If you’re hunting for a snack that’s bursting with color, flavor, and festive cheer, then this Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful little bites bring together the creamy tang of feta and cream cheese with the sweet pop of dried cranberries and a touch of zing from green onions. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or any time you want to impress guests with a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that never fails to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning dish. Each component plays a critical role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors along with beautiful festive colors.
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth and creamy base that helps bind the filling together.
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of cranberries.
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries: These chewy bursts of sweetness bring vibrant red pops of festive color.
- ¼ cup (25g) green onions, finely chopped: Offers a fresh oniony crunch and bright green hue.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a subtle savory depth that complements the cheeses beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a mild warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold the filling tightly while providing a neutral canvas to showcase the filling.
How to Make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese with crumbled feta in a medium bowl until you achieve a creamy, smooth mixture. This combination is what makes the pinwheels irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavorful Add-Ins
Next, fold in the dried cranberries and finely chopped green onions along with the garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together evenly so each bite feels balanced with sweet, savory, and fresh notes.
Step 3: Spread the Filling on Tortillas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on your work surface. Generously spread about one-quarter of the cheese and cranberry mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges to avoid spillage when rolling.
Step 4: Roll Up the Tortillas Tight
With steady hands, roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Rolling firmly ensures the filling stays compact and you get perfect pinwheels when sliced.
Step 5: Chill Before Slicing
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it firms up the filling and makes slicing easier and cleaner without crumbling or squishing.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange the Pinwheels
Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and slice them into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange these colorful rounds on your favorite serving platter, ready to wow your guests.
How to Serve Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or additional green onion curls. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few whole dried cranberries strategically placed adds extra visual appeal without overpowering the flavor.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair beautifully with crisp crudités like cucumber and carrot sticks or a light mixed green salad to balance their rich creaminess. A glass of sparkling wine or a festive cocktail can complete the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large wooden board or skewering a few on decorative cocktail picks for easy party snacking. You can also serve them alongside bowls of hummus or tzatziki for dipping, making the platter interactive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pinwheel slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making them a convenient snack or lunch option for the next day.
Freezing
While these pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze the rolled tortillas (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Reheating
These pinwheels are typically served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer them warm, pop the sliced pinwheels in a toaster oven for a few minutes until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a specific salty tang that complements the cranberries, you can experiment with goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder flavor profile. Just keep the texture creamy for easy spreading.
Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
The recipe calls for flour tortillas, which contain gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing taste or appearance.
Can I make these pinwheels vegan?
To create a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and feta alternatives, and swap out dried cranberries for ones without any added honey or non-vegan ingredients. Make sure your wrap is plant-based, too.
How far in advance can I prepare the pinwheels?
You can prepare and roll the pinwheels up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep them tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Slice and serve just before your event for the best texture and freshness.
What if I don’t have green onions?
If you’re out of green onions, finely chopped chives or mild red onions work well as substitutes. They will maintain the fresh, crisp bite that balances the creamy and sweet ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe a try soon, because it’s one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that make any gathering that much more special. With its vibrant colors and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to become a beloved go-to for your holiday entertaining and beyond. Happy rolling and even happier eating!
Print
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft cream cheese combined with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a touch of green onion creates a flavorful filling wrapped in tender flour tortillas. Chilled to firm up, these bite-sized pinwheels offer a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors in every slice.
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
Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the dried cranberries, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread one-quarter of the cheese and cranberry filling evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the Tortilla: Carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape to encase the filling securely.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the spreading and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are assembled.
- Chill the Rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up, which makes slicing easier.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a serving platter. Optionally garnish with additional green onions or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother filling texture.
- For best slicing results, chill the rolls for at least 1 hour or longer to firm up the filling.
- You can substitute green onions with chives or finely minced shallots for a milder onion flavor.
- Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to boost freshness.
- These pinwheels are best served the same day but can be refrigerated overnight in an airtight container.
