Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s both fresh and full of flavor, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe might just become your new go-to. I first made these for a friend’s holiday party, and they disappeared faster than I expected—there’s something about the tangy feta paired with sweet dried cranberries inside a soft spinach tortilla that just clicks. They’re so simple to throw together, which makes them perfect for last-minute gatherings or quick bites on busy days.

What I love most about this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is how it balances savory and sweet in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile—you can prep them ahead and they hold up well, so they’re great for picnics, potlucks, or even a fancy snack tray at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll keep coming back to this easy recipe for an effortless crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe plays a special role: the cream cheese adds creaminess, feta brings tang, and the cranberries lend a natural sweetness that balances the flavors beautifully. Using spinach tortillas adds subtle greens without overpowering anything. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Spinach tortillas: Look for large burrito-sized ones so you have plenty of space to spread your filling. The spinach flavor is mild but adds a nice color and freshness.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key—it spreads easily and makes pinwheels creamy without being too dense.
• Feta cheese: The salty tang of feta is what gives these pinwheels their signature bite, so don’t skimp here. Crumble it finely for even distribution.
• Dried cranberries: These add the perfect touch of sweetness. Check for those without added sugar for a more natural flavor.
• Green onions: Diced green onions bring a fresh, mild onion kick that brightens the filling.
• Black pepper: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—freshly ground if possible.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is—you can really make it your own depending on what you have in the fridge or the occasion. Sometimes, I tweak the filling to suit different tastes, and it always works out great.

• Add fresh herbs: Personally, I like adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or parsley. It lifts the flavors and adds a bit of brightness.
• Swap the tortilla: If you want a gluten-free option, try gluten-free wraps, or use whole wheat for extra fiber and nuttiness.
• Include nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts add a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy filling. I tried this once for a fall gathering, and everyone loved the texture contrast.
• Make it spicy: Toss in some finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. It’s a twist I often use for game day snacks.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl—mix thoroughly until smooth but still a little textured. Stir in the diced green onions, dried cranberries, and black pepper. This mixture should be flavorful but not overly salty; adjusting the feta amount or adding a splash of lemon juice can help balance things if you find it too sharp.

Step 2: Spread and Roll

Lay out each spinach tortilla on a clean, flat surface and spread an even layer of your cheese and cranberry filling across each one. I find using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon works best for smooth spreading. Once covered, gently but firmly roll up each tortilla into a tight log. Don’t worry about pressing too hard—just enough to hold it all together.

Step 3: Chill and Slice

Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the filling set so you can slice clean, neat pinwheels without everything squishing out. After chilling, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pieces using a sharp serrated knife—this will give you those beautiful swirls you’re aiming for.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few chopped green onions over the top for color and a little fresh bite. Sometimes, I add a touch of flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast—both add an elegant finishing touch and make these pinwheels feel a bit special.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these pinwheels with a light salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or alongside a bowl of mixed nuts and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. They’re also fantastic with a crisp white wine or your favorite iced tea if you’re serving them at a casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these pinwheels on a large platter with fresh cranberry sprigs and rosemary sprigs around the edges—it instantly makes the dish look festive and inviting. I also like stacking them vertically in a glass vase or tiered serving trays to save table space and add a bit of height to the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you might!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, though I recommend eating them sooner to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these pinwheels before by flash-freezing the rolled logs before slicing—wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They freeze nicely for up to 2 months. When you want them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then slice and serve. Freezing can slightly soften the tortilla, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

Since this recipe works best cold or at room temperature, I usually don’t reheat pinwheels. But if you prefer them slightly warm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works, just be careful not to overheat or the cream cheese might get runny. Alternatively, leave them out at room temp for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe has become one of my easiest crowd-pleasers and quick snack favorites. It’s that perfect blend of flavors and super simple to make without fussing over fancy ingredients. Whether you want something for holiday parties, office treats, or just a tasty bite between meals, I highly recommend you give these a try. Once you do, I bet you’ll be sharing the recipe with friends just like I do!

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