Turkey And Cranberry Wraps

Make delicious Turkey and Cranberry Wraps in just 15 minutes! This no-cook recipe is perfect for lunch, picnics, or parties. Get the easy step-by-step guide now.

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Sometimes the best meals are the ones that feel like a warm hug — familiar, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull together. That’s exactly what these Turkey and Cranberry Wraps are all about. They’re my go-to when I want something that tastes like the cozy part of Thanksgiving but comes together in minutes, without any of the holiday stress. Honestly, the combination of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and that sweet-tart cranberry sauce is just… perfect. It hits all the right notes. You can make these for a quick lunch, pack them for a picnic, or even slice them into pretty pinwheels for a party. They’re incredibly versatile, and the best part is that they don’t require any cooking at all. Just a little assembly, a quick roll, and you’re done. Let’s make something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Cranberry Wraps

  • Effortless elegance. These wraps look and taste far more sophisticated than the minimal effort they require. They’re perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality lunch at home.
  • The perfect flavor harmony. The savory, lean turkey pairs beautifully with the sharp, creamy cheese and the sweet, tangy pop of the cranberry sauce. It’s a classic combination for a reason—every bite is balanced and satisfying.
  • Meal prep magic. You can assemble these ahead of time, wrap them tightly, and have a ready-to-eat, delicious meal waiting for you in the fridge. They are a true lifesaver on busy days.
  • Endlessly customizable. Don’t like one of the ingredients? No problem. You can easily swap in different spreads, cheeses, or greens to make this recipe your own. It’s a fantastic blueprint for creativity.

Ingredients & Tools

  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch/25 cm size works best)
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 200 g sliced roasted turkey breast
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach or arugula
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, for extra tang)

Tools: A cutting board, a sharp knife, and a butter knife for spreading.

The quality of your ingredients really shines here, so use the best you can find. A good, thick cranberry sauce with whole berries provides lovely texture, and high-quality, moist turkey breast makes all the difference.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

  • Warm those tortillas. This is the single most important step for a pliable, non-cracking wrap. A quick 15-second zap in the microwave or a gentle toast in a dry pan makes them soft and easy to roll.
  • Let the cream cheese soften. Trying to spread cold cream cheese is a recipe for torn tortillas. Take it out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you start, or microwave it for just 10 seconds to make it spreadable.
  • Go for whole-berry cranberry sauce. The jellied kind works in a pinch, but the whole-berry version gives you little bursts of fruity flavor and a much more interesting texture that really elevates the whole wrap.
  • Don’t overstuff! It’s tempting to load up the tortilla, but a little goes a long way. Overfilling makes it nearly impossible to roll tightly, and you’ll end up with a messy burrito instead of a neat, sliceable wrap.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Wraps

Step 1: First, get your tortillas ready. There’s nothing worse than a cracking tortilla, so let’s make them pliable. Warm each tortilla individually by placing it in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, just until it’s soft and warm to the touch. Alternatively, you can stack them on a plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20-30 seconds. You’ll notice they become much more flexible.

Step 2: Now, let’s build our flavor base. Lay one warm tortilla flat on your cutting board. Using a butter knife, spread an even layer of the softened cream cheese over the entire surface, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This layer acts as a delicious barrier that helps prevent the tortilla from getting soggy from the cranberry sauce.

Step 3: Time for the star ingredients. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread it out gently—you don’t need to mix it in, just create an even, dotted layer. The vibrant red against the white cream cheese looks so inviting already.

Step 4: Arrange the sliced turkey breast evenly over the cranberry sauce, covering most of the surface. Then, scatter the fresh spinach or arugula on top. The greens will add a lovely fresh crunch. Finally, sprinkle on the sliced red onion and your optional crumbled cheese, if using. Distribute everything evenly for the perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Here comes the rolling part—don’t be intimidated! Fold the sides of the tortilla in over the filling, about an inch from each edge. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla away from you, tucking the filling in as you go. Apply gentle but firm pressure to create a tight, cylindrical log.

Step 6: To secure your beautiful wrap, you have a couple of options. You can wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper, which makes it perfect for packing. For immediate serving, just place it seam-side down on a plate. The internal pressure should hold it together. If it feels a bit loose, a toothpick through the center can work wonders.

Step 7: The final touch is slicing. For the cleanest cuts, use a very sharp serrated knife. If you’re making pinwheels for an appetizer, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds. For a lunch wrap, you can simply slice it in half on a sharp diagonal—it just looks more appealing that way. And there you have it!

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

  • A simple garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette — The crisp, acidic greens cut through the richness of the wrap beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
  • A warm bowl of tomato basil soup — This is the ultimate comfort food duo. The creamy, herby soup is just divine for dipping the wrap’s edges into.
  • Oven-baked sweet potato fries — Their natural sweetness echoes the cranberry and adds a fun, crispy element that makes the whole meal feel like a treat.

Drinks

  • A crisp, dry rosé or a light Pinot Noir — The berry notes in the wine are a fantastic match for the cranberry, while the acidity cleanses the palate.
  • Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and citrus are incredibly refreshing and help balance the creamy, savory flavors.
  • Iced green tea with mint — Its clean, slightly bitter finish provides a lovely contrast and feels wonderfully light alongside the wrap.

Something Sweet

  • A small square of dark chocolate with sea salt — It’s a sophisticated, not-too-sweet ending that complements the meal without overpowering it.
  • Lemon sorbet — The intense, bright citrus flavor is a palate-cleansing dream after the savory and sweet notes of the wrap.
  • An almond biscotti — Its nutty crunch and subtle sweetness are perfect for a little nibble with an afternoon coffee.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using cold tortillas straight from the package. This is the number one reason wraps fall apart. A cold tortilla is brittle and will crack as soon as you try to roll it, leading to a frustrating mess.
  • Spreading ingredients all the way to the edge. When you do this, the filling squishes out the sides as you roll. Leaving a clear border gives you a clean, contained roll and makes the whole process so much smoother.
  • Rolling too loosely. A loose roll means a wrap that falls apart when you pick it up or slice it. Take your time to roll it snugly—you want to feel a little resistance—for that perfect, firm structure.
  • Using a dull knife to slice. A dull knife will squish your beautiful wrap, pushing all the filling out. A sharp serrated knife glides through cleanly, preserving all those pretty layers you worked so hard to create.

Expert Tips

  • Tip: Add a layer of crunch. For an extra textural element, add some toasted walnuts or pecans, or even some crispy fried onions. The contrast between the soft fillings and a bit of crunch is absolutely divine.
  • Tip: Make them ahead for a crowd. If you’re serving these as pinwheels for a party, assemble the whole logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Slice them right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
  • Tip: Experiment with spreads. While cream cheese is classic, try swapping it for Boursin herbed cheese, hummus, or even a thin layer of mashed avocado. Each one will create a completely different flavor profile.
  • Tip: Warm it up! While delicious cold, these wraps are also fantastic lightly grilled. Heat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat and grill the sealed wrap for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and warm inside. It’s like a whole new meal.

FAQs

Can I make these wraps the night before?
Absolutely, you can! They are fantastic for meal prep. The key is to wrap them very tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep air out. This prevents the tortilla from drying out and helps everything hold its shape. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The spinach might soften a tiny bit, but the flavors will meld together beautifully. I wouldn’t recommend going much longer than that, as the tortilla can start to get a little gummy from the moisture.

What’s a good substitute for cranberry sauce?
If you’re not a cranberry fan, don’t worry! A fig jam or an orange marmalade would be wonderful, offering a similar sweet-and-fruity contrast. For a savory route, a grainy mustard or even a pesto would work brilliantly. The idea is to have a component that provides a bit of moisture and a flavor punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and turkey.

My wrap is falling apart when I try to slice it. What did I do wrong?
This usually comes down to two things: rolling and slicing. First, make sure you rolled it tightly enough—a loose roll is unstable. Second, and this is crucial, use a sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. Don’t press down hard, as that will squish it. If it’s still problematic, pop the whole wrapped log into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up before slicing; this works like a charm.

Can I use a different kind of tortilla?
Of course! Spinach or tomato basil tortillas add lovely color and subtle flavor. Just be aware that some whole-wheat or gluten-free tortillas can be less pliable and more prone to cracking, so warming them thoroughly is even more important. You might need to be a bit more gentle during the rolling process.

Is there a way to make these vegetarian?
Definitely. The turkey can be easily swapped for sliced, seasoned halloumi cheese (grilled or pan-fried until golden), or even for thick slices of roasted portobello mushrooms. The creamy cheese and cranberry combination is so versatile that it pairs well with many savory, hearty vegetarian options.

Turkey And Cranberry Wraps

Turkey And Cranberry Wraps

Recipe Information
Cost Level $$
Category Healthy Holiday Recipes
Difficulty Medium
Cuisine American, fusion
Recipe Details
Servings 4
Total Time 15 minutes
Recipe Controls

Make delicious Turkey and Cranberry Wraps in just 15 minutes! This no-cook recipe is perfect for lunch, picnics, or parties. Get the easy step-by-step guide now.

Ingredients

For the wraps

Instructions

  1. First, get your tortillas ready. There’s nothing worse than a cracking tortilla, so let’s make them pliable. Warm each tortilla individually by placing it in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, just until it’s soft and warm to the touch. Alternatively, you can stack them on a plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20-30 seconds. You’ll notice they become much more flexible.
  2. Now, let's build our flavor base. Lay one warm tortilla flat on your cutting board. Using a butter knife, spread an even layer of the softened cream cheese over the entire surface, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This layer acts as a delicious barrier that helps prevent the tortilla from getting soggy from the cranberry sauce.
  3. Time for the star ingredients. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread it out gently—you don't need to mix it in, just create an even, dotted layer. The vibrant red against the white cream cheese looks so inviting already.
  4. Arrange the sliced turkey breast evenly over the cranberry sauce, covering most of the surface. Then, scatter the fresh spinach or arugula on top. The greens will add a lovely fresh crunch. Finally, sprinkle on the sliced red onion and your optional crumbled cheese, if using. Distribute everything evenly for the perfect bite every time.
  5. Here comes the rolling part—don't be intimidated! Fold the sides of the tortilla in over the filling, about an inch from each edge. Then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, tightly roll the tortilla away from you, tucking the filling in as you go. Apply gentle but firm pressure to create a tight, cylindrical log.
  6. To secure your beautiful wrap, you have a couple of options. You can wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper, which makes it perfect for packing. For immediate serving, just place it seam-side down on a plate. The internal pressure should hold it together. If it feels a bit loose, a toothpick through the center can work wonders.
  7. The final touch is slicing. For the cleanest cuts, use a very sharp serrated knife. If you're making pinwheels for an appetizer, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds. For a lunch wrap, you can simply slice it in half on a sharp diagonal—it just looks more appealing that way. And there you have it!

Chef’s Notes

  • Warm those tortillas. This is the single most important step for a pliable, non-cracking wrap. A quick 15-second zap in the microwave or a gentle toast in a dry pan makes them soft and easy to roll.
  • Let the cream cheese soften. Trying to spread cold cream cheese is a recipe for torn tortillas. Take it out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you start, or microwave it for just 10 seconds to make it spreadable.
  • Go for whole-berry cranberry sauce. The jellied kind works in a pinch, but the whole-berry version gives you little bursts of fruity flavor and a much more interesting texture that really elevates the whole wrap.
  • Don't overstuff! It’s tempting to load up the tortilla, but a little goes a long way. Overfilling makes it nearly impossible to roll tightly, and you’ll end up with a messy burrito instead of a neat, sliceable wrap.

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