Zesty Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe: A Holiday Party Winner

These cranberry feta pinwheels burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make any gathering sparkle.

A bite-sized appetizer that blends tangy and creamy elements into one delightful package.

Soft tortillas wrap around a rich cheese mixture, creating little spirals of deliciousness.

Each pinwheel promises a perfect balance between sharp feta and sweet cranberries.

Festive and elegant, these appetizers look more complicated than they actually are to prepare.

Quick to assemble and impressive to serve, they’ll become your secret party weapon.

Trust you’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated snack that everyone will adore.

Tips To Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Better

• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for stress-free party planning.
• Cheese Temperature Trick: Let cream cheese and feta sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure ultra-smooth mixing and easier spreading.
• Slice Like a Pro: Use a sharp serrated knife and clean it between cuts to get clean, neat pinwheel edges without squishing the filling.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace regular tortillas with gluten-free or low-carb versions for guests with specific dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or chives to elevate the pinwheels' flavor profile and create a more gourmet appetizer.

How To Store Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen pinwheels can last up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: These appetizers are best enjoyed cold. If you prefer them slightly warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Quality Tips: For the freshest taste, consume within 2 days. The tortilla might become slightly soft after refrigeration, but the flavor remains delicious.

What Goes Well With Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Sip Sparkling Celebration: Pair these cranberry feta pinwheels with a crisp prosecco or champagne that complements the tangy cheese and adds festive bubbles to every bite.
• Match Light White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio works wonderfully, cutting through the creamy cheese and balancing the cranberry's slight tartness.
• Create Appetizer Harmony: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to enhance the pinwheels' rich and zesty flavor profile.
• Elevate with Herbal Refreshment: A cucumber-mint mocktail or sparkling water with fresh herb garnish provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and bright cranberry notes.

New Ideas For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace green onions with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create an aromatic herb-infused pinwheel with a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix finely diced jalapeños into the cheese blend for a zesty, heat-packed version that adds bold flavor and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Nutty Pecan Crunch: Incorporate toasted, chopped pecans into the filling for a delightful textural element that provides a rich, earthy undertone to the creamy cheese mixture.
• Smoky Bacon Upgrade: Sprinkle crispy, crumbled bacon bits throughout the filling to introduce a savory, smoky dimension that complements the tangy feta and sweet cranberries.

Common Questions On Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• What makes these pinwheels special?

The combination of tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and crisp green onions creates a perfect flavor explosion that’s both elegant and delicious. These pinwheels offer a gourmet twist on traditional appetizers.

• Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and serve.

• Are these pinwheels vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! These pinwheels are completely vegetarian and make an excellent appetizer or party snack for vegetarian guests. They’re packed with flavor and easy to enjoy.

• What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Flour tortillas work perfectly. Choose medium or large tortillas for the best rolling and slicing results. Whole wheat tortillas can also be a great alternative for added nutrition.

Why Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Are A Hit At Parties

• Burst with Tangy Flavor: The combination of creamy feta and tart cranberries creates an explosive taste sensation that dances on your taste buds, delivering a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
• Super Quick Appetizer: These pinwheels come together in mere minutes, making them a lifesaver for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected guests who drop by for a delightful snack.
• No-Bake Party Pleaser: Skip the complicated cooking process! These roll-ups require zero baking, minimal prep, and can be made ahead of time, giving you stress-free entertaining with maximum deliciousness.
• Colorful Crowd-Winner: The vibrant red cranberries and green onions create a visually stunning appetizer that looks professionally prepared but takes minimal culinary skills to create, ensuring you'll impress everyone at the table.

What You Need For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy base that helps bind ingredients together, look for full-fat version for best texture.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds sharp flavor, choose authentic Greek feta for authentic taste.

• Cranberries, Green Onions: Bright, colorful mix that provides sweet-sharp contrast, dried cranberries work well for more concentrated flavor.

• Tortillas: Flexible wrap that holds filling, flour tortillas recommended for smooth rolling, white or whole wheat both suitable.

Quick How-To For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Feta cheese
• Fresh cranberries (chopped)
• Green onions (finely sliced)

Step 2: Spread and Roll Tortilla Magic

Take a soft tortilla and spread the cheese mixture evenly across its surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the tortilla into a tight, compact log, ensuring the filling stays tucked inside.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and let them rest for at least one hour. This cooling period helps the pinwheels maintain their perfect circular shape and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Transform into Bite-Sized Treats

Remove the chilled tortilla rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into delicate one-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the colorful spirals on a serving platter, ready to delight your guests with their vibrant appearance and tantalizing flavor combination.

Serving Tip: These pinwheels are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a quick appetizer that looks professionally prepared but is incredibly simple to make.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry feta pinwheels bring Mediterranean zest to party appetizers with elegant simplicity. Crisp tortillas rolled with tangy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries create irresistible bites you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Dried Fruits and Herbs:

• ½ cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, chopped
• ¼ cup (25 grams) green onions, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy blend by thoroughly incorporating softened cream cheese with crumbled feta in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, uniform texture.
2. Gently introduce chopped cranberries and finely minced green onions into the cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout for a balanced flavor profile.
3. Lay out tortillas on a clean work surface and spread the cranberry-feta mixture edge to edge, leaving a narrow border to prevent overflow during rolling.
4. Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight cylindrical shape, applying gentle, consistent pressure to create a compact log that will hold its form.
5. Tightly encase each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, ensuring a secure seal that will help maintain the pinwheels’ shape during chilling.
6. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the filling to set and the flavors to meld together, which enhances the overall taste and makes slicing easier.
7. Remove the plastic wrap and position a sharp knife at the edge of each chilled log, slicing into uniform 1-inch thick rounds with smooth, deliberate motions.
8. Arrange the pinwheels artfully on a serving platter, presenting them as an elegant and colorful appetizer ready to be enjoyed chilled.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature cream cheese and feta to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing without overmixing.
• Gently pat cranberries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the filling runny.
• Experiment with different tortilla types like spinach or whole wheat for added nutrition and visual appeal.
• Prepare these pinwheels a day ahead for stress-free entertaining, as they actually taste better after the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg