Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the kind of party appetizer that instantly draws a crowd and lights up the buffet table. These bite-sized beauties blend creamy cheeses, tangy cranberries, savory green onions, and a pop of spinach, all rolled up in tender tortillas. With every slice revealing a burst of holiday color, they’re as lovely to admire as they are irresistible to eat—no wonder they vanish in seconds at any gathering! Whether it’s a holiday potluck or a cozy get-together, Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels deliver that perfect combination of simple preparation and show-stopping results.

Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

A recipe this dazzling doesn’t need a mile-long ingredient list! Just a handful of everyday items come together, each playing a starring role in texture or taste. Let’s highlight why these picks make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels simply unforgettable:

Flour Tortillas: The soft foundation that holds everything together while keeping the pinwheels easy to roll and slice.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides that luscious, creamy base so the filling spreads effortlessly.
Feta Cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Adds just the right salty, tangy punch to counterbalance the cranberries’ sweetness.
Dried Cranberries (1 cup): Bring sweet-tart bursts of flavor and a jewel-like pop of festive color.
Baby Spinach (1 cup, chopped): Delivers a fresh, earthy note and a vibrant green contrast in every bite.
Green Onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Offer subtle crunch and gentle onion flavor for extra brightness.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of savory depth to the creamy filling.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to round out the flavors and give a little kick at the finish.

How to Make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Step 1: Make the Creamy Base

Start by blending the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, garlic powder, and black pepper together in a medium bowl. Mixing until smooth is key here—take your time to really whip air into the cream cheese. This creamy base will help everything stick together and ensure that every bite of Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels is rich and flavorful.

Step 2: Add the Color and Crunch

Once the cheeses and spices are well combined, it’s time to stir in your dried cranberries, chopped spinach, and green onions. Fold these in gently so you don’t smush the cranberries or make the spinach soggy. The filling should look like a festive confetti—full of bright red and green flecks, ready for spreading.

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Lay one tortilla flat on the counter and spread about a quarter of the filling evenly over the surface, leaving about half an inch of border bare along one edge. This helps prevent everything from squishing out when you roll! Tightly roll the tortilla up to form a log, pressing gently as you go to keep it snug. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Wrap each filled tortilla roll individually in plastic wrap and pop them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the cream cheese so the pinwheels are easy to slice and hold their shape beautifully. If you’re prepping ahead, they can even rest overnight in the fridge—just another reason to love the make-ahead magic of Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, unwrap your tortilla logs and slice them into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife for clean edges. Arrange them in spirals or circles on a pretty platter and watch the vibrant colors shine through. Serve straight from the fridge for that perfect, creamy texture that’s so satisfying with every bite.

How to Serve Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Garnishes

To make your Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels even more eye-catching, try sprinkling the tops with extra crumbled feta, a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), or a tiny sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for an added burst of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels are a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread! Pair them with crisp veggie platters, roasted nuts, or a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup for a warm contrast. If you’re building a holiday board, mix them in with cheeses, cured meats, and crackers for a party guests will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels into the centerpiece! Stack them high in a pyramid, arrange in a holiday wreath shape on a wooden board, or alternate them with fresh cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes for a playful and enticing display that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any pinwheels remaining after the party (they tend to disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days—just be sure to separate layers with parchment so nothing sticks together.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, uncut rolls wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then slice and arrange as usual. The creamy filling holds up well, though you might notice a bit of extra moisture after thawing—just pat them with a paper towel if needed!

Reheating

These pinwheels are designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, pop the slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes. Just avoid overheating, as the cream cheese filling can become too soft.

FAQs

Can I make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free flour tortillas. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so just swap out the wraps to accommodate your needs.

What kind of cranberries work best?

Opt for sweetened dried cranberries, as they give the perfect balance with the salty feta. If you love a tarter note, look for unsweetened varieties or even chop up some dried cherries for a twist.

Can I add nuts for crunch?

Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts work wonderfully inside Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. About 1/4 cup added to the filling provides a lovely nutty texture.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative. The results will be just as creamy and flavorful, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

How far in advance can I make Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?

You can assemble and chill them up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, the flavors meld even better with a little time overnight in the fridge—just slice right before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, utterly delightful appetizer that never fails to impress, Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a must-try. Whip up a batch for your next gathering and see how quickly they disappear—your guests will be asking for the recipe in no time!

Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 40 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a delightful combination of flavors wrapped in a convenient bite-sized package.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

4 large flour tortillas
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, feta, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in cranberries, spinach, and green onions until well combined.
Assemble Pinwheels: Spread filling on tortillas, roll tightly, wrap in plastic, refrigerate for 1 hour.
Serve: Unwrap, slice, and arrange on a platter. Serve chilled.