Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the kind of irresistible, easy-breezy appetizer you’ll want to serve (and snack on!) all year long. Each bite is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory—with pops of color and flavor that make them a runaway hit at any gathering. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party or just looking for a fun snack, these pinwheels deliver big taste with hardly any fuss.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cranberry Feta Pinwheels lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each item pulls its weight—adding texture, contrast, flavor, or color—so don’t skip a thing. Here’s what goes into making these show-stopping bites.

Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the pinwheels their luscious, creamy base—be sure to let it reach room temperature for easy mixing.
Dried Cranberries (½ cup): Bring a pop of tart-sweet flavor and a festive chew that pairs perfectly with savory notes.
Crumbled Feta Cheese (½ cup): Adds bold, salty tang and a crumbly texture that stands out in every bite.
Chopped Green Onions (¼ cup): Offer a mild oniony crunch and a hint of sharpness that balances the creaminess.
Large Flour Tortillas (4, 8–10 inches): Soft, flexible wraps that hold everything together and slice up beautifully.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to tie all the flavors together—add just a pinch to brighten up the filling.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Step 1: Mix the Cream Cheese Base

Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in the softened cream cheese. Give it a good stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until it’s ultra-smooth and free of lumps—this makes the pinwheels super creamy and easy to spread.

Step 2: Fold in the Tasty Mix-Ins

Sprinkle in the dried cranberries, feta cheese, chopped green onions, and your pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together until the toppings are evenly distributed. This is when the magic happens—the colors and textures look so inviting!

Step 3: Spread and Roll

Lay a tortilla flat and spread a generous, even layer of the creamy filling edge-to-edge. Take your time to get it smooth—this helps hold everything together. Roll up the tortilla tightly into a neat log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, then wrap each roll snugly in plastic wrap.

Step 4: Chill for Best Texture

Refrigerate the wrapped tortilla logs for at least 1 hour. This little nap makes them easier to slice and helps all the flavors mingle. Trust me, don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to beautifully shaped pinwheels!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, unwrap the rolls and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on your favorite platter and get ready to enjoy one of the best appetizers around—Cranberry Feta Pinwheels at their finest!

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped green onions or some finely diced fresh parsley over your platter for a fresh, vibrant look. If you’re feeling fancy, dot the plate with extra cranberries for a burst of color, or add just a touch more crumbled feta for extra pizzazz.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels go hand-in-hand with light salads—think arugula with citrus dressing or a crunchy cucumber plate. They’re also lovely served with a festive veggie tray, or as part of a larger appetizer spread with dips and crisp crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by threading the pinwheels onto skewers for party-ready “pinwheel kabobs,” or arrange them in a wreath shape on a round platter, tucking a few greens or sliced veggies around the edges. If it’s the holiday season, try using spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for extra color that’s as fun as it is festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels fresh, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay at their best for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead appetizer or snack for busy weeks.

Freezing

While the tortillas may soften a bit with freezing, you can freeze the rolled and wrapped logs (before slicing). When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then slice just before displaying. Freezing already-sliced pinwheels isn’t recommended as they can lose shape and texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you do prefer a slightly warmer bite, let the pinwheels sit out for 20-30 minutes after coming out of the fridge, but keep them cool for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?

You can make the rolled logs up to 24 hours ahead. Slice just before serving for the freshest look and texture. This makes them perfect for stress-free party prep!

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Absolutely! Spinach tortillas, sun-dried tomato wraps, or even whole wheat add an extra pop of flavor and color. Just make sure your tortillas are large, flexible, and soft for easy rolling.

What else can I add to the filling?

Get creative—chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds add a wonderful crunch. You can also swap in finely chopped chives for the green onions, or sprinkle in a little lemon zest for brightness!

Are Cranberry Feta Pinwheels vegetarian?

Yes! They’re completely vegetarian, using only cheese, fruit, and onions for flavor. Just double-check your feta cheese if you need a strictly vegetarian rennet.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

This recipe is super flexible. Double it for a crowd, or halve the ingredients if you’re making pinwheels for a smaller get-together. Just keep the filling-to-tortilla ratio consistent.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer, give Cranberry Feta Pinwheels a try! They’re simple, colorful, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion. Let them become your new party standby and watch your guests light up with every creamy, tangy, irresistible bite.

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors all rolled up in a convenient bite-sized appetizer. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you need a tasty snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inches)

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper.
Spread an even layer of the mixture over each tortilla.
Roll each tortilla tightly into a log, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once chilled, remove plastic wrap and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or at room temperature.