Delicious, festive, and incredibly easy to prepare, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Filled with a creamy blend of tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh green onions, they deliver a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleasing finger food that’s as elegant as it is simple.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with no cooking required.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and serve when ready, making entertaining stress-free.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 spinach or flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups dried cranberries
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Optional Substitutions
- Use plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins for a unique twist.
- Gluten-free tortillas work well for those with dietary restrictions.
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and sugar (if using) until well combined. - Assemble the Pinwheels:
Spread about ¼ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. - Roll the Tortillas:
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap them in plastic wrap to hold their shape. - Chill:
Refrigerate the wrapped tortillas for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours if prepping ahead. - Slice and Serve:
Unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 16 servings
- Calories: ~165 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate parsley, dill, or basil for a fresh flavor boost.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture.
- Zesty Touch: Mix in a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Alternative Wraps: Use whole wheat or tomato basil tortillas for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the rolls uncut, then slice just before serving for maximum freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I make these pinwheels the night before?
Yes, they can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and slice before serving.
2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well and reduces the calorie count.
3. What other fillings can I add?
Chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or bell peppers make excellent additions.
4. Can I freeze the pinwheels?
It’s not recommended, as the cream cheese may change texture upon thawing.
5. How do I keep the tortillas from unrolling?
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill before slicing to help them hold their shape.
6. What can I serve these with?
Serve alongside a charcuterie board or with dips like hummus or ranch.
7. Can I use different tortillas?
Yes, any 8-inch tortilla works—whole wheat, tomato basil, or gluten-free are great options.
8. Do I have to use sugar in the filling?
No, sugar is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet option.
9. What type of feta cheese works best?
Crumble-style feta works best for blending evenly into the filling.
10. How can I make these more festive for the holidays?
Use spinach tortillas for a green base and garnish the platter with fresh cranberries or herbs for a holiday look.
Conclusion
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a simple yet impressive appetizer perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even light snacking. With their creamy, tangy, and sweet filling, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit. Prep them in advance for stress-free entertaining, and watch them disappear from the plate!
Print
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a festive and flavorful appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a quick party snack. Creamy, tangy, and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 4 spinach or flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Optional Substitutions:
- Use plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins for a twist.
- Gluten-free tortillas for dietary restrictions.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and sugar (if using). Mix well. - Assemble the Pinwheels:
Spread about ¼ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each tortilla, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. - Roll the Tortillas:
Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap them individually in plastic wrap to maintain shape. - Chill:
Refrigerate the wrapped tortillas for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours if prepping ahead. - Slice and Serve:
Unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange neatly on a serving platter and serve chilled.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh green onions and quality feta cheese.
- Let the filling chill slightly before spreading to make assembly easier.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~165 kcal per serving
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *