Festive Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe for Holiday Joy

Crisp winter gatherings sparkle with these delightful christmas cranberry feta pinwheels that blend tangy and creamy flavors into one irresistible bite.

Soft tortillas wrap around a zesty mixture promising festive cheer for every palate.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a stunning appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining.

Cheese and cranberries mingle harmoniously, delivering a delectable balance of sweet and sharp notes.

Minimal prep time means you can whip up these elegant rolls quickly without stress.

Easy assembly guarantees impressive results that will have guests asking for the recipe.

Prepare to be the star of your next celebration with these crowd-pleasing pinwheels!

Keeping Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Fresh and Tasty

• Store pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain texture and flavor.
• Transfer frozen pinwheels to the refrigerator overnight, allowing gradual defrosting without compromising quality.
• Bring refrigerated or thawed pinwheels to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance taste and ensure optimal texture.

Best Pairings for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy feta and complement the tangy cranberries.
• Match with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a light, bubbly rosé that balances the rich cheese and provides a festive holiday touch.
• Serve with Herbal Cocktail: Create a rosemary gin fizz or thyme-infused vodka drink that echoes the green onion and herb garnish in the pinwheels.
• Complement with Charcuterie: Add prosciutto or salami to the platter to introduce a salty protein that enhances the cheese and cranberry flavors.

Flavor Combos for Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional tortillas with gluten-free wraps or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative that maintains the delicious flavor profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based cream cheese and plant-based feta, using nutritional yeast for extra savory notes while keeping the cranberry essence.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cilantro to introduce a zesty kick to the classic pinwheel recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the cheese mixture for a robust, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Are these pinwheels good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These cranberry feta pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re easy to make ahead, look impressive, and offer a festive blend of flavors that guests will love.

• Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these pinwheels up to 2 days in advance. After rolling and wrapping in plastic, store them in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving to keep them fresh and maintain their shape.

• What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Flour tortillas are ideal because they’re soft and roll easily. Large, soft tortillas will create the most uniform and attractive pinwheels. White or whole wheat tortillas both work great.

• How do I prevent my pinwheels from unrolling?

Chill the rolled tortillas for at least an hour before slicing. The cold temperature helps the filling set and holds the pinwheels together. You can also secure them with toothpicks if needed.

What Makes Cranberry Feta Pinwheels So Tempting

• Effortless Elegance: Whip up these stunning pinwheels with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks who want to impress without stress.
• Holiday Party Hero: Designed specifically for festive gatherings, these colorful appetizers bring a pop of color and sophisticated flavor to any celebration or potluck.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these delightful pinwheels ahead of time, making them an ultimate make-ahead snack that saves precious moments during busy entertaining seasons.
• Versatile Crowd-Stopper: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping tortillas or adjusting cheese types, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bites.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Ingredient List

• Cream Cheese: Soft base for the filling that adds creamy texture.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that provides a sharp flavor profile.
• Tortilla or Puff Pastry: Flexible wrap for creating pinwheel shape.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart ingredient that adds festive color.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the cheese.

• Fresh Herbs, Pomegranate Seeds: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing toppings.

Preparing Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Cranberry Feta Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Feta cheese
• Chopped dried cranberries
• Sliced green onions

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious, well-blended filling.

Step 2: Spread and Roll the Filling

Take your tortilla or puff pastry and spread a thin, even layer of the cranberry feta mixture across the entire surface. Make sure to cover the entire area, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the tortilla or pastry tightly, ensuring a compact and neat cylinder. Wrap the rolled creation in plastic wrap to help it maintain its shape.

Step 3: Chill and Set

Place the wrapped roll in the refrigerator and let it rest for one hour. This chilling time helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier, creating perfect pinwheel shapes.

Step 4: Slice and Garnish

Remove the chilled roll from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pinwheels, approximately one inch thick. Arrange the pinwheels on a festive platter. Add a beautiful finishing touch by sprinkling fresh herbs or scattering pomegranate seeds on top for extra color and flavor.

Pinwheel Tips That Pair Cranberry with Feta Smoothly

• Soften Cream Cheese Right: Microwave cream cheese for 10-15 seconds or leave at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, easy spreading.
• Chop Cranberries Finely: Use a sharp knife to dice dried cranberries into tiny pieces, helping them distribute evenly throughout the filling without clumping.
• Chill for Perfect Slicing: Refrigerate rolled pinwheels for at least an hour to help them hold shape and make cutting clean, precise one-inch rounds easier.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Swap green onions with chives or add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an unexpected herbal twist that complements the tangy feta.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining.

Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels bring holiday cheer to party appetizers with creamy feta and tangy cranberry spread. Guests will devour these elegant spirals that blend Mediterranean and seasonal flavors in one delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese, crumbled

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped

Optional Garnish:

• Drizzle of honey
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Finely mince the dried cranberries and allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for effortless blending.
2. Whisk together cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, and thinly sliced green onions until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
3. Carefully spread the cheese mixture edge-to-edge across the tortilla surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Execute a tight, precise roll from one end of the tortilla, compressing gently to maintain structural integrity.
5. Encase the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, securing the ends to maintain shape and moisture.
6. Refrigerate the wrapped roll for approximately one hour to allow flavors to meld and filling to set firmly.
7. Remove from refrigeration and slice into elegant 1-inch medallions using a sharp, clean knife.
8. Artfully arrange pinwheels on a festive serving platter, garnishing with delicate fresh herbs or vibrant pomegranate seeds for visual appeal and complementary flavor.

Notes

• Chop cranberries finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks disrupting the smooth texture of the filling.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier consistency that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Chill the rolled pinwheels for at least an hour to help them hold their shape and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the delicious flavor profile of the appetizer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg