Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Zesty Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe: A Festive Party Favorite

Wind up your appetizer game with these delightful cranberry feta pinwheels that sparkle with festive flavor.

Soft tortillas become magical canvases for creamy cheese and tart berries.

Unexpected combinations often create the most memorable bites.

Guests will devour these elegant spirals faster than you can slice them.

Gentle rolling techniques ensure perfect swirls every single time.

Minimal ingredients, maximum impact describe these crowd-pleasing party snacks perfectly.

Let’s make something spectacular that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels You’ll Keep Reaching For

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these pinwheels in just 15 minutes of active cooking time, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute appetizer needs.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Offer a crowd-pleasing snack that combines tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and creamy texture, guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, holiday parties, or game day events.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these pinwheels up to a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and saving precious time before entertaining, while keeping your stress levels low and your appetizer game strong.
  • Versatile Crowd-Solver: Transform this recipe into a flexible dish that works as an appetizer, quick lunch, or kid-friendly snack, appealing to various tastes and dietary preferences with minimal effort.

What Goes Into Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Cheese Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy foundation for the filling, best when full-fat and softened at room temperature.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly cheese that adds a sharp flavor, choose high-quality Greek or traditional feta.
Fresh Produce:
  • Cranberries, Green Onions: Bright and colorful ingredients that provide texture and fresh taste, use fresh or dried cranberries based on availability.
Wrap and Seasoning:
  • Tortillas, Salt, Pepper: Soft tortillas create the wrap, salt and pepper balance and enhance the overall flavor, choose large flour tortillas for easier rolling.

Cranberry Pinwheel Instructions with Feta and Spinach

Step 1: Craft the Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Tart cranberries (finely chopped)
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced green onions

Stir everything until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.

Sprinkle in a dash of salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 2: Roll and Wrap

Spread the vibrant filling across each tortilla, making sure to cover every inch from edge to edge.

Roll each tortilla tightly, creating a compact cylindrical shape.

Press gently to seal the edges and ensure a perfect spiral.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Individually wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, creating a snug cocoon.

Slide the wrapped rolls into the refrigerator and let them rest for at least one hour.

This cooling period helps the filling solidify and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 4: Slice and Present

Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them carefully.

Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into bite-sized pinwheels about one inch thick.

Arrange the colorful pinwheels on a beautiful serving platter.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.

These appetizers are ready to dazzle your guests!

Festive Rolling Tips for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

  • Add a splash of balsamic glaze or honey to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of tangy-sweet complexity.
  • Pat dried cranberries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the tortillas soggy, ensuring crisp and neat pinwheels.
  • Prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for stress-free party planning.
  • Swap traditional tortillas with gluten-free wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped dill or chives into the filling for a subtle herbal note that complements the cranberry and feta combination.

Save Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them cool and fresh in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap pinwheels individually with plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
  • Do not freeze these appetizers, as the tortilla and cream cheese will lose their creamy consistency and become soggy when thawed.

Sweets That Go with Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy feta and tart cranberries, cutting through the creamy cheese with bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Match with Light Sparkling Cocktail: Create a raspberry vodka spritzer that echoes the cranberry's fruity notes and provides a zesty counterpoint to the rich cream cheese filling.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the pinwheels' richness and add a fresh, crisp element to the appetizer spread.
  • Complement with Herbal Mocktail: Craft a sparkling rosemary lemonade that brings herbal undertones to match the green onions and provides a non-alcoholic option with complex flavor profiles.

Feta Pinwheels Colorful Festive Spins

  • Vegan Veggie Pinwheels: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use dairy-free feta alternative, and swap tortillas for whole wheat or spinach wraps.
  • Gluten-Free Cranberry Pinwheels: Use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or almond flour, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Skip tortillas entirely and wrap filling in crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious option that's light and fresh.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add diced roasted red peppers, sprinkle smoked paprika, and include chopped kalamata olives for an extra flavor punch.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas based on your preference and dietary needs.

  • How far in advance can I make these pinwheels?

You can prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours before serving, making them perfect for party planning and advance preparation.

  • Are there any substitute ingredients I can use?

If you don’t have green onions, you can use chives or finely diced red onions. Similarly, you can swap feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent my pinwheels from unrolling?

Ensure you roll the tortillas tightly and chill them for at least an hour, which helps the cream cheese act as a “glue” to hold the roll together when slicing.

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Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Festive cranberry feta pinwheels bring holiday cheer to appetizer spreads with their elegant spiral design. Creamy cheese and tart cranberries dance together, creating a delightful blend that will charm guests at any seasonal gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Blend the cream cheese, tart cranberries, crumbly feta, and zesty green onions in a mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
  2. Carefully spread the prepared mixture across each tortilla, ensuring complete and even coverage from edge to edge.
  3. Roll each tortilla tightly and uniformly, creating compact cylindrical shapes that will hold the filling securely.
  4. Encase each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, creating a compact cylinder that helps maintain shape and texture.
  5. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the filling to firm and flavors to meld together, which will facilitate clean, precise slicing.
  6. Remove plastic wrap and slice each chilled roll into delicate 1-inch medallions, revealing the vibrant pinwheel pattern.
  7. Artfully arrange the pinwheels on a decorative serving platter, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a touch of visual appeal and herbaceous brightness.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy these elegant, flavor-packed appetizers that blend tangy, creamy, and herbaceous elements in each bite.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing for a creamy texture.
  • Chop cranberries finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks that might make rolling difficult.
  • Use room temperature tortillas to prevent cracking and make rolling easier without breaking.
  • For a low-carb version, replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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