If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer to brighten your holiday table, look no further than this Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe. These delightful little bites pack a punch of creamy, tangy feta cheese softened with smooth cream cheese, complemented by the sweet pop of dried cranberries and a subtle hint of garlic and pepper. Rolled up in soft flour tortillas and sliced into charming pinwheels, this appetizer is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Perfect for parties or cozy family gatherings, these pinwheels bring a burst of color, flavor, and festive cheer that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe, you only need a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing textures and flavors—from the creamy softness of the cheeses to the bright sweetness of the cranberries and the subtle zing of green onions.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a smooth, creamy base that binds all the flavors perfectly.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and saltiness, giving these pinwheels their signature tangy bite.
- Dried cranberries (1 cup): Brings in a delightful sweetness and festive red color.
- Green onions (¼ cup, finely chopped): Injects a fresh, mild onion flavor with a hint of crunch.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth that complements the cheeses beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle spice that wakes up the palate.
- Large flour tortillas (4): These soft wraps hold everything together and make rolling a breeze.
How to Make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a medium bowl. Mix them together until completely smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the luscious base that makes the pinwheels irresistibly rich.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries and Seasonings
Next, stir in the dried cranberries, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so each bite bursts with flavor and the perfect contrast of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about a quarter of the cheese and cranberry filling evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Carefully roll the tortilla as tightly as possible to form a compact log. This tight roll will help your pinwheels hold their shape after slicing.
Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Tortillas
Repeat the spreading and rolling steps with the remaining tortillas and filling, ensuring each roll is packed just right.
Step 6: Chill the Rolls
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step firms up the filling so your pinwheels slice cleanly without squishing or losing their shape.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, unwrap the logs and slice them into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them beautifully on a platter, ready to impress your guests with every colorful spiral.
How to Serve Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle extra finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top of the pinwheels. Not only do garnishes add a lovely touch of green that intensifies the festive look, but they also introduce a fresh flavor contrast to the rich filling.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels make an excellent appetizer alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted nuts. Their creamy tang pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that cleanse the palate and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party platter, arrange the pinwheels in concentric circles or in the shape of a wreath. Adding sprigs of rosemary or thyme as accents around the platter creates a seasonal vibe that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply wrap the pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for last-minute snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but un-sliced rolls for up to one month. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
Reheating
Since these pinwheels are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, gently microwave a few slices for 10-15 seconds, just until the cheese softens—don’t overdo it!
FAQs
Can I substitute feta cheese with another type?
Absolutely! While feta provides a tangy flavor and crumbly texture, goat cheese or ricotta can be delicious alternatives for a milder, creamier profile.
Are these pinwheels suitable for make-ahead parties?
Definitely! One of the best parts of the Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is how well it holds up when made in advance. Preparing them ahead saves stress and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and have a lot of moisture, which can affect texture. Dried cranberries are better here for sweet bursts and to maintain the right consistency in the filling.
Is there an alternative to flour tortillas?
You can try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a fun twist and added nutrients. Just make sure they are pliable to roll without cracking.
How do I keep the pinwheels from rolling apart after slicing?
Chilling the rolled tortillas for at least an hour is key. The cooling firms up the cheese mixture so the pinwheels hold their shape beautifully when sliced.
Final Thoughts
If you want an easy, elegant appetizer that bursts with flavor and color, you absolutely must try the Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit for any party or holiday gathering, bringing warmth and joy to your table with every bite. Once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to festive favorite, trusted to wow guests and satisfy your cravings alike!
Print
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are delicious, bite-sized appetizers perfect for holiday gatherings. These creamy and tangy pinwheels combine cream cheese, feta, and dried cranberries, rolled inside soft flour tortillas and chilled to perfection. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and offer a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup (25g) green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese until smooth to create a creamy base for the pinwheels.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the dried cranberries, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the cheese mixture.
- Lay Out Tortilla: Place one flour tortilla flat on a clean, dry surface to prepare for assembly.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread a quarter of the cheese and cranberry mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges for easier rolling.
- Roll Tortilla: Tightly roll up the tortilla from one edge to the other to form a compact log, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are assembled.
- Chill Rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the filling which makes slicing easier and helps maintain shape.
- Slice Pinwheels: Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange the pinwheels neatly on a serving platter and optionally garnish with additional chopped green onions or fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as dill or thyme to the filling mixture.
- These pinwheels are best served chilled and can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated.
- Make sure to slice with a sharp knife to keep clean edges on the pinwheels.
- If dried cranberries are too sweet, consider using dried tart cherries for a different flavor profile.
