The holidays are all about bringing people together, and what better way to do that than with a delectable, crowd-pleasing appetizer? Introducing the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels – a flavorful, visually stunning snack that will have your guests swooning. This easy-to-make recipe combines the tangy, crumbly goodness of feta cheese with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky pastry. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this festive, flavor-packed treat!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or a lively cocktail soirée. The combination of creamy feta, tart cranberries, and buttery puff pastry creates a flavor and texture explosion in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance, taking the stress out of last-minute party planning. Serve these pinwheels as an appetizer, or enjoy them as a satisfying snack – either way, they’re sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
Ingredients
The Cranberry Feta Pinwheels come together with just a few simple ingredients: puff pastry, crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and a touch of honey. These flavors work in perfect harmony, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet that will have your guests coming back for more.
- 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed if frozen
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or brie (provides a creamy, tangy contrast)
- Dried Cranberries: Dried apricots or cherries (for a different fruit flavor)
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
With just a few simple steps, you can create these irresistible Cranberry Feta Pinwheels that are perfect for holiday gatherings.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by unrolling the puff pastry and cutting it in half lengthwise. In a bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese and dried cranberries, then drizzle with a bit of honey to create a sweet-savory filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spread the feta-cranberry mixture evenly over the two puff pastry rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. Tightly roll up each rectangle, starting from the longer side, to create a spiral. Slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the pinwheels in a preheated 400°F oven until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, about 20-25 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before serving, then arrange the pinwheels on a platter and watch them disappear!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Festive Dusting: Sprinkle the pinwheels with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
- Drizzle of Decadence: Drizzle the pinwheels with melted white chocolate for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Cranberry Swap: Try using dried figs or apricots instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the pinwheels with chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful textural contrast.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a selection of festive cocktails, hot mulled cider, or a holiday cheese board.
Storage: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels in advance and bake them just before your guests arrive. Simply assemble the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Each Cranberry Feta Pinwheel is a bite-sized indulgence, packed with 140 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein. While they’re not the healthiest option, these pinwheels are a special treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels in advance and bake them just before your guests arrive. Simply assemble the pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed in the recipe.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries would work, they tend to be more tart and juicy, which could cause the puff pastry to become soggy. For the best results, we recommend sticking with dried cranberries.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
To keep the pinwheels tightly rolled, be sure to use a sharp knife and cut the rolls into 1-inch slices, pressing down gently on each one as you place it on the baking sheet.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pinwheels?
For the best texture, reheat the pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.
Try These Next
- Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Bites For Holiday Gatherings
- Savory Cranberry Brie Bites For Holiday Gatherings
- Cranberry Glazed Meatballs For Holiday Parties
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels for Holiday Gatherings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, blending savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, feta cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 2. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over each tortilla.
4. 3. Starting at one end, tightly roll the tortilla into a log.
5. 4. Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. 5. Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and slice into pinwheels.
7. 6. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
– You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
– These pinwheels can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pinwheels
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry, feta, pinwheels, appetizers, holiday