Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese, the tangy flavor of feta cheese, and the sweet tartness of dried cranberries, all rolled up in soft flour tortillas. These pinwheels are not only visually appealing with their festive red and green hues but also offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing snack.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these pinwheels can be assembled in no time.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing for stress-free entertaining.
Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors caters to a wide range of palates.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors make these pinwheels an attractive addition to any appetizer spread.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with additional ingredients or substitutions to suit dietary preferences or to add variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
Roll and Chill: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla to form a log. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to firm up, making slicing easier.
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Slice and Serve: After chilling, remove the plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
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Servings and Timing
Servings: Approximately 24 pinwheels (6 pinwheels per tortilla)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Whiskful Cooking
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Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Variations
Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill, basil, or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Alternative Cheeses: Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different taste experience.
Different Tortillas: Use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas to add color and subtle flavor variations.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the rolled, uncut tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving.
Serving from Refrigerator: Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness and chewy texture. Fresh cranberries are tart and may introduce excess moisture, potentially affecting the texture of the pinwheels.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, adding finely chopped cooked bacon or deli turkey can introduce additional flavors and make the pinwheels more filling.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling?
Ensure the tortillas are rolled tightly and chilled adequately before slicing. Using a sharp knife will also help in making clean cuts that hold their shape.
What can I serve alongside these pinwheels?
These pinwheels pair well with a variety of dips such as hummus, ranch dressing, or a balsamic glaze. They also complement cheese platters and fresh vegetable trays.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, flavored cream cheeses like garlic and herb or chive can add an extra dimension to the filling. Adjust additional seasonings accordingly.
How do I keep the pinwheels from becoming soggy?
Avoid overfilling the tortillas and ensure the filling is not too moist. Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing helps maintain their structure and prevents sogginess.
Is it necessary to chop the dried cranberries?
Chopping the dried cranberries ensures even distribution throughout the filling and makes slicing the pinwheels easier.
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Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or light cream cheese can be used as a healthier alternative without significantly altering the taste or texture.
Conclusion
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a versatile and delightful appetizer that combines ease of preparation with a festive presentation. Their harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a tasty snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests and become a go-to recipe in your collection.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 pinwheels (approx.)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a festive and flavorful appetizer made with tangy feta, sweet cranberries, and creamy cheese rolled into soft tortillas. Perfect for holiday gatherings or party platters!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
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1 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
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4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, feta cheese, and green onions until well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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Slice into 1-inch pinwheels before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
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Use flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato for added color and taste.
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These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
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Let them chill well before slicing to maintain a clean shape.
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