Let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer: Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese. These little bites are bursting with flavor and are so easy to whip up! I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering; everyone was raving about how delicious they were and they disappeared in no time. The creamy blend of feta and cream cheese, paired with sweet, tart cranberries, all wrapped in a soft tortilla, creates a delightful combination that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these pinwheels, they’ll become a staple at your gatherings!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 4 large flour tortillas
How to Prepare Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped dried cranberries, and sliced green onions. I love using a fork to really mash and mix everything together until it’s well combined. This step is key for ensuring every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Take a large flour tortilla and spread a generous layer of the creamy mixture evenly across the surface. Make sure to get all the way to the edges for that perfect bite! It’s like painting a canvas, but way more delicious—trust me!
Step 3: Roll and Wrap
Now, it’s time to roll! Starting from one end, tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, creating a nice, snug log shape. Wrap it in plastic wrap to hold everything together. A tight roll is crucial for those gorgeous pinwheel slices later on—so roll it up with love!
Step 4: Chill
Once wrapped, pop the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is super important because it helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing so much easier. Don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the chilled tortillas and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels. I like to arrange them on a platter and serve them with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. They’re so pretty and perfect for parties—everyone will love them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Flavorful blend of creamy and tangy ingredients.
- Beautifully colorful presentation that impresses guests.
- Versatile appetizer that suits any occasion.
- Can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese turn out perfectly, try using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version or add some toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost. Enjoy the process!
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist! You can also mix in some toasted pecans or walnuts for that satisfying crunch. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cranberries for chopped bell peppers for a savory spin. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating isn’t necessary, as they’re best enjoyed cold. Just slice and serve!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each serving of Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese: about 70 calories, 2g sugar, 5g fat, and 2g protein. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making them a day in advance. Just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different cheeses?
Sure! Feel free to mix in cream cheese alternatives or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure it spreads easily!
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
They’re fantastic with a side of cranberry sauce, but you can also pair them with a nice dip like tzatziki or hummus for added flavor.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are completely vegetarian-friendly! Perfect for serving at gatherings with mixed diets.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
While you can freeze them, I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best taste and texture. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before slicing.
Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful appetizer featuring a mix of cream cheese, feta, and cranberries wrapped in a tortilla.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, cranberries, and green onions.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into pinwheels and serve.
Notes
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Feta, Pinwheels, Cream Cheese, Appetizer