Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Zesty Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe: A Festive Party Treat

Whipping up these delectable cranberry feta pinwheels can turn any casual gathering into a memorable feast.

Crisp tortillas wrap around tangy cheese and sweet berries, creating a perfect bite-sized appetizer.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with sharp feta, while dried cranberries add a delightful burst of flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant treat that looks impressive yet comes together in minutes.

Colorful and compact, these pinwheels promise to wow guests with minimal effort.

Each roll delivers a delicious balance of creamy, tart, and savory notes.

You’ll want to make extra – these irresistible bites disappear faster than you can slice them.

Quick Party Roll Ups: Instant Party Starters

  • Whip Up Quickly: These party roll-ups are super fast to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Loaded with festive flavors like cranberries and feta, these appetizers will wow guests at any gathering or potluck.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these delicious pinwheels in advance and store in the refrigerator, making party prep stress-free and convenient.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for various occasions from game day to holiday celebrations, these roll-ups adapt to any social event with ease.

Quick Roll Ups: Key Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that provides richness and helps bind the filling together.
  • Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that serve as the wrapper for the roll-ups.
  • Cranberries: Tart and sweet berries that add a burst of flavor and color to the roll-ups.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a sharp, salty dimension to the filling.
  • Green Onions: Provides a mild, fresh onion flavor and a subtle crunch.
  • Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds a slight sweetness to the filling.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Plastic Wrap: Used to tightly wrap and shape the roll-ups during chilling.

Party Roll Ups: Rolling in Minutes

Party Roll Ups: Rolling in Minutes

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese

Create a silky smooth base by beating cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Ingredients

Combine the ingredients to create a delightful filling:
  • Dried cranberries
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Finely chopped green onions
  • Granulated sugar

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Layer Tortilla Spread

Take a soft tortilla and generously spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture across the entire surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Create Tight Roll

Carefully roll the tortilla into a compact log, applying gentle pressure to ensure a tight and even cylinder.

Step 5: Wrap and Secure

Tightly wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to create a secure seal that prevents moisture from escaping.

Step 6: Refrigerate

Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours to help them firm up and develop deeper flavors.

Step 7: Slice into Pinwheels

Remove the plastic wrap and use a sharp knife to slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels, approximately 1 inch thick.

Tips to Keep Roll Ups Crisp

  • Pick fresh, pliable flour tortillas for easier rolling and better texture.
  • Pat dried cranberries with paper towel to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy roll-ups.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to create clean, even pinwheel cuts.
  • Make roll-ups a day in advance to enhance flavors and save time before serving.
  • Keep roll-ups refrigerated until just before serving to maintain crisp texture and fresh taste.

Fun Ways to Fill Party Roll Ups

  • Spicy Southwest Rolls: Replace cranberries with diced jalapeños, swap feta for pepper jack cheese, and add cilantro for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Rolls: Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cranberries, substitute goat cheese for feta, and sprinkle with dried oregano.
  • Vegan Friendly Option: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use dairy-free feta alternative, and add roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Choose corn tortillas instead of wheat, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and maintain the same rolling technique.

Serving Suggestions for Party Roll Ups

  • Festive Game Day Platter: Arrange sliced roll-ups on a large wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing during sports events or movie nights.
  • Elegant Appetizer Display: Arrange pinwheels in a circular pattern on a sleek white plate, garnished with fresh herb sprigs for sophisticated party presentation.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad and mimosas for a delightful weekend morning spread that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
  • Lunch Box Star: Pack roll-ups in kids' or adult lunch containers with small ice pack to keep them fresh and provide a fun midday treat.

Quick Roll Ups: Freshness Made Simple

  • Store roll-ups in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual roll-ups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.
  • Thaw frozen roll-ups in the refrigerator overnight, then let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore texture.
  • If refrigerated, remove roll-ups 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What type of tortillas work best for these roll ups?

Soft flour tortillas are ideal because they’re pliable and roll easily without cracking, ensuring a smooth and neat presentation.

  • Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to slice.

  • Are these suitable for vegetarians?

These roll ups are vegetarian-friendly, featuring cream cheese, feta, cranberries, and onions without any meat ingredients.

  • How do I prevent the roll ups from unraveling?

Roll the tortillas tightly and secure them with plastic wrap while chilling to help them maintain their shape and prevent them from coming apart when sliced.

Print
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Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory cranberry feta pinwheels bring Mediterranean charm to party appetizers, blending tangy and creamy flavors. Elegant spirals promise delightful bites that guests will eagerly devour, making you the star of any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 tortillas (8-inch)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) feta cheese

Fruit and Herbs:

  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) green onions

Optional Sweetener:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar

Instructions

  1. Whip cream cheese until velvety and uniform in texture.
  2. Gently fold cranberries, feta cheese, green onions, and sugar into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Evenly spread the prepared filling across the surface of each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Carefully roll each tortilla into a compact cylindrical shape, applying gentle pressure to create tight, secure logs.
  5. Individually encase each roll in clear plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal completely.
  6. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.
  7. Remove plastic wrap and slice each log into bite-sized pinwheels, approximately 1-inch thick, using a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Customize by swapping dried cranberries with other chopped dried fruits like apricots or cherries for variety.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas to reduce calories.
  • Make these roll-ups ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, perfect for meal prep or last-minute party snacks.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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