Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels

Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels are a festive, no-cook appetizer that bring together sweet dried cranberries, tangy feta cheese and creamy spreadable cheese inside a colorful wheat or spinach tortilla wrap. These pinwheels are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor they’re a great way to serve something that looks impressive but is simple to put together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it checks all the boxes: it’s visually appealing (the bright red cranberries and green onions contrast beautifully with the wrap), it’s easy to prepare ahead of time (make the roll in advance and slice when ready), and it offers a delicious balance of sweet, salty and creamy flavors. The combination of creamy cheese and chewy cranberries gives a pleasing texture, and the fact that there’s no baking means you’re saving time while still serving something special.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped green onion
• 2 large flour tortillas (wheat or spinach for added color)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese (softened), crumbled feta, dried cranberries and chopped green onion. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
2. Lay out the two tortillas flat on your work surface. Divide the cheese-cranberry mixture evenly between the two tortillas and spread each mixture across a tortilla so that the mixture reaches near to the edges.
3. Starting from one long side of each tortilla, roll up the tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or cling film.
4. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least one hour (this helps the cheese set and makes clean slicing easier).
5. When ready to serve, unwrap the logs and slice each into 12 equal pieces (so you’ll end up with about 24 pinwheel slices total). Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve.

Helpful Tips

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened (room temperature) so it’s easy to mix and spread smoothly.
• If the mixture is too stiff to spread, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk to loosen it slightly.
• After rolling the tortillas, compress them gently before wrapping to keep the filling tight and well-shaped.
• Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing to get clean, attractive pinwheels.
• Slice just before serving to preserve texture and freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

• Tortilla Options: Try spinach or tomato basil tortillas for extra color and flavor.
• Cheese Swaps: Prefer something milder? Use goat cheese or herbed cream cheese instead of feta.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
• Flavor Boost: Sprinkle in some garlic powder, black pepper, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
• Festive Shapes: Arrange the pinwheels in a tree or wreath pattern for holiday presentation.

Storage Instructions

Wrap the rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before slicing. Once sliced, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. These pinwheels hold their shape and taste best within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid freezing once sliced, though the wrapped logs can be frozen and thawed before cutting if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each pinwheel (based on 24 servings) approximately contains:

• Calories: 175 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
  Values may vary based on specific ingredients and tortilla size.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a wooden board with fresh herbs like parsley for a rustic look.
• Add a side of mixed olives or pickles to complement the tangy flavor.
• Include as part of a charcuterie board or finger food buffet.
• Make smaller rolls and serve as a party hors d’oeuvre or afternoon snack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
You can, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar to mimic the sweet-tart flavor of dried cranberries. Raw fresh cranberries will be too tart and firm.

Can I freeze the pinwheel rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the tightly wrapped rolls before slicing. Thaw in the refrigerator before cutting and serving for best texture.

My mixture is too thick to spread—what should I do?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. If it’s still too thick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of milk to loosen it up.

How far in advance can I make these?
You can prepare the logs 1 to 2 days ahead. Keep them wrapped and chilled, and slice them fresh just before serving.

What size tortillas should I use?
Use large burrito-sized flour tortillas (about 10 inches). This gives you a nice roll size and consistent slices.

Conclusion

Thank you for stopping by to make these Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels with me! I love how easy and flavorful they are, and how they bring a cheerful touch to any gathering. Whether it’s for a holiday platter, a potluck or a weekday snack, these pinwheels always impress with their taste and color. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!

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