Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels

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These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels bring together creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite a perfect balance of sweet cranberry pepper jelly, cool cream cheese, and a little crunch from fresh spinach. They’re easy to prepare, beautifully festive, and ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a fun make-ahead appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry pepper jelly, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and top with a few spinach leaves for color and freshness.
  4. Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  5. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Once chilled, remove the wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Variation

  1. Add Some Protein: For a heartier version, add a thin layer of turkey, ham, or smoked chicken before rolling. The savory meat pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy jelly.
  2. Try Different Jellies: Swap the cranberry pepper jelly for jalapeño jelly, hot pepper jam, or even fig preserves for a unique flavor twist.
  3. Use Whole-Wheat or Spinach Tortillas: Give your pinwheels extra color and texture with whole-wheat or spinach tortillas they add a subtle flavor and a nutritional boost.

Cooking Notes

  1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.
  2. Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step it helps the pinwheels firm up and makes slicing clean and easy.
  3. Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe between slices for neat, uniform pinwheels.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Holiday Platter: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with a sprig of rosemary or a scattering of cranberries for a festive presentation.
  2. Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites they’re perfect for mingling at holiday gatherings.
  3. Snack or Lunchbox Treat: These pinwheels keep well and make a fun, colorful addition to lunchboxes or light snacks.

Tips

  1. Balance the Sweet and Spicy: Adjust the amount of cranberry pepper jelly to your taste add a little more for sweetness or less for a milder flavor.
  2. Prep Ahead: These pinwheels can be made up to a day in advance. Store wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.
  3. Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free tortillas the filling stays the same and tastes just as delicious.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare and roll them up a day in advance. Just refrigerate and slice before serving for best freshness.
  2. Can I freeze cranberry pepper jelly pinwheels?
    It’s best not to freeze them the cream cheese mixture can become watery when thawed.
  3. What can I use instead of cranberry pepper jelly?
    Try hot pepper jelly, apricot preserves with a bit of chili flakes, or raspberry jalapeño jelly for a similar sweet-spicy kick.
  4. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
    Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels are the perfect bite-sized celebration of flavor creamy, tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a festive brunch, or looking for a quick make-ahead appetizer, these colorful pinwheels will steal the show and keep everyone coming back for more.

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Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These Cranberry Pepper Jelly Pinwheels bring together creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite a perfect balance of sweet cranberry pepper jelly, cool cream cheese, and a little crunch from fresh spinach. They’re easy to prepare, beautifully festive, and ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a fun make-ahead appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup cranberry pepper jelly
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cranberry pepper jelly, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and top with a few spinach leaves for color and freshness.
  4. Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  5. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Once chilled, remove the wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture.
  2. Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the chilling step it helps the pinwheels firm up and makes slicing clean and easy.
  3. Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe between slices for neat, uniform pinwheels.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook / Chill
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2–3 pinwheels)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: cranberry pepper jelly pinwheels, festive appetizers, holiday snacks, cream cheese roll-ups

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