Jolly Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Festive holiday gatherings call for delightful cranberry feta pinwheels that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

These elegant appetizers blend tangy and creamy flavors in a single, irresistible bite.

The soft tortillas wrap around a zesty mixture of creamy feta and bright cranberries, creating a perfect party snack.

Guests will be impressed by the colorful swirls that look professionally prepared.

Each pinwheel delivers a burst of festive flavor that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

The recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and zero complicated techniques.

You’ll love how these pinwheels become the star of any holiday spread, promising to vanish from the appetizer plate in minutes.

What Goes into Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Tortillas: Soft and flexible base for creating pinwheel appetizers.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy and smooth ingredient that helps bind the filling together.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a sharp flavor to the pinwheels.

• Cranberries, Green Onions: Fresh ingredients that provide a burst of color and sharp, bright flavors to the appetizer.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling the rolled tortillas to help them set and make slicing easier.

Quick Steps for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Success

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped dried cranberries, and thinly sliced green onions.

Use a spatula or fork to blend the ingredients until they’re perfectly mixed and create a smooth, tangy filling.

Step 2: Spread the Delicious Mixture

Lay out your soft tortillas on a clean work surface.

Distribute the filling evenly across each tortilla, making sure to spread it from edge to edge.

Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.

Step 3: Roll Into Delightful Logs

Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight, compact cylinder.

Make sure the filling stays tucked inside as you roll.

Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to help maintain its shape.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the wrapped pinwheel logs in the refrigerator.

Let them rest and firm up for at least an hour or up to overnight.

This chilling time helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

Step 5: Slice and Present

Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator.

Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 12 even pieces.

Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter with the colorful spiral facing upward.

Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of cranberry and feta flavors.

Smart Tricks for Better Feta Pinwheels

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, easy-to-blend consistency without lumps.
• Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling for an extra layer of aromatic depth.
• Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and clean the blade between cuts to create clean, crisp pinwheel edges.
• Prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
• Swap traditional flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with a Twist

• Mediterranean Olive Pinwheels: Replace cranberries with chopped kalamata olives for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Herb Blend: Swap feta with herbed goat cheese and add fresh dill and parsley for extra brightness.
• Gluten-Free Lettuce Wraps: Use large butter lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Mix in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that adds heat to the original recipe.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange pinwheels in a circular pattern on a festive platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Holiday Gathering Star: Serve these colorful pinwheels at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year's events as a crowd-pleasing finger food that looks impressive.
• Picnic and Potluck Champion: Pack these chilled pinwheels in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or casual lunch meetups where easy-to-eat snacks shine.
• Cheese Board Companion: Include these pinwheels alongside a selection of crackers, olives, and other small bites for a delightful and varied appetizer spread.

Best Ways to Store Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Store your pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cold helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.
• Wrap the unsliced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
• Cover the pinwheels with a damp paper towel when storing to keep them moist and prevent the edges from drying out. This trick helps maintain their soft, fresh texture.
• Always keep these appetizers refrigerated until just before serving. The cool temperature helps them hold their shape and keeps the filling firm and delicious.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with cream cheese or goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• How long can I keep these pinwheels before serving?

You can prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve, which makes them perfect for party prep.

• Are these pinwheels suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these cranberry feta pinwheels are vegetarian-friendly and make a great appetizer or snack for vegetarian guests.

• Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels: Reasons to Love This Appetizer

• Whip Up Quickly: Prepare these pinwheels in just a few simple steps with minimal kitchen skills required, making them perfect for both newbie and experienced cooks.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Deliver a stunning visual treat with colorful spirals that will impress guests at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Blend tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and zesty green onions for a taste explosion that appeals to different palates and keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble these pinwheels in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to prep ahead and reduce stress when entertaining or needing a quick snack option.

Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels bring holiday cheer to appetizer tables with elegant simplicity. Creamy feta, tart cranberries, and green onions wrapped in smooth tortillas create irresistible bites you’ll want to share at seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (113 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (not reduced-fat)
• 2 large flour tortillas (wheat or spinach flavored)

Fruit Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (113 grams) dried sweetened cranberries

Herb Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) green onions, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, blend tangy feta, softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, and finely diced green onions until ingredients form a cohesive, vibrant spread.
2. Lay out tortillas and evenly distribute the creamy mixture across each surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage from edge to edge.
3. Carefully roll each tortilla into a compact, tight cylinder, maintaining consistent pressure to prevent filling from squeezing out.
4. Wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
5. Remove chilled rolls from refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 12 equal pinwheel sections, wiping blade clean between cuts for precise, clean edges.
6. Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter with the colorful spiral facing upward, showcasing the beautiful mix of cranberries, cheese, and green onions.

Notes

• Cream cheese temperature matters. Allow it to soften at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing to prevent lumpy filling.
• Swap tortillas for dietary needs. Use gluten-free, whole wheat, or low-carb options to accommodate different preferences and restrictions.
• Chilling is crucial. Refrigerate rolls for at least an hour to help them firm up, making slicing cleaner and preventing filling from oozing out.
• Customize flavor profiles. Experiment with additional herbs like dill or chives, or add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for extra zest.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg