As the holiday season approaches, my heart is filled with warmth and nostalgia, especially when it comes to our family gatherings. I can still remember my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, preparing her signature appetizers, each bite bursting with flavors that spoke of love and celebration. One of my favorite memories is of her cranberry rolls, lovely little parcels that not only tasted delightful but also embodied the spirit of the holidays. This year, I’ve put my own spin on that classic: Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups! These bite-sized wonders are perfect for holiday parties, cozy gatherings, or even a simple night in with loved ones. With their vibrant red hues and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to brighten up your festivities and your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for unexpected guests.
- Packed with festive flavors that feel luxurious.
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you time on the big day.
- Great for kids and adults alike—everyone loves these little bites!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these heavenly rolls to life:
- 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 cup of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary (or fresh, finely chopped if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
Note: Using fresh cranberries brings a tart brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, cranberry sauce works too! Just be careful with the sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your roll ups get that gorgeous golden color.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets, making them a bit thinner. This will give you more surface area to work with. Cut each sheet into rectangles, approximately 3×4 inches.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, softened, cranberries, sugar, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well blended. You want a consistent texture, but it’s okay if some cranberry chunks remain for that delicious burst of flavor.
- Assemble the roll ups: Place a spoonful of the filling onto one side of each puff pastry rectangle. Don’t overstuff—around a tablespoon should suffice. Roll the pastry over the filling to create a pocket and pinch the edges to seal.
- Egg wash: Place the roll ups seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them that shiny, beautiful finish.
- Bake: Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly, and you might have trouble waiting for them to cool!
Personal Tip: Keep an eye on these beauties; puff pastry can be a bit fickle. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Pro Tips & Variations
Feel free to have some fun with this recipe! Here are a few suggestions to make it truly your own:
- Spicer Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy twist!
- Herb Infusion: Consider mixing in other herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sweet Surprise: Try incorporating a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the filling for a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries.
- Cheese Lovers: Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a delightful gooeyness.
These roll ups are versatile, and the flavors can truly reflect your personal taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
These Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups aren’t just delicious; they’re a feast for the eyes, too! Serve them fresh out of the oven, garnished with a sprig of rosemary for that added holiday cheer. They pair beautifully with:
- A warm, hearty soup—think butternut squash or creamy tomato.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Some hot mulled cider or a rich, spiced wine to really get into the holiday spirit.
Imagine gathering around a cozy fire, the aroma from the roll ups mingling with holiday scents, each bite leaving you with a comforting warmth. It’s a moment made for sharing!
Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftover roll ups (they’re that good, trust me), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerating: Allow the roll ups to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get that crispiness back.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked roll ups! Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer; you might need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the roll ups a day before your event. Just keep them covered in the fridge and pop them in the oven just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use a different kind of fruit?
For sure! While cranberries are classic, feel free to experiment with other fruits like cherries or even apples for a sweeter version. Just adjust the sugar accordingly!
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No worries! You can use phyllo dough or even crescent roll dough. Each option will give a unique texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
Are these roll ups vegetarian?
Yes, they are! With cream cheese and cranberries as the main ingredients, they’re a great vegetarian appetizer. Just be sure to check that your puff pastry is made without any animal fats if you’re strictly vegetarian.
Conclusion
I hope you give these Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups a try during this magical season. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them by the fire with close friends, they’re sure to evoke warmth and joy. I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so feel free to comment below or share your own twists! Happy baking!
Savory Christmas Cranberry RollUps Easy Holiday Party Treats
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 roll ups 1x
Description
Delight guests with Savory Christmas Cranberry Roll Upseasy to make holiday party bites perfect for festive gatherings Savory flavors in every bite
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 calories
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Fat: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
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