Festive Roll Ups: Substitute the goat cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based puff pastry (many store-bought varieties are accidentally vegan). Replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup for that same golden finish without animal products.

Storage and Serving

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups can be prepared ahead and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply slice and bake when ready to serve. Once baked, they’re best enjoyed within 2 hours, but can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the assembled logs for up to one month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and label clearly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking as directed, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Serve these festive roll ups alongside a cheese board for an elegant appetizer spread. They also pair wonderfully with a winter salad of mixed greens, sliced pears, and candied pecans for a light lunch. For a stunning holiday cocktail pairing, serve with cranberry mimosas or rosemary gin fizzes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for these roll ups?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully in these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups and allows you to control the sweetness. Just ensure it’s cooled completely and thick enough to spread without running off the pastry.

My puff pastry keeps tearing. What am I doing wrong?
This typically happens when the pastry becomes too warm. Return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up before trying again. Also, make sure your filling is evenly distributed and not too wet.

Can I prepare these entirely in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the logs up to the slicing stage and refrigerate overnight or freeze for longer storage. For the freshest results, slice and bake just before serving.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t like it?
Cream cheese makes an excellent substitute, providing similar creaminess with a milder flavor. Mascarpone or ricotta are also good alternatives for these festive cranberry treats.

Why did my roll ups unravel during baking?
This usually happens if the seam wasn’t sealed properly or if the logs weren’t chilled long enough before slicing. Make sure to press the seam firmly and give the logs at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator to set.

Conclusion

These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are comfort food at its finest — festive bites of tangy-sweet cranberry and herb-infused cheese wrapped in golden, flaky pastry that perfectly capture the essence of holiday entertaining. They’re the kind of dish that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable celebrations, bringing together familiar holiday flavors in an unexpected and delightful way. Whether served as part of your Christmas appetizer spread or brought as a potluck contribution, these elegant yet approachable treats are sure to become a requested favorite in your holiday recipe collection.

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