Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Looking for a simple yet elegant appetizer for your next holiday party or family gathering? These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the ultimate bite-sized treat that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. 🎄🧀🍇

These pinwheels are not only delicious but also visually stunning, with the vibrant red cranberries, green herbs, and creamy white cheese. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or Thanksgiving dinner, these pinwheels will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Made with minimal ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.

✅ Festive & Beautiful – The colors and presentation make them perfect for holiday gatherings.

✅ Crispy & Creamy – The crunch from the tortilla wraps with the creamy filling is irresistible.

✅ Make Ahead – Perfect for prepping the night before and serving fresh when you need them.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s gather everything you’ll need for this mouthwatering holiday appetizer! 🎉

For the Pinwheels:

• 2 large flour tortillas – These will be your base for wrapping the filling. 🌯
• 8 oz cream cheese – Softened for easy spreading. 🧀
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – Adds a tangy, salty flavor. 🧀
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – For a burst of sweetness and color. 🍇
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a pop of freshness and green. 🌿
• 1 tablespoon honey – Optional, for extra sweetness. 🍯
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth to the flavor. 🧄
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – To season the filling. 🧂

For Garnish (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• Fresh rosemary sprigs – For a festive touch and aromatic flavor. 🌲
• Extra chopped parsley – To sprinkle on top for color. 🌿

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Substitutions & Variations

Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

✔️ For a lighter version: Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese.

✔️ For more flavor: Add some finely chopped red onion or green onions to the filling.

✔️ For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas to make these pinwheels.

✔️ For a vegan version: Substitute the cream cheese and feta cheese with vegan alternatives.

✔️ Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be mixed in with the cranberries for extra crunch.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1️⃣ Soften the Cream Cheese
Start by softening the cream cheese. Leave it at room temperature for about 10 minutes, or microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to mix.

2️⃣ Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, honey (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

💡 Pro Tip: The cream cheese should be smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of milk to make it easier to spread.

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Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

1️⃣ Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture on the Tortilla
Place the tortillas on a flat surface. Using a spatula or knife, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of each tortilla. Make sure you spread it all the way to the edges.

2️⃣ Sprinkle Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the cream cheese mixture. This not only adds flavor but also gives the pinwheels a burst of color.

3️⃣ Roll the Tortilla
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly. Try to keep it as even as possible to ensure the pinwheels hold their shape once cut.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to cut the tortillas into smaller pinwheels. This will help maintain clean edges and give you perfectly sliced rounds.

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Step 3: Chill & Slice

1️⃣ Wrap and Chill
Once you’ve rolled up both tortillas, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Chill the rolls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and make slicing easier.

2️⃣ Slice the Pinwheels
After chilling, remove the pinwheels from the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. You should get about 8–10 slices from each tortilla.

💡 Pro Tip: For clean cuts, use a serrated knife and don’t press down too hard while slicing. Let the knife do the work.

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Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1️⃣ Arrange on a Platter
Once all the pinwheels are sliced, arrange them on a serving platter.

2️⃣ Garnish for Extra Festivity
For that extra touch of holiday charm, garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary or extra chopped parsley.

💡 Serving Idea: Pair these pinwheels with some festive dips like cranberry sauce or a tangy balsamic glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays! Here are some fun ways to serve them:

🥳 As an Appetizer – Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

🍴 On a Holiday Charcuterie Board – Add them alongside cheese, nuts, and other finger foods.

🍇 With a Salad – Serve with a fresh mixed greens salad for a light, balanced meal.

🍷 Pair with Wine – These pinwheels pair perfectly with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

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Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also store them wrapped in plastic wrap.

💡 Pro Tip: These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncut rolls before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, just leave them in the fridge overnight before slicing.

Reheating

These pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to reheat them, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to soften the cream cheese again.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.

2️⃣ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and juicy for this recipe, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries for the perfect texture and sweetness.

3️⃣ Can I make these with different cheeses?

Absolutely! You can try goat cheese, ricotta, or even a mix of mozzarella and parmesan. Each cheese will give a unique twist to the flavor.

4️⃣ How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?

Make sure to roll them tightly and refrigerate them before slicing. The chilling step helps the filling set and makes the slices more stable.

5️⃣ Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?

Yes, feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free, or low-carb tortillas for a healthier alternative.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Holiday Appetizer!

These Festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are sure to become a go-to appetizer for any holiday event! 🎉

With their balance of sweet cranberries, tangy feta, and creamy cheese, these pinwheels offer a fresh and festive take on traditional appetizers. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, New Year’s, or Thanksgiving, they’ll impress your guests and fill your home with delicious smells.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! 😍🎄