Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-12T19:25:50.002Z

This Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry combines the traditional elements of sushi with a seasonal twist, featuring tart cranberries and fresh vegetables.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Unique blend of flavors that celebrates the season
  • Fresh ingredients that create a colorful presentation
  • Fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

Festive Flavor Fusion

The Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry is a delightful twist on traditional sushi, incorporating seasonal flavors that resonate with holiday cheer. This unique dish blends the sweet and tart notes of fresh cranberries with the creamy texture of avocado and cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance that will surprise and delight your taste buds. With each bite, you'll experience a refreshing taste that captures the essence of the season.

This sushi roll not only tastes amazing but also offers a vibrant visual appeal. The bright red cranberries, rich green avocado, and crisp cucumber come together to create a stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests. Whether served at a holiday party or a casual gathering, these colorful rolls will become a centerpiece that sparks conversation and joy among friends and family.

A Fun Culinary Experience

Making sushi at home can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Engaging in the process of rolling sushi allows you to connect with loved ones and share in the creativity of food preparation. Gather your family or friends, and turn the assembly of these rolls into a delightful activity, encouraging everyone to craft their own unique variations by adding their favorite ingredients.

This recipe is not only about the end product but also about the journey of creating something together. As you roll, slice, and savor each piece, you'll create lasting memories that go beyond just the meal. Plus, sushi-making is a skill that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a perfect activity for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Festive Sushi Roll experience, consider pairing it with a selection of dipping sauces beyond the traditional soy sauce. A tangy ponzu sauce or a spicy mayo can add an exciting twist that complements the flavors of the rolls beautifully. Additionally, serve your sushi with pickled ginger and wasabi for a complete and authentic sushi experience that tantalizes every palate.

For a unique twist, try presenting your sushi rolls on a festive platter adorned with seasonal garnishes such as pomegranate seeds or microgreens. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal, but it also introduces additional flavors that can enrich the dining experience. By thoughtfully curating your serving presentation, you’ll impress your guests and make the occasion even more memorable.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start making your sushi rolls:

Sushi Ingredients

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • Soy sauce, for serving

Ensure to have all these ingredients ready for a smooth sushi-making experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Festive Sushi Rolls:

Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Make the Sushi Vinegar

In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the cooled rice and mix gently.

Assemble the Rolls

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top. Layer the chopped cranberries, avocado slices, cucumber, and cream cheese across the center of the rice.

Roll the Sushi

Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently to form a tight roll. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Festive Sushi Rolls with Cranberry!

Ingredient Insights

The key ingredient in this sushi roll is, of course, sushi rice. Choosing high-quality sushi rice is essential for achieving that perfect sticky texture. It is specifically designed to hold its shape while providing a chewy bite, which is crucial for rolling. Additionally, using fresh cranberries instead of dried ones enhances the overall flavor and ensures a burst of freshness in every bite.

Don't forget the importance of nori sheets! Opt for high-grade nori that is dark, shiny, and pliable. This ensures that your rolls hold together well and adds a subtle umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the cranberries. When selecting avocados, look for ripe yet firm ones that can be easily sliced without turning mushy.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, it's best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, sushi is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume your rolls within a day for optimal flavor and texture. If you plan on making them ahead of time, consider prepping the ingredients separately and assembling the rolls just before serving to maintain their freshness.

When storing, avoid wrapping the sushi rolls too tightly as this can cause them to lose their shape. Instead, use parchment paper to separate layers if you're stacking them in a container. This will help preserve their integrity and make it easier to enjoy them later!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make sushi rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sushi rolls a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for cranberries?

You can use pomegranate seeds or finely diced apples if cranberries are not available.

→ Do I need a bamboo mat to roll sushi?

While a bamboo mat makes rolling easier, you can use a clean kitchen towel as an alternative.

→ How do I store leftover sushi?

Store any leftover sushi in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours.

Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry

Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Festive Sushi Roll with Cranberry, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 rolls

What You'll Need

Sushi Ingredients

  1. 2 cups sushi rice
  2. 2 1/2 cups water
  3. 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  4. 1/4 cup sugar
  5. 1 teaspoon salt
  6. 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
  7. 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  8. 1 avocado, sliced
  9. 1 cucumber, julienned
  10. 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  11. Soy sauce, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.

Step 02

In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the cooled rice and mix gently.

Step 03

Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top. Layer the chopped cranberries, avocado slices, cucumber, and cream cheese across the center of the rice.

Step 04

Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently to form a tight roll. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 05

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 5g