Introduction:

A delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla, perfect for a light snack or appetizer! These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are simple to make, packed with flavor, and can be served at any gathering for a delicious treat.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, crumbled feta, and green onions. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread about a quarter of the mixture evenly over one tortilla, covering it completely to the edges. Roll the tortilla up tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, unwrap the tortillas and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Variation:

Swap Cranberries for Other Dried Fruits:
If you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary preferences, you can swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or cherries. Dried apricots bring a mild sweetness and slight tartness, which will complement the feta cheese nicely. Raisins, on the other hand, offer a more concentrated sweetness, making for a richer, sweeter pinwheel. Cherries provide a lovely tartness that balances the cream cheese and feta, adding a vibrant pop of flavor. You can also experiment by using a mix of dried fruits for an even more complex taste.
Use a Different Cheese:
If feta isn’t your favorite or you’re looking to try something new, you can replace it with another crumbled cheese like goat cheese, which has a tangy and creamy texture. For a milder taste, try using ricotta or even cream cheese (for an extra creamy texture). If you’re looking for a sharp contrast, a blue cheese would give these pinwheels a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dried fruit.
Add Greens for Extra Freshness:
For added texture and a burst of freshness, you can incorporate some greens into the filling, such as spinach, arugula, or baby kale. These greens will provide a slightly peppery or earthy note that complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the cheese. You can either chop them finely or leave them in whole leaves if you prefer a more substantial bite.

Cooking Notes:

Make ahead: These pinwheels can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just slice and serve when ready.
Variations: You can swap the green onions for chives or add a handful of spinach for extra color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve on a Platter with Other Appetizers:
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels make for a fantastic appetizer when served alongside other finger foods. Consider pairing them with small bowls of mixed nuts, cheese platters, or fresh vegetable crudites like carrots, celery, and cucumber for a refreshing contrast. These flavors all complement each other and provide variety for your guests to enjoy.
Pair with a Crisp White Wine or Sparkling Beverage:
The creamy, tangy, and sweet nature of the pinwheels pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water. The acidity from the wine or beverage helps to cut through the richness of the cream cheese and feta, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Great for Holiday or Party Buffets:
These pinwheels are ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or any party where you want to serve a crowd. They can be arranged on large platters for easy access and a beautiful presentation. Consider adding edible flowers or sprigs of fresh rosemary around the pinwheels for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips:

Use a Damp Cloth to Keep Tortillas Soft:
If you find your tortillas drying out while assembling the pinwheels, you can wrap them in a slightly damp kitchen towel and microwave them for about 10 seconds. This will keep them soft and pliable, making it easier to roll them tightly without cracking.
Customize the Filling Texture:
For a smoother filling, you can use a hand mixer or food processor to blend the cream cheese and other ingredients together. This creates a more uniform texture, especially if you’re adding greens or other ingredients that might not mix evenly by hand. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mix the ingredients by hand, so the cranberries and feta remain in larger pieces.
Freeze for Longer Storage:
If you want to prepare the pinwheels ahead of time for an event in the future, you can freeze the rolled tortillas before slicing. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze them for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge and slice them as usual. This is a great time-saving option for hosting large gatherings.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)

Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel, assuming 16 servings):

Calories: 100 kcal
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! These pinwheels can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare them, roll them up, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The chilling process helps the flavors meld together, and they will slice more easily. Just slice them just before serving.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled tortillas before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and slice them when they’re fully thawed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a milder taste. Blue cheese is also a great option if you like a stronger flavor.
Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
These pinwheels can be made gluten-free by swapping regular flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas. Be sure to check the labels of the tortillas to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Conclusion:

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors wrapped in soft tortillas, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, whether it’s a holiday party, brunch, or casual get-together.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or experimenting with different cheeses and fruits. Whether you’re making them ahead of time, serving them fresh, or even freezing them for later, these pinwheels offer great versatility while maintaining their delicious appeal. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful, fuss-free pinwheels!

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Author: Avery
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 16-20 pinwheels (depending on size) 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, crumbled feta, and green onions. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread about a quarter of the mixture evenly over one tortilla, covering it completely to the edges. Roll the tortilla up tightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, unwrap the tortillas and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: These pinwheels can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just slice and serve when ready.
Variations: You can swap the green onions for chives or add a handful of spinach for extra color and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: No-cook, Refrigerate
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
Calories: 100
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cranberry feta pinwheels, cream cheese pinwheels, holiday appetizers, savory snacks, easy appetizers