Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that combines the tanginess of feta cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries, all wrapped in soft tortillas. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where I want to impress my guests with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it's incredibly easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and savory green onions creates a harmonious flavor profile. Plus, the festive red and green colors make these pinwheels a visually appealing addition to any appetizer spread.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Directions
- I start by placing the softened cream cheese in a small bowl and beating it until it's fluffy.
- Next, I add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped chives, and dried cranberries to the bowl, mixing everything well.
- I spread the mixture evenly over the four tortillas.
- Then, I roll each tortilla tightly, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- When ready to serve, I cut each roll into slices and arrange them on a platter.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 48 pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Tortillas: I sometimes use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for added color and flavor.
- Add-ins: For extra texture, I might add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Herbs: Substituting chives with green onions or adding a sprinkle of rosemary can change up the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I need to prepare them ahead of time, I keep the rolled tortillas wrapped in plastic wrap and slice them just before serving to maintain their shape and freshness.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make these pinwheels?
I can prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours in advance. I just keep them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and slice them when I'm ready to serve.
Can I freeze Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
I don't recommend freezing them, as the texture of the cream cheese can change upon thawing, making the pinwheels less appealing.
What can I use instead of chives?
If I don't have chives on hand, green onions are a great substitute and provide a similar flavor.
Are there any alternatives to cream cheese?
For a different taste, I might try using goat cheese or a flavored spreadable cheese, keeping in mind that it will alter the overall flavor.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding thin slices of turkey before rolling the tortillas can make these pinwheels more filling and add a savory element.
Conclusion
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a simple yet elegant appetizer that I love to make for gatherings. Their delightful combination of flavors and festive appearance make them a go-to recipe during the holiday season or any time I want to impress my guests with minimal effort.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 48 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a festive and flavorful appetizer, perfect for holidays and parties. Featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh chives, all wrapped in soft tortillas, these bite-sized rolls are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add crumbled feta, chopped chives, and dried cranberries. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each of the four tortillas.
- Roll each tortilla tightly, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into pinwheels and arrange on a platter for serving.
Notes
- Substitute chives with green onions or rosemary for a different flavor.
- Use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas for a colorful twist.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Keep rolled tortillas wrapped until ready to slice and serve for the best shape.
- Not recommended for freezing due to cream cheese texture changes.
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