Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Introduction

I recently made these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels for a holiday gathering, and they were an absolute hit! The combination of creamy, tangy feta cheese, sweet cranberries, and a hint of garlic creates a flavorful and refreshing bite. These pinwheels are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect appetizer for parties, gatherings, or even as a quick snack. The vibrant colors of the cranberries and green onions make them visually appealing as well. My family loved them, and they disappeared quickly! If you’re looking for a unique and tasty appetizer, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a must-try.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas (8-10 inches)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The cream cheese should be smooth and the cranberries and feta should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

1. Spread the Filling:

• Lay out a tortilla on a flat surface. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread a generous layer of the filling over the entire surface of the tortilla. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from overflowing when rolled up.

1. Roll the Tortilla:

• Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the other end. As you roll, gently press to secure the tortilla and ensure the filling stays inside. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas.

1. Chill the Pinwheels:

• Place the rolled tortillas in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling them will help firm up the filling and make slicing the pinwheels much easier.

1. Slice the Pinwheels:

• Once chilled, remove the tortillas from the fridge. Slice each roll into 1-inch wide pinwheels using a sharp knife.

1. Arrange and Garnish:

• Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.

1. Serve:

• Serve these delicious Cranberry Feta Pinwheels as a festive appetizer or snack and enjoy the balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 16 pinwheels
• Calories per serving: 50 calories
• Total Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 90mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• As an Appetizer: Serve these pinwheels as a fun and colorful appetizer at your next holiday party or family gathering.
• For a Snack: These pinwheels make a great snack, whether you’re at home or packing for a picnic.
• On a Party Platter: Add them to a larger spread of appetizers, such as vegetable crudités, cheese platters, or dips.
• With a Drink: Pair with a glass of sparkling water, wine, or a refreshing iced tea to complement the flavors.
• Garnished with Parsley: For extra flair, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top of the pinwheels just before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be used as a garnish or mixed into the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Substitute for Low-Carb Diets: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves instead of regular flour tortillas.
3. Cranberries: While dried cranberries are commonly used in this recipe, you can use fresh cranberries (finely chopped and lightly sweetened) for a more tart flavor.
4. Cream Cheese Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the cream cheese for a Greek yogurt-based spread.
5. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Recipe Variations

• Veggie Pinwheels: Add finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or cucumbers, to the filling for added crunch and freshness.
• Bacon-Wrapped Pinwheels: After rolling and slicing the pinwheels, wrap each one with a slice of crispy bacon for a savory, smoky twist.
• Pesto Pinwheels: Swap the garlic powder for some fresh pesto for a fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta for a different creamy base, or add some grated parmesan for an extra cheesy bite.
• Sweet Pinwheels: For a sweet version, swap out the feta and garlic powder for a sweet cream cheese filling mixed with a bit of honey or fruit preserves.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Cheese Platter: These pinwheels pair well with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a more substantial appetizer plate.
• Alongside a Fresh Salad: Serve with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber or mixed greens salad, to balance the richness of the cheese ball.
• With Dips: These pinwheels can be served with a variety of dips, such as hummus, ranch dressing, or a tangy yogurt-based dip.
• For a Kid-Friendly Snack: If you have kids, they’ll love these pinwheels as a healthy snack option. Consider adding in a slice of turkey or ham for extra protein.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best when eaten fresh, but they’ll last for a few days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, uncut pinwheels by wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Once frozen, they can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To serve, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before slicing.
• Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing these pinwheels for an event, make them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge, covered tightly in plastic wrap, until you’re ready to slice and serve.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Yes, but fresh cranberries are tart. You may want to sweeten them with a little sugar or honey before using them in the filling.
2. How can I make these gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free tortillas or a large lettuce leaf as a wrap to make these pinwheels gluten-free.
3. Can I make these without cream cheese?
   Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
4. Can I prepare these pinwheels the night before?
   Absolutely! They can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for 24 hours before serving.
5. How do I keep the filling from spilling out when rolling the tortillas?
   Be sure to leave a small border around the edge of the tortilla, and don’t overfill it. This will help prevent the filling from overflowing when you roll it up.
6. Can I add more cheese?
   Of course! You can increase the amount of feta or add additional cheeses such as goat cheese, parmesan, or even mozzarella.
7. What’s the best way to cut the pinwheels?
   Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the pinwheels. Gently press the knife down while slicing to avoid squashing them.
8. Can I make these with a different kind of nut?
   Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even pine nuts, depending on your preference.
9. How can I make these spicier?
   Add a finely chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling to kick up the heat.
10. Can I serve these warm?
    These pinwheels are best served cold, but you can lightly warm them in the oven if you prefer a warm snack.

Conclusion

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the perfect appetizer to bring to any party, offering a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors that will please a crowd. They are quick and easy to prepare, and they’re a great make-ahead option for busy hosts. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday event, a casual gathering, or just as a snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress with their vibrant colors, unique flavor combination, and satisfying crunch. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the platter in no time!

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