If you are craving a festive, flavorful, and absolutely delightful snack to share with friends or family, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the creamy tang of cream cheese, the salty bite of feta, and the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, these pinwheels create a beautiful balance that bursts with every bite. Add a touch of green onion and a subtle garlic kick, and you have an appetizer that’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but also stunningly impressive on any platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in adding texture, flavor, and color, transforming basic pantry staples into a party favorite.
- Flour tortillas (2 large, 10-inch): Serve as the perfect base with a soft, pliable texture that rolls easily without cracking.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Creates a smooth and creamy spread that binds all the flavors together.
- Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a bold, salty tang that complements the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, chopped): Bring a burst of fruity sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Offer a mild, fresh bite and subtle crunch for balance.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle, savory undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and spice for depth.
- Chopped pecans (1/4 cup, optional): Give a lovely nutty crunch and extra texture if you decide to include them.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese with the crumbled feta in a medium bowl. This blend creates a luscious, tangy base that will infuse every bite with richness and flavor.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries and Aromatics
Next, stir in the chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. These ingredients bring a vibrant mix of sweet, fresh, and spicy notes that make the pinwheels truly stand out.
Step 3: Fold in the Pecans (Optional)
For an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness, gently fold in the chopped pecans. This step can be skipped if you prefer a smoother texture, but the pecans add wonderful variety in every bite.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture on Tortillas
Take each flour tortilla and spread the creamy mixture evenly all the way to the edges. This ensures every slice of your pinwheels will be rich and flavorful, without any bland patches.
Step 5: Roll and Chill
Roll each tortilla up tightly, wrapping the log-shaped roll in plastic wrap to hold its form. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling firms the filling and makes slicing the pinwheels easier and cleaner.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After the chilling period, unwrap and slice each roll into approximately 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter, and watch them disappear in no time.
How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional green onions over the pinwheels to add a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal note. You might also use a few whole pecans or whole dried cranberries for a decorative touch that hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides such as mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette or crunchy veggie sticks with hummus. These pairings keep the focus on the creamy, tangy pinwheels while adding complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, serve the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe arranged in a circular pattern around a bowl of cranberry or roasted red pepper dip. Another fun idea is to skewer a few small pinwheel rounds with colorful toothpicks to create bite-sized appetizers that are easy for guests to grab and enjoy at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pinwheels tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days and maintain their delightful flavor and texture.
Freezing
Because the cream cheese base can change texture when frozen, it’s best not to freeze Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe if you want to preserve their original creamy consistency. However, if necessary, you can freeze them unrolled, then thaw and spread the filling fresh before rolling.
Reheating
These pinwheels are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it can cause the cheese filling to become too soft or separate, diminishing the perfect texture you’re aiming for.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free tortillas for this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free tortillas work just as well and make this appetizer accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure they are pliable enough to roll without cracking.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan substitutions for this recipe?
This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the dairy cheeses. For vegan options, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives, though the flavor will differ somewhat from the original.
Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time for a party?
Yes, these pinwheels are fantastic make-ahead appetizers. Prepare and slice them a few hours or even a day in advance, keeping them refrigerated until serving time.
What can I use instead of pecans if I have a nut allergy?
If you need to avoid nuts, simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and earthy flavor.
How long do these pinwheels last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, making them a convenient option for weekend entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever threw a party without them. They are quick to prepare, bursting with festive flavor, and beautifully versatile for all sorts of gatherings. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and bring a little extra joy and savory sweetness to your next get-together!
Print
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including 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 a creamy blend of cream cheese, feta, dried cranberries, and green onions rolled inside soft flour tortillas. These festive pinwheels offer a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making them an ideal party snack or holiday appetizer. Chilled to perfection and sliced into bite-sized rounds, they’re a crowd-pleaser requiring no cooking.
Ingredients
Pinwheel Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Wrap
- 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If you opt to include pecans, gently fold them into the mixture to add crunch.
- Spread Mixture on Tortillas: Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, reaching all the way to the edges to ensure a full-flavored bite in every pinwheel.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap to maintain structure and prevent drying. Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour; chilling helps firm up the filling for easy slicing.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, unwrap the rolls and slice each into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter for an attractive presentation and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These pinwheels can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
- For a festive variation, substitute flour tortillas with spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas to add color and additional flavor.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans without compromising taste.
