Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a tasty holiday appetizer. They mix cream cheese, feta, and dried cranberries in a festive tortilla. These pinwheels are great for parties because they can be made ahead of time.
They’re easy to prepare, taking only 10 minutes. You can make about 48 pinwheels. This makes them perfect for feeding a lot of people.
Key Takeaways
- Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a make-ahead holiday appetizer that can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
- The recipe yields around 48 pinwheels, making it perfect for serving a crowd.
- The combination of creamy cream cheese, tangy feta, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a delicious and festive flavor profile.
- The pinwheels can be made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for easy party preparation.
- The recipe is versatile, with the option to use different tortilla flavors for a unique and customized appearance.
Why These Holiday Pinwheels Are the Perfect Party Appetizer
These cranberry feta pinwheels with cream cheese are a hit at holiday parties. They’re easy to make ahead, taste great, and look festive. They’re perfect for any casual get-together.
Make-Ahead Convenience
You can make these pinwheels up to 24 hours before your party. This lets you relax and enjoy your guests. Just mix the filling, roll it up, chill, and slice when it’s time to serve.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors
The mix of cream cheese, feta, and cranberries is a hit with everyone. This easy party food is both savory and tangy. It’s a great choice for a holiday snack.
Festive Appearance
The red and green colors of the cranberries and tortillas make these pinwheels look amazing. Try arranging them like a Christmas tree for a stunning display.
These cranberry feta pinwheels with cream cheese are ideal for any holiday party. They’re easy to prepare, taste fantastic, and look great. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Making the perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese is about choosing the right ingredients. This tasty appetizer needs just a few simple parts. These parts come together to make a delicious and beautiful treat. Let’s explore the key ingredients for this holiday favorite.
The recipe starts with cream cheese and feta cheese. You’ll need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. These create a creamy, tangy filling that goes well with other flavors. To add color and sweetness, 1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries are used.
The list also includes 4 large flour tortillas, each 10 inches wide. These tortillas are the base for the filling, making beautiful pinwheels. Some recipes suggest adding a teaspoon of garlic salt for extra flavor.
Finally, you’ll need 1/3 cup of chopped fresh chives or 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. They add a subtle onion flavor and look good too.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Feta Cheese, crumbled | 1 cup |
| Dried Cranberries | 1 1/2 cups |
| Flour Tortillas (10-inch) | 4 large |
| Chives or Green Onions, chopped | 1/3 cup or 1/4 cup |
| Garlic Salt (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
With these ingredients ready, you’re set to make delicious Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. They’re perfect for impressing guests during the holidays and beyond.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese is easy. Start by mixing the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, and dried cranberries. Spread this mix evenly over the tortillas, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
Mixing the Filling
The cream cheese, feta, cranberries, and green onions make a tasty filling. Adding a quarter cup of sour cream makes it even creamier.
Rolling Technique
Spread the filling, then roll the tortillas tightly. Roll from one side to the other to spread the filling evenly. Wrap the pinwheels in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. This lets the flavors mix and the tortillas firm up.
Chilling and Slicing Tips
When it’s time to serve, slice the pinwheels with a serrated knife. This can be tricky, but with a sharp knife, you’ll get uniform slices. These slices will show off the colorful layers of the filling.
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are easy to make and loved by all. They’re perfect for holiday parties. Their festive look and tasty flavors will impress your guests.
Creative Tortilla Options for Festive Appearance
Classic white flour tortillas are great for the Easy Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese recipe. But, why not try something more vibrant? Spinach tortillas and tomato tortillas can make your holiday appetizers pop with color and charm.
Spinach tortillas add a green hue that contrasts beautifully with the red cranberries and creamy filling. The spinach’s earthy taste also complements the cranberries and feta cheese. Tomato tortillas, on the other hand, give your pinwheels a bold, red color. They’re perfect for your holiday table.
Choosing spinach tortillas or tomato tortillas will make your cranberry feta pinwheels stand out as colorful appetizers. They’ll impress your guests and have them coming back for more.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
Creating amazing appetizer tips and tasty party platter ideas begins with mastering food presentation. To make stunning cranberry feta pinwheels, follow these pro tips. They’ll elevate your holiday appetizer game.
Spreading Techniques
For easy filling spreading, use the back of a metal spoon. Or, add a bit of sour cream to the mix. This makes the filling blend smoothly, covering the tortilla evenly.
Storage Guidelines
To keep your pinwheels fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill. Prepare the log a few days early for the best taste. Don’t use low-fat feta, as it’s too dry for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
For party platter ideas, arrange your pinwheels in a beautiful pattern on a tray. Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a festive look. Serve them chilled or at room temperature. Your guests will love these delightful appetizer tips.
“Mastering the art of food presentation is the key to creating show-stopping holiday appetizers that wow your guests.”
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Get creative and make the cranberry feta pinwheels your own. Try different cheeses or herbs for a unique taste. For a stronger flavor, use green onions instead of chives.
Add some crunch with chopped nuts or varied dried fruits like apricots or cherries. For a heartier option, use whole wheat tortillas instead of spinach or white flour.
- Swap feta cheese with goat cheese or shredded cheddar for a new taste.
- Try flavored cream cheese spreads like chive or garlic herb for more flavor.
- Replace turkey with roasted chicken or deli ham for extra protein.
- Add a thin layer of cranberry sauce or chutney for sweetness.
There are countless ways to customizing your appetizer. A little experimentation can lead to a pinwheel that everyone will love.
“The best part about these pinwheels is that you can easily adapt the flavors to your liking. I love playing around with different cheese and herb combinations.”
– Mary at Food.com
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
These festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are not only delicious, but they’re also surprisingly healthy. Each pinwheel contains about 54 calories, 3g of total fat, 92mg of sodium, 3g of carbohydrates, 1g of sugar, and 1g of protein. They are a guilt-free appetizer or healthy snack option for your holiday gatherings.
The recipe makes 32 slices, with a serving size of 2-3 pinwheels per person. This portion control lets you enjoy the flavors without overindulging. Plus, the pinwheels offer 9g of dietary fiber per serving, making them a nutritious and satisfying option.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (4 Pinwheels) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 176 | 9% |
| Total Fat | 15g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 325mg | 14% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 9g | 32% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing appetizers in advance makes party planning easier. These festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels can be made up to 24 hours before. Just roll up the tortillas, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
The creamy filling can be made a couple of days early and stored separately. When it’s time, spread the filling on the tortillas, roll them up, and slice. For the best taste, slice the pinwheels just before your guests arrive.
| Storage Guidelines | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Rolled Tortillas (wrapped in plastic) | Up to 24 hours in the refrigerator |
| Cream Cheese Filling | Up to 2 days in the refrigerator |
| Prepared Pinwheels | 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Frozen Pinwheels | Up to 3 months |
By planning ahead and using these storage tips, your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels will be fresh and delicious. They’ll impress your guests at your next party.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are perfect for holiday snacks. They are easy to make ahead and look great. They’re sure to be a favorite at any party.
These pinwheels are great for any event, big or small. They mix cream cheese, feta, and cranberries in a soft tortilla. It’s a tasty and pretty snack that everyone will enjoy.
Making these pinwheels is simple, and you can customize them. You can also make them before the party. This lets you relax and enjoy the event with your friends and family. Serve them with drinks and watch as your guests love the mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
FAQ
What are Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a tasty holiday appetizer. They mix cream cheese, feta, dried cranberries, and chives or green onions in tortillas.
What are the key ingredients in Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
The main ingredients are softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, and chopped chives or green onions. Dried cranberries and large flour tortillas are also key. Some add garlic salt for more flavor.
How long do Cranberry Feta Pinwheels take to prepare?
It takes just 10 minutes to make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. You can also prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. This makes them a great, stress-free holiday appetizer.
How many pinwheels does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes about 48 pinwheels. It’s perfect for big gatherings and parties.
What are the benefits of Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are easy to make ahead. They’re loved by many and look great for holidays. They’re perfect for entertaining.
Can I customize the filling or tortillas?
Yes, you can change up the filling or tortillas. Try different cheeses, herbs, or dried fruits. Use colorful tortillas for a festive look.
How should I store and serve the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
Prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic and refrigerate. Slice them just before serving for the best taste.
What is the nutritional information for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
Each pinwheel has about 43 calories. It has 4g carbohydrates, 2g fat, 7mg cholesterol, and 67mg sodium.