If you are looking for a festive, flavorful, and irresistibly bite-sized appetizer, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the sweet burst of dried cranberries and the tangy punch of crumbled feta, these pinwheels deliver a perfect balance of taste and texture. Rolled up in soft flour tortillas and chilled to firm perfection, they are not just easy to prepare but also beautifully vibrant and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want a unique snack to impress friends, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe lies in its straightforward, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—adding creaminess, sweetness, savoriness, freshness, or a pop of color to create that perfect bite-sized treat.
- 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch): These serve as the soft and sturdy base to hold all the delicious filling together.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The creamy foundation that binds and balances the flavors.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries: Offering a sweet, chewy burst that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy cheese.
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a rich, savory tang and a crumbly texture to the filling.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: A fresh, mild bite of onion that brightens each pinwheel.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a subtle herbaceous note and a burst of green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is even and well blended. Taste your filling at this stage and add a pinch of salt and pepper if it needs a little extra seasoning. This step is where all those vibrant flavors come together into a creamy, flavorful spread.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Lay your flour tortillas flat on a clean surface and spread half of the cranberry and feta mixture evenly across each one. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges so every slice will have the perfect ratio of filling to tortilla. This even spreading ensures each pinwheel is packed full of deliciousness.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Roll up each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Then, wrap each log snugly in plastic wrap and pop them into the refrigerator. Chilling for at least one hour allows the filling to set firmly, making slicing much easier while helping the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice them into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange these colorful spirals on a serving platter, and your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is ready to wow your guests. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few whole dried cranberries on top add an inviting pop of color and a refreshing touch. Thin slices of green onion can also enhance the presentation while echoing the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or a tangy citrus slaw. Their creamy, tangy flavor complements a variety of fresh vegetables and dips, making them ideal finger food for any gathering or buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a platter around a colorful bowl of hummus or a cranberry dipping sauce. You could also stack them on a tiered tray for an elegant appetizer display that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to two days while maintaining their fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for this particular recipe because the tortillas can become soggy, you can experiment by freezing the rolled logs before slicing. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and slice before serving, though the texture may be slightly less crisp.
Reheating
Since these pinwheels are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warm appetizer, try gently warming just before serving, but be careful not to melt the cream cheese and feta filling, as that will alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a distinctive tangy bite, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep the texture in mind to maintain that creamy yet crumbly contrast.
Are these pinwheels suitable for vegans?
Not as written, since cream cheese and feta are dairy products. However, you could experiment with vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes! For extra texture and a bit of crunch, try folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They complement the cranberries beautifully and add a nice dimension to each bite.
How far in advance can I prepare these pinwheels?
You can prepare the pinwheels up to a day ahead, which makes them a convenient option for entertaining. Just keep them wrapped and refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.
Do I have to use flour tortillas, or can I try other wraps?
Flour tortillas work best because of their soft but sturdy texture. However, you might try spinach or tomato basil tortillas to add different colors and subtle flavors. Just make sure they are pliable enough to roll without cracking.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is such a delightful and versatile appetizer that I truly hope you give it a try. The combination of sweet cranberries and tangy feta, together with the creamy, savory filling wrapped lovingly in soft tortillas, makes for an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or simply as a fun snack, these pinwheels are sure to brighten any occasion with both flavor and charm.
Print
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring creamy, tangy cream cheese blended with sweet dried cranberries, salty feta cheese, and fresh green onions, all rolled up in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, these roll-ups are served chilled or at room temperature and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
Pinwheel Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wraps
- 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed for seasoning.
- Spread the Filling: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread half of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, ensuring coverage all the way to the edges for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Roll and Refrigerate: Tightly roll up each tortilla into a log shape to hold the filling securely. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow them to firm up, making slicing easier.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Remove the logs from the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry feta pinwheels chilled or at room temperature as a tasty appetizer or party snack. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dips or on their own.
Notes
- Pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance and stored wrapped in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.
- For added texture and a nutty flavor, consider incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling mixture.
