Zingy Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Recipe

Whipping up these delightful cranberry feta pinwheels can transform any gathering into a memorable feast.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with tangy feta and sweet cranberries.

Colorful ingredients promise a burst of flavor in every bite.

Crisp tortillas wrap around creamy fillings, creating elegant appetizers that feel sophisticated yet simple.

Festive colors make these pinwheels perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Quick preparation means you can serve these delectable bites in minutes.

Each roll delivers a delicious combination of sharp and sweet that will have guests asking for the recipe.

Why Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Are So Tasty

• Craft with Ease: Minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners or those wanting a quick appetizer without complex techniques.
• Party-Perfect Bites: Versatile snack ideal for gatherings, potlucks, game nights, or casual celebrations where finger foods shine.
• Customize Your Flavor: Adaptable recipe allowing personal touch with optional herb or cheese substitutions to match individual taste preferences.
• Prepare Ahead Charm: Make these pinwheels in advance, store in refrigerator, and serve chilled, reducing last-minute preparation stress for hosts.

What Goes In Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Cream Cheese: A soft, spreadable cheese that provides a smooth and creamy foundation for the pinwheels.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy Greek cheese that adds a sharp and distinctive flavor to the mixture.

• Dried Cranberries, Fresh Parsley: Sweet and tart cranberries complement the herbs, creating a balanced flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the pinwheels.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that serve as the base for rolling the pinwheel appetizers.

• Olive Oil: A light coating that helps achieve a golden exterior and adds a subtle flavor.

• Plastic Film: Used to help the rolls set and maintain their shape during chilling.

How To Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

Bring cream cheese to room temperature until soft and spreadable. Crumble feta cheese into a mixing bowl. Blend the cream cheese and feta together until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

• Dried cranberries
• Fresh parsley

Gently fold these ingredients into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3: Season the Blend

Sprinkle ground black pepper and salt into the cheese mixture. Softly mix the seasonings to create a balanced flavor profile without overmixing.

Step 4: Spread and Roll Tortillas

Lay flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Spread the cheese mixture from edge to edge, creating a thin, even layer across each tortilla.

Step 5: Create Tight Rolls

Starting from one end, carefully roll each tortilla into a tight cylinder. Apply gentle, consistent pressure to ensure a compact shape.

Step 6: Enhance and Chill

Lightly brush the exterior of each rolled tortilla with olive oil. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to firm up.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled rolls into bite-sized pinwheels about 1/2 inch thick. Clean the knife between cuts for crisp edges. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, ready to enjoy.

Helpful Hints For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve a smooth, spreadable texture that blends effortlessly.
• Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Gently fold cranberries and parsley into the cheese mixture, ensuring each bite delivers balanced flavor without overmixing.
• Roll with Precision: Use light pressure when rolling tortillas, spreading filling edge-to-edge to create compact, neat pinwheels that slice cleanly.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate rolled tortillas for 30-45 minutes before slicing, helping them hold shape and produce crisp, professional-looking appetizer bites.
• Enhance Flavor and Appearance: Lightly brush tortilla exteriors with olive oil for subtle taste and attractive golden-brown edges when serving.

Twists To Try With Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps, maintaining the same creamy cheese and cranberry filling for a celiac-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap dried cranberries with chopped kalamata olives and add crumbled sundried tomatoes, infusing a Greek-inspired flavor profile into the pinwheels.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, sprinkle cumin, and replace parsley with chopped cilantro to create a zesty, southwestern-style cheese roll-up with a kick.
• Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese, substitute feta with nutritional yeast, and incorporate roasted red peppers for a plant-based version that maintains rich, tangy flavors.

Perfect Matches For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Pair Zesty Wine with Pinwheels: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy feta and bright cranberry flavors perfectly.
• Craft Complementary Cocktail: Mix a light gin spritzer with fresh herbs to echo the parsley notes and cut through the creamy cheese richness.
• Select Sparkling Beverage: Prosecco or dry champagne adds effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites of these creamy pinwheels.
• Match Casual Appetizer Drink: Chilled rosé provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese mixture, making these pinwheels party-perfect.

How To Store Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Store pinwheels in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen pinwheels from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight. Allow 30-45 minutes at room temperature before serving for best taste and consistency.
• Warm gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for crisp edges. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs For Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese

• Why use room temperature cream cheese?

Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps, ensuring a creamy and uniform texture in your pinwheels.

• Can I substitute feta cheese?

Yes, you can replace feta with goat cheese or soft blue cheese for a similar tangy flavor profile that complements the cranberries.

• How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

Ensure your cheese mixture isn’t too wet and avoid overfilling the tortillas. Chilling before slicing helps set the filling and maintain structure.

• What's the best way to slice pinwheels neatly?

Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe the blade between cuts. Chilling the rolls for 30-45 minutes helps create clean, precise slices without squishing the filling.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry feta pinwheels bring holiday cheer to appetizer platters with their elegant spiral design. Creamy cheese and tart cranberries dance together, promising a delightful bite that guests will eagerly devour at any celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Dairy:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Fruits and Flavorings:

• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Wrapping and Base:

• 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly soften cream cheese at room temperature for optimal spreadability, ensuring a smooth and even consistency.
2. In a comprehensive mixing bowl, amalgamate softened cream cheese with crumbled feta, creating a rich and tangy base for the pinwheels.
3. Incorporate finely chopped dried cranberries and freshly minced parsley into the cheese mixture, distributing ingredients evenly for balanced flavor profiles.
4. Season the cheese blend with ground black pepper and salt, gently folding to integrate the seasonings without overworking the mixture.
5. Lay out flour tortillas on a clean work surface, preparing them for precise filling and rolling.
6. Spread the cheese and cranberry mixture edge-to-edge across each tortilla, maintaining a thin, uniform layer to prevent bulky rolling.
7. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other, applying gentle pressure to create compact cylindrical shapes.
8. Lightly brush the exterior of each rolled tortilla with olive oil, enhancing potential browning and adding subtle flavor.
9. Wrap the completed rolls in plastic film and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to firm up, which facilitates cleaner slicing.
10. Using a sharp knife, slice each chilled roll into bite-sized pinwheels approximately 1/2 inch thick, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
11. Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter, presenting them attractively for immediate enjoyment or brief chilling before serving.

Notes

• Cream Cheese Softening Trick: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to achieve perfect spreadability and smooth blending.
• Flavor Balancing Technique: Mix ingredients gently to distribute cranberries and parsley evenly, preventing clumping and ensuring consistent taste in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the appetizer’s delightful essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance, storing tightly wrapped in refrigerator to enhance flavor melding and reduce day-of preparation stress.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg