Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Looking for a dish that’s not only festive but also super easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser? Enter Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese! These little bite-sized beauties are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. The creamy cream cheese is paired with the sharp, salty feta, and the sweetness of dried cranberries gives these pinwheels a burst of flavor that’s both unexpected and delightful. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, a casual gathering, or just as an appetizer for your next meal, these pinwheels will be gone in no time. Trust me, you’re going to love them!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Still wondering if you should make these pinwheels? Let me give you a few reasons why you definitely should:

Easy to Make

These pinwheels come together in just a few simple steps. All you need are some tortillas, cream cheese, feta, and cranberries—and you’re ready to roll! It’s a quick and simple recipe that even beginner cooks can master.

Holiday-Ready

The vibrant red cranberries and creamy feta cheese make these pinwheels a showstopper for holiday parties or gatherings. They bring a pop of color to the table, making them as pretty as they are delicious.

Sweet and Savory

It’s the perfect balance of flavors—creamy, tangy, salty, and sweet. Every bite of these pinwheels is a mini flavor explosion, which is what makes them so irresistible.

Versatile

These pinwheels are great for so many occasions! Serve them as an appetizer, add them to your brunch spread, or pack them for a picnic. You can even make them in advance—just roll, slice, and chill until ready to serve.

Crowd-Pleasing

If you want to impress your friends and family, these pinwheels will definitely do the trick. They’re always a hit and disappear fast, so be prepared to share the recipe!

Ingredients

The beauty of these pinwheels lies in their simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, and they come together beautifully.

Cream Cheese

The smooth, creamy base that holds everything together. It adds richness and makes the pinwheels easy to roll up.

Feta Cheese

Feta’s sharp, briny flavor gives the pinwheels that savory kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

Dried Cranberries

The star of the show when it comes to sweetness. Dried cranberries are tangy and sweet, making them the ideal addition to these pinwheels. Plus, they add a nice pop of color!

Flour Tortillas

These act as the perfect vessel for all the creamy goodness inside. You can use regular flour tortillas or go for whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if you prefer.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)

For a pop of color and a little extra freshness, fresh parsley is a great garnish. It adds a touch of green that brightens the whole dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get rolling! These pinwheels come together so quickly and easily, it’s almost too good to be true.

Prep Your Ingredients

Start by softening the cream cheese. If it’s not already soft, you can microwave it for about 15-20 seconds to make it easier to spread. Then, chop the dried cranberries into small pieces so they’ll be evenly distributed in the pinwheels.

Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and crumbled feta. Stir until well mixed. Add the chopped dried cranberries and mix them into the creamy mixture. If you’d like, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Spread on Tortillas

Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll and Slice

Carefully roll each tortilla up tightly. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice them into bite-sized pinwheels, about 1-inch thick. If you want them to look extra fancy, you can trim off the edges before slicing.

Garnish and Serve

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately or chill them for about 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%
Potassium: 120mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

These pinwheels are perfect for serving as an appetizer, but here are some other fun ways to enjoy them:

Holiday Appetizer

Serve these at your holiday parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or any festive occasion. They’re simple, yet impressive, and everyone loves them.

Brunch

These pinwheels are a great addition to a brunch spread. Pair them with a few other light bites like mini quiches, fruit salad, and mimosas for a balanced and delicious spread.

Snack

They also make a great snack for when you’re feeling peckish. Keep them in the fridge for a quick bite anytime during the day.

Picnic or Potluck

If you’re going on a picnic or need something to bring to a potluck, these pinwheels travel well and are always a hit.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

These pinwheels are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. The cream cheese mixture will firm up a bit, making them even easier to slice.

Use Different Cheese

If feta isn’t your thing, try swapping it out for goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese with herbs for a different flavor profile.

Switch Up the Filling

Feel free to add extras like chopped spinach, green onions, or even bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. The beauty of these pinwheels is that they’re super customizable!

Keep Them Cold

If you’re making these for a party, keep them chilled until serving. They’ll stay fresh and the flavors will meld together beautifully if they sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese besides feta?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the feta for goat cheese, ricotta, or even just more cream cheese for a milder flavor.

Q2: Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
A2: Yes, these pinwheels can be made ahead! Just roll them up, slice, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A3: Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries. They add the right level of sweetness and texture.

Q4: How do I store leftover pinwheels?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. They’re best eaten fresh but will last for a couple of days!

Q5: Can I freeze these pinwheels?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the rolled-up tortillas before slicing them. Wrap them in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and slice.

Q6: Can I use whole wheat tortillas for these pinwheels?
A6: Yes, whole wheat tortillas work great for this recipe. They’ll add a little extra nuttiness to the flavor, which complements the cream cheese and feta.

Q7: How do I make these pinwheels spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture or drizzle the pinwheels with a little hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Q8: Can I serve these pinwheels warm?
A8: These pinwheels are best served cold, but if you prefer them warm, you can lightly toast the tortillas in a skillet before adding the filling.

Q9: How do I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
A9: Simply swap out the regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, and you’re all set for a gluten-free version!

Q10: What should I serve with these pinwheels?
A10: These pinwheels are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, vegetable crudités, or a light soup.

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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