Cranberry Jalapeno Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

Today, I’m bringing you a truly game-changing appetizer that will steal the show at your next party: Cranberry Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups! Seriously, forget the standard cheese plate for a minute, because these creamy, crunchy, vibrant little pinwheels are where the flavor is at. They strike the perfect balance between sweet dried cranberries and a fun kick of fresh jalapeño, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy cheese filling. Trust me when I say these are ridiculously easy to make, but they taste like you spent hours on them. They are a must for the holiday season, or really, any time you need a crowd-pleasing snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, Spicy, & Savory Perfection: The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet cranberries, and fiery jalapeño is an unexpected pairing that is completely addictive.
• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Appetizer: These need chilling time, which means you can prep them entirely hours (or even a day!) before your party, leaving you stress-free when guests arrive.
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: These pinwheels are easy to eat, look beautiful on a platter, and disappear faster than you can say “appetizer.”
• No Cooking Required: That’s right—it’s just mixing and rolling! Perfect for avoiding the oven when you’re busy.

Ingredients

All you need for these Cranberry Jalapeño Tortilla Roll-Ups is about 15 minutes of hands-on time and a short trip to the grocery store. Let’s gather these essential flavors:

• Cream Cheese: The essential base that brings creaminess and body, making the mixture easy to spread and holding the roll-ups together. Make sure it’s softened so it blends beautifully!
• Dried Cranberries: Provides that wonderful chewy texture and a pop of bright, necessary sweetness to balance the heat.
• Fresh Jalapeños: This is the star that brings the heat! Dicing them finely and removing the seeds is the key to getting flavor without an overwhelming burn.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, sharp onion flavor and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Contributes a sharp, savory flavor and helps to firm up the filling when it chills.
• Garlic Powder: A little secret ingredient that adds a savory depth and warmth to the cheese base.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance and bring all the other flavors into focus.
• Large Flour Tortillas: The vessel! Choose large, soft tortillas that are easy to roll without cracking.
• Fresh Cilantro: Essential for that bright, herby flavor and beautiful green color—it instantly makes the filling taste fresh.
• Lime Juice: A game-changer! It adds a crucial tanginess and acidity that brightens the entire dish and balances the richness of the cheese.

Note: The precise measurements for these ingredients, along with the full nutritional breakdown, can be found right under the article in the printable recipe card!

How to Make the Cranberry Jalapeno Tortilla Roll Ups

Seriously, making these is a breeze. If you can mix and roll, you can make this addictive appetizer!

Step 1: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and that lovely pop of lime juice. Mix this until it is perfectly smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This smooth base is what holds all the festive goodies.

Step 2: Fold in the Flavor Fillings

Now for the fun part! Gently stir in the chopped cranberries, the finely diced jalapeños, the sliced green onions, and the chopped cilantro. Use a spatula to fold everything together until all those ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything!

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Lay one of your large flour tortillas flat on your countertop. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread an even, thin layer of the filling over the entire surface—you want it about $1/4$ inch thick. Now, starting from one edge, roll that tortilla up as tightly as you can into a log shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Chill to Firm Up

This step is non-negotiable, friend! Wrap each rolled-up tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Pop these logs into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. The chilling time is essential for the filling to firm up, the flavors to marry, and most importantly, so the roll-ups don’t fall apart when you slice them!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to party, take the logs out, unwrap them from the plastic, and use a sharp knife to slice each roll into appealing $3/4$-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them beautifully on a platter and garnish with a little extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of those bright red cranberries for a final festive flourish!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: This is key! If your cream cheese is straight out of the fridge, it will be lumpy and impossible to mix smoothly. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Dice Everything Finely: For the best results and easier rolling, make sure your cranberries, jalapeños, and green onions are all diced very small. Large chunks can make the tortillas crack when you try to roll them tightly.
• Customize the Heat: Jalapeño seeds are where most of the heat lives. If you want a milder flavor, be meticulous about removing every single seed and white membrane. For a major kick, leave a few seeds in!
• Keep Your Rolls Tight: A tight roll means a beautiful, perfect pinwheel. Press firmly as you roll to ensure the filling is evenly distributed and the layers don’t separate when sliced.

How to Serve

These beautiful pinwheels are perfect as a stand-alone appetizer, but they also pair well with a few simple sides:

• On a Platter: Arrange them artfully on a white platter to make the red and green colors really pop. Add small sprigs of rosemary or fresh thyme for an extra holiday touch.
• Dip It: Serve alongside a small bowl of sweet chili sauce or a simple ranch dressing for dipping, although they truly don’t need it!
• Alongside a Soup: They make a wonderful, substantial “side” to a light, creamy soup, like a butternut squash or roasted tomato soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Since these roll-ups require chilling, they are absolutely ideal for making ahead!

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover roll-ups should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these after they’ve been sliced, as the cream cheese texture can change and the tortillas may get soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the filling! Place the mixed filling in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then spread onto fresh tortillas.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! These are meant to be enjoyed chilled, straight from the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of cheese besides cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a great savory counterpoint to the sweetness, you could easily substitute it with Pepper Jack cheese for an extra layer of heat (you know I love that!), or even Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. The key is to use a cheese that shreds easily and has good flavor. Give it a try with what you have on hand!

2. How far in advance can I make these roll-ups?

This is the best part! You can assemble and roll these up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep the logs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. Wait until about an hour before serving to slice them into pinwheels for the freshest look and best texture.

3. What can I use if I don’t want any heat from the jalapeños?

If you want to skip the heat but keep the green color and fresh crunch, you can substitute the jalapeño with an equal amount of finely diced green bell pepper (make sure to dice it small!) or even just use extra green onions. This will keep the flavor profile focused on the sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

4. Why are my roll-ups falling apart when I try to slice them?

The most common reason for this is insufficient chilling time. The mixture must chill for at least 60 minutes for the cream cheese and cheddar to firm up enough to hold the tight log shape. Also, make sure you are using a very sharp knife for a clean cut, and press gently as you slice.