Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a simple appetizer that brings together tangy feta cheese with sweet dried cranberries in every bite. These pinwheels take just 15 minutes to prep and can sit in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
What makes this recipe so great is how the salty feta balances perfectly with the cranberries, and the green onions add just the right amount of freshness. You can make them hours ahead, which means less stress when you’re getting ready for guests or heading to a party.
Ingredients & Equipment
You’ll need:
- Cream cheese
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Dried cranberries
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
- Large flour tortillas
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups
- Large bowl
- Silicone spoon
- Butter knife
- Plastic wrap
- Large cutting board
- Serrated bread knife
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 24 servings. It takes 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of down time.
Step 1. Dice the green onions.
Step 2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, salt and pepper.
Step 3. Spread one fourth of the mixture onto each of the tortillas, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
Step 4. Starting from one end, tightly roll the tortilla into itself, until it meets the other end.
Step 5. Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Step 6. Right before serving, unwrap the tortilla rolls, then using a large serrated knife, cut into one inch pieces, discarding (or snacking on) the ends.
Step 7. Arrange on a plate or platter to serve.
Variations
- Add Nuts – Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor
- Herb Boost – Mix in fresh dill, basil, or parsley for a more herbaceous taste
- Spinach Addition – Add a handful of finely chopped fresh spinach to the filling
- Sweet and Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
- Different Cheese – Try goat cheese instead of feta for a milder, creamier flavor
- Bacon Twist – Crumble in some cooked bacon for a savory addition
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours ahead and keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Soften the cream cheese completely – Room temperature cream cheese mixes much easier and spreads smoothly without tearing the tortillas
- Use crumbled feta – Pre-crumbled feta saves time and distributes more evenly than chunks you cut yourself
- Spread to the edges – Getting the filling all the way to the edges helps the pinwheels hold together when you slice them
- Roll tight – The tighter you roll, the prettier your slices will be and the better they’ll hold their shape
- Use a serrated knife – A good serrated bread knife makes clean cuts without squishing the pinwheels
- Let them chill – Don’t skip the refrigeration time as it firms everything up and makes slicing so much easier
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these a day ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and slice them right before you need to serve them.
What if I don’t like feta cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese for a milder flavor, or use shredded mozzarella or cream cheese alone if you prefer something less tangy.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best because they don’t add moisture that could make the tortillas soggy. Fresh cranberries would be too tart and wet for this recipe.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Make sure your tortillas are at room temperature before rolling, and if they seem stiff, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make them more flexible.
Can these be frozen?
These don’t freeze well because the cream cheese mixture and tortillas get soggy when thawed. It’s best to make them fresh or up to a day ahead.
What should I serve with cranberry feta pinwheels?
These work great on an appetizer platter with crackers, fresh vegetables, olives, or other finger foods. They’re also perfect alongside soup or salad.
More Pinwheel Appetizers Recipes
- Turkey Club Pinwheels
- Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
- Spinach Pinwheels
- Taco Pinwheels
- Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
- Veggie Pinwheels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2-3 green onions diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Dice the green onions.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, salt and pepper.
- Spread one fourth of the mixture onto each of the tortillas, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the tortilla into itself, until it meets the other end.
- Wrap each tortilla roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, unwrap the tortilla rolls, then using a large serrated knife, cut into one inch pieces, discarding (or snacking on) the ends.
- Arrange on a plate or platter to serve.
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