Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for a snack that’s both festive and flavorful, look no further than Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese. This delightful appetizer perfectly balances tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy cheese all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Each bite offers a burst of textures and tastes that come together in one irresistible finger food, ideal for gatherings or a quick elegant nibble anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to getting the delicious taste, texture, and vibrant colors that make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese such a standout. Each component plays a key role in creating the harmonious flavor profile that will captivate your taste buds.

• 1 large flour tortilla: Acts as the soft, pliable base that holds all the delicious fillings together perfectly.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings a smooth, creamy texture and mild tang that’s a lovely backdrop for the other ingredients.
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds a salty, crumbly bite that contrasts beautifully with the cream cheese.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped: Offers sweet, chewy bursts of fruity goodness that brighten every mouthful.
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped: Provides a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and a vibrant green pop to the pinwheels.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Infuses a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the feta and sharpness of the cream cheese.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of savory depth with a gentle garlic aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick of warmth that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by combining the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that the honey is fully incorporated to add just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 2: Spread the Mixture on the Tortilla

Lay your large tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over it, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it later.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Cranberries

Scatter the finely chopped fresh spinach and chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer. This step adds beautiful color contrast and layers of flavor and texture that make each bite exciting.

Step 4: Roll the Tortilla Tightly

Starting at one edge, carefully roll the tortilla into a tight log shape. This ensures the pinwheels hold together nicely when sliced and serve as neat little bundles of deliciousness.

Step 5: Chill to Set

Wrap your rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the cream cheese to firm up, making slicing easier and helping the pinwheels keep their shape.

Step 6: Slice Into Pinwheels

Once chilled, unwrap the roll and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch pieces. Each slice reveals a pretty spiral of creamy white, vibrant green, and ruby red—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Step 7: Serve or Store

You can serve these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese immediately or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for later. They remain fresh and tasty, making them great for prepping ahead of time.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle some extra crumbled feta on top and add a few whole dried cranberries or baby spinach leaves around your serving platter. A drizzle of honey or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving adds visual appeal and flavor highlights.

Side Dishes

Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese alongside fresh vegetable crudités, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of your favorite soup for a well-rounded snack or light meal. The fresh veggies and warming soups complement the savory-sweet pinwheels beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange these pinwheels vertically on skewers interspersed with small cherry tomatoes or olives, creating colorful finger food kebabs. You could also serve them on a festive platter lined with large lettuce leaves for extra flair and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over a couple of days without losing their texture or flavor.

Freezing

While these pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the rolled log (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since these pinwheels are served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Just allow frozen pinwheels to thaw completely and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?

Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can be used for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese without compromising on taste. Just choose a soft and pliable tortilla to ensure easy rolling.

What can I substitute for the dried cranberries?

If you don’t have dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries or raisins work well too, providing a similar sweet-tart burst to complement the cheese.

Is it possible to make these pinwheels vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap cream cheese and feta for plant-based alternatives, and use agave nectar in place of honey. Finely chopped kale is a tasty spinach substitute.

How far in advance can I prepare the pinwheels?

You can prepare the rolled pinwheel up to a day in advance and refrigerate before slicing and serving, which makes party prep super stress-free.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Fresh herbs like dill or basil can add a fresh note, and a pinch of smoked paprika could lend a lovely depth to the cream cheese mixture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to appetizers. The blend of creamy, sweet, salty, and fresh flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla is just downright irresistible. Whether for a festive celebration or a casual snack, these pinwheels bring joy to every bite—so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the deliciousness with those you love.

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