If you’re looking for a savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly festive appetizer to serve at your next party or gathering, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the perfect bite-sized treat. These pinwheels combine the creamy richness of cream cheese, the tanginess of feta, and the sweet tartness of cranberries, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. They’re easy to make, look beautiful, and are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests during the holidays or enjoying a casual family dinner, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.
What makes these pinwheels so special is the combination of flavors and textures. The cream cheese serves as a rich, smooth base, while the feta adds a savory and slightly crumbly texture. The cranberries provide a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. With a quick roll-up and a few simple cuts, these pinwheels are ready to serve, making them the perfect make-ahead appetizer for any occasion.
I first made these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese when I was looking for an easy yet elegant appetizer to serve at a holiday party. The combination of cranberries and feta is always a favorite, and these pinwheels turned out to be not only delicious but also visually stunning. They’ve since become a staple at any festive gathering, and I love how quickly they come together!
Why These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Will Be Your New Favorite
- Easy to make: These pinwheels are quick and simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy entertaining.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy cream cheese, tangy feta, and sweet cranberries create a wonderful contrast of flavors.
- Visually stunning: The vibrant cranberries and fresh herbs make these pinwheels an eye-catching addition to any spread.
- Make-ahead: These pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, making them a convenient party food.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, parsley, and optional honey and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Spread on the tortillas: Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the edges.
- Roll up the tortillas: Starting from one side, carefully roll the tortillas up tightly. You want to make sure the filling is evenly distributed inside the roll.
- Chill the rolls: For the best results, refrigerate the rolled-up tortillas for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the filling set and makes the pinwheels easier to slice.
- Slice the pinwheels: After chilling, use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors of this festive appetizer!
Tips
- You can prepare these pinwheels ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor.
- For extra crunch, add some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- If you prefer a more intense feta flavor, use more feta and less cream cheese.
- These pinwheels can be made with whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
Substitutions and Variations
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- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based feta cheese to make this appetizer dairy-free.
- Sweet Variations: Swap dried cranberries for chopped fresh apples or pears for a sweeter version.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh mint, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
- Spicy Option: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Fat: Use light cream cheese or a low-fat cream cheese alternative to reduce the fat content.
- Less Sugar: Skip the honey if you want to reduce the sweetness or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- Whole Grain: Use whole-grain or low-carb tortillas for a healthier base.
And there you have it! These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a simple, flavorful, and festive appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and smooth cream cheese creates a bite-sized treat that’s both savory and sweet. Don’t forget to let us know how your pinwheels turn out, and check out some of our other easy, delicious appetizer recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these pinwheels a few hours ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to serve. - Can I freeze these pinwheels?
While these pinwheels are best served fresh, you can freeze them before slicing. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and serving. - Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! If using fresh cranberries, finely chop them or pulse them in a food processor before adding to the cream cheese mixture. - Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes! You can substitute the feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a milder flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. - Can I add more ingredients to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts, spinach, or even diced bacon for extra flavor and texture. - How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free tortillas, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of these pinwheels.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
8 oz 8 cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup 1/2 crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup 1/4 dried cranberries, chopped (or fresh cranberries if preferred)
1/4 cup 1/4 fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp 1 honey (optional)
1/2 tsp 1/2 garlic powder (optional)
4 large 4 flour tortillas (whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work well)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, parsley, and optional honey and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Spread on the tortillas: Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the edges.
- Roll up the tortillas: Starting from one side, carefully roll the tortillas up tightly. You want to make sure the filling is evenly distributed inside the roll.
- Chill the rolls: For the best results, refrigerate the rolled-up tortillas for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps the filling set and makes the pinwheels easier to slice.
- Slice the pinwheels: After chilling, use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors of this festive appetizer!
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