These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are an easy yet elegant appetizer that perfectly combines creamy cheeses, tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and a touch of green onions. With their vibrant colors and festive flair, they are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Serve them at your next party for a crowd-pleasing treat that's as visually appealing as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pinwheels are the perfect blend of savory and sweet. The cream cheese and feta provide a rich, creamy base, while the dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness. The green onions give it a fresh kick, and a sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavor profile. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time—making them the perfect appetizer for busy holiday events. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a festive cocktail party, these pinwheels will be the highlight of the spread!
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 large flour tortillas
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a quarter of the cheese and cranberry mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly to form a log.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Chill:
- Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, making them easier to slice.
Slice and Serve:
- Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pinwheels.
- Arrange on a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Note: These pinwheels can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Approximate Calories: 120 kcal per pinwheel
Variations
- Swap the feta: If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or cream cheese alone for a different flavor.
- Add nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling.
- Herb variations: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for a different herb twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
These pinwheels store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To store, wrap the pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be made ahead of time and served chilled. Reheating is not recommended, as the texture is best enjoyed fresh and cold.
FAQs
How long can I make these pinwheels in advance?
You can make these pinwheels up to a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just slice them right before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
While these pinwheels are best served fresh, they can be frozen before slicing. Wrap the whole rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge and slice.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can experiment with various ingredients such as roasted red peppers, spinach, or even some chopped olives for extra flavor and color.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used as a healthier alternative, and they’ll still taste great with the filling!
What can I serve these pinwheels with?
These pinwheels go wonderfully with a selection of dips such as ranch, hummus, or a tangy yogurt dip. They can also be served alongside a refreshing green salad or veggie platter.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, dried cranberries provide a more concentrated sweetness that balances the saltiness of the feta and cream cheese. If you use fresh cranberries, consider adding a bit of sugar or honey to the filling.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Flavored cream cheese, like garlic and herb, can add an extra layer of flavor to these pinwheels. Just be sure the flavor complements the other ingredients!
How do I make these gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
Can I make these pinwheels spicy?
Yes! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the filling to spice things up.
How should I slice these pinwheels?
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the pinwheels into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. This will ensure a clean cut without squashing the rolls.
Conclusion
These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a must-try appetizer for your next celebration. They’re not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor and vibrant colors, making them perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a make-ahead treat, these pinwheels will impress your guests and leave them coming back for more!
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are an easy, flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties. With creamy cream cheese, tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a burst of green onions, these pinwheels offer a delightful savory-sweet combination. Quick to make and can be prepared ahead of time, these pinwheels are a must-try for any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 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
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
-
Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a quarter of the cheese and cranberry mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly to form a log.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
-
Chill:
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier slicing.
-
Slice and Serve:
- Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and garnish with additional green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Experiment with adding nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans), different herbs, or make them spicy with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
