If you’re looking for a quick, colorful, and crowd-pleasing Christmas appetizer, these Christmas Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups are the perfect no-bake option for your holiday table. Packed with creamy cheese, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs, this festive finger food is ideal for Christmas parties, family gatherings, and last-minute holiday entertaining. These easy vegetarian roll ups are not only delicious, they’re also budget-friendly and incredibly simple to prepare.
What makes this holiday appetizer so popular is its versatility and bright, cheerful presentation. Each tortilla is filled with finely chopped vegetables, seasoned cream cheese, and fragrant dill, creating a vibrant “confetti” filling that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, a New Year’s Eve buffet, or a cozy holiday movie night, these veggie pinwheels add a refreshing and flavorful touch to your menu.
Another major advantage of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. These make-ahead Christmas tortilla roll ups need only a short chilling time to slice perfectly, making them an excellent stress-free dish when you’re juggling multiple holiday recipes. Simply prepare them the night before, keep them wrapped in the refrigerator, and slice just before serving for a smooth, clean presentation.
With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and guaranteed festive appeal, these Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups are a must-try Christmas snack for anyone who loves easy holiday appetizers. They’re light, creamy, crunchy, and perfect for both kids and adults. Add them to your Christmas potluck, holiday charcuterie board, or buffet table, and enjoy a flavorful appetizer that always disappears fast.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
1 block of cream cheese (the full-fat block kind not the tub)
A big spoonful of sour cream (or greek yogurt if you wanna feel healthier)
1 red bell pepper
a couple carrots
some green onions
a handful of spinach (just chop all this veggie stuff up super tiny)
fresh dill (way better if you can find it)
garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper
4-5 big flour tortillas (the burrito ones)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Christmas Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups
Instructions:
Begin by preparing all your fresh vegetables. The most time-consuming step in this recipe is the chopping, so take your time and dice every ingredient as finely as possible. This ensures the filling spreads evenly and gives the tortilla roll ups their signature “confetti” look. After chopping, make sure you pat the vegetables completely dry—excess moisture will make the mixture watery and prevent the rolls from holding their shape.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and all your seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Using room-temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth, creamy texture. Cold cream cheese is difficult to mix and will create lumps, so let it soften before starting. Blend everything together until the mixture is light and well combined.
Next, fold the finely chopped vegetables into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and mix gently until everything is evenly distributed without overmixing. Spread a generous layer of the vegetable cream cheese filling over each flour tortilla, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This empty space helps keep the mixture from spilling out when you roll the tortillas tightly.
Once your tortillas are filled, roll each one firmly to create a compact log. Wrap every roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though longer chilling is even better. Cold tortilla rolls slice cleanly and hold their shape beautifully, while warm rolls tend to become soft and messy. When fully chilled, use a sharp serrated bread knife to cut the rolls into even, 1-inch slices.
Notes:
Make sure all vegetables are completely dry before mixing—extra moisture can ruin the texture.
Finely diced vegetables provide better flavor distribution in every bite.
These tortilla roll ups are perfect for meal prep and holiday entertaining since they can be made the night before.
Delicious Variations:
• Christmas Cheddar & Jalapeño Roll Ups
Add shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy Christmas appetizer. This variation is perfect for guests who enjoy bold flavors and a little heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups
Swap the spinach for chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Add a pinch of oregano for a festive Mediterranean twist. These pinwheels pair wonderfully with holiday charcuterie boards.
• Ranch-Style Vegetable Pinwheels
Mix a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the cream cheese and replace dill with parsley. This creates a creamy ranch flavor kids and adults love—ideal for Christmas potlucks and family gatherings.
• Smoked Salmon & Dill Roll Ups (Holiday Deluxe Version)
For a richer, more elegant Christmas appetizer, add thin slices of smoked salmon to the filling and extra dill. This variation is perfect for Christmas brunch or New Year’s Eve parties.
• Crispy Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups
Mix in a handful of crushed tortilla chips or seasoned crackers to add a crunchy texture. This festive twist gives each bite a satisfying crunch that stands out on holiday appetizer platters.
Practical Tips:
• Keep all vegetables very dry
Moisture is the biggest enemy of tortilla roll ups. After washing and chopping the vegetables, pat them dry thoroughly to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing
Softened cream cheese blends smoothly and creates a fluffy, creamy base. Cold cream cheese makes the mixture lumpy and difficult to spread.
• Chill the rolls long enough for clean slicing
Refrigerating the wrapped tortilla rolls for at least 1 hour is essential. For best results, chill them for 2–4 hours or overnight. Cold rolls slice into perfect pinwheels without getting squished.
• Use a serrated bread knife
A sharp serrated knife cuts clean slices without compressing the filling, ensuring each pinwheel looks neat and professional for holiday serving.
• Make them ahead for stress-free hosting
These tortilla roll ups are ideal for make-ahead holiday appetizers. Prepare them the night before Christmas dinner or a holiday party, then slice and serve the next day.
