The magic of Christmas comes alive in these cranberry feta pinwheels. I love how the sweet cranberries dance with creamy cheese and salty feta in every bite. My guests always light up when they spot these festive appetizers on my holiday table.
Why These Pinwheels Win Hearts
I stumbled upon this recipe while planning my first holiday party and it's been my secret weapon ever since. The beautiful combo of sweet cranberries tangy feta and fresh green onions creates pure magic. When I use spinach tortillas they look so festive people think I spent hours in the kitchen. Truth is they come together in minutes with zero cooking.
What You'll Need
- Cream Cheese: Leave it on your counter to soften. Trust me this makes spreading a breeze.
- Feta Cheese: The salty punch from crumbled feta makes these pinwheels irresistible.
- Dried Cranberries: Chop them small so you get that sweet pop in every bite.
- Green Onions: Just the green parts give such a fresh taste without overpowering.
- Spinach Tortillas: They look gorgeous and roll beautifully. Regular flour tortillas work too.
Creating Your Pinwheels
- Mix Your Filling
- Grab a bowl and mix your softened cream cheese feta cranberries and green onions until everything comes together.
- Time to Spread
- Take your time spreading the filling right to the edges. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Roll and Chill
- Roll each tortilla tight like a sleeping bag. Wrap in plastic and pop in the fridge for an hour.
- The Final Touch
- Once chilled slice into pretty pinwheels and arrange them on your favorite platter.
Make Them Pretty
My favorite way to serve these is arranged in a Christmas tree shape on my grandmother's silver platter. I sprinkle extra cranberries around the edges and tuck in fresh herbs. Everyone stops to snap photos before diving in.
Party Planning Made Easy
I always make these pinwheels the night before my parties. They stay perfectly fresh wrapped up in the fridge for three days. Such a lifesaver during busy holiday hosting.
Mix It Up
- Tortillas: Red sundried tomato wraps look stunning too. Regular flour ones taste just as good.
- Cranberries: Sometimes I swap in dried cherries or golden raisins when my pantry runs low.
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese makes them extra creamy. Regular cream cheese works in a pinch.
- Green Onions: Fresh chives or parsley add different flavors when I want to switch things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How far ahead can I make these pinwheels?
You can prepare the rolls up to two days before your event. Keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge and slice them just before serving for the best look.
- → Why shouldn't I use reduced-fat feta?
Regular feta has the right moisture content for these pinwheels. Reduced-fat feta is too dry and won't blend well with other ingredients.
- → Can I use different tortilla flavors?
Yes, wheat or spinach tortillas work great. They not only taste good but also add a nice color to your appetizer platter.
- → How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Roll the tortillas tightly and wrap them well in plastic wrap. Chilling them for at least an hour helps them hold their shape when sliced.
- → What's the best way to serve these?
Cut each roll into 12 even slices just before serving. Arrange them on a platter with the spiral facing up for the prettiest presentation.