Craving a quick and festive appetizer? Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels are creamy, tangy, and perfectly bite-sized. With just five simple ingredients, they’re make-ahead friendly and ideal for Christmas parties.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels are the kind of recipe that makes holiday entertaining stress-free. You only need a handful of ingredients, and they come together in minutes with no baking required. The creamy cream cheese pairs beautifully with tangy feta and sweet cranberries, while green onions add a fresh bite. The rolled tortillas slice into colorful, eye-catching pinwheels that look fantastic on a holiday platter. Even better, you can prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate until serving, making them a reliable go-to when guests arrive. They’re versatile, too — add nuts, bacon, or different dried fruits for your own twist. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or bringing an appetizer to a party, these pinwheels are always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
- Dried cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they balance the salty feta.
- Cream cheese: Soft and creamy, it binds everything together.
- Feta cheese: Tangy crumbles give each bite a savory punch.
- Green onions: Add fresh flavor and a little crunch.
- Flour tortillas: Use wheat or spinach for sturdiness and festive color.
Optional Variations
For extra crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. Crispy bacon bits bring a savory edge, while dried cherries or apricots can replace cranberries for a fun twist. Spinach tortillas are a favorite for their bright holiday green.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Make sure the cream cheese is soft to avoid lumps.
Spread and Roll
Lay one tortilla flat and spread half the mixture evenly across, reaching the edges. Do the same with the second tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other, forming a firm log. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap to hold its shape.
Chill and Slice
Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the filling and makes slicing easier. When ready to serve, unwrap and cut each roll into about 12 slices, creating neat, festive pinwheels.
Recipe Tips and Notes
For the smoothest filling, always start with fully softened cream cheese. Avoid reduced-fat feta since it can be too dry and crumbly. If time allows, refrigerate the rolled tortillas overnight for even cleaner cuts. Slice them just before serving so they look fresh on your platter. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. For a fun Christmas presentation, arrange the pinwheels in the shape of a tree on your tray. Guests love the festive look, and it doubles as an edible centerpiece.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels shine on any appetizer board. Add them to a holiday charcuterie spread with crackers, cheese cubes, and fresh fruit. They also pair nicely with creamy dips like hummus or spinach dip. For a holiday buffet, serve them alongside warm dishes like Classic Beef Bourguignon for Christmas Dinner or Christmas Baked Salmon – A Festive Favorite for a complete feast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the rolled tortillas up to two days ahead, wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in the fridge. Slice them on the day of serving for the best appearance. Leftover pinwheels keep well for about 3 days when covered and chilled. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese can separate.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Christmas Cheesecake Slab
- Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
- Classic Beef Bourguignon for Christmas Dinner
- Christmas Baked Salmon – A Festive Favorite
Conclusion
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels are a festive, fuss-free appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. With their creamy filling, colorful swirl, and make-ahead convenience, they’re perfect for Christmas gatherings. Try them this holiday season, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal twist with nuts or other dried fruits. They’re guaranteed to brighten your table and delight your guests. For more holiday food inspiration, check out my festive boards on Pinterest.
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For combining filling ingredients
- Plastic wrap For wrapping rolled tortillas before chilling
- Sharp knife For slicing pinwheels cleanly
Ingredients
- ¾ cup dried sweetened cranberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 large flour tortillas (wheat or spinach preferred)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, feta, cranberries, and green onions until smooth and fully combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly across each tortilla, reaching the edges. Roll tortillas tightly, then wrap each in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate rolls for at least 1 hour. Unwrap and slice each roll into 12 even pinwheels before serving.
