There’s something magical about gathering friends and family for the holidays, and a platter of Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer always brings a smile. I first made these for a Christmas Eve dinner years ago, and they’ve become my go-to appetizer to bring to every festive occasion. The sweet tang of cranberries, the salty punch of feta, and the creamy base create a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a New Year’s Eve bash, or just want a delicious party appetizer, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and you can prep them ahead of time, letting you enjoy the party stress-free.
Why These Pinwheels Are Perfect for Any Festive Appetizer Spread
When you want a favourite appetizer that looks as good as it tastes, Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are hard to beat. They’re the ultimate xmas finger foods, packed with festive colors and flavors that scream celebration. The creamy filling, flecked with bright red cranberries and green onions, makes for a stunning presentation on any appetizer platter. They’re also incredibly versatile—perfect as healthy Christmas Eve appetizers or as take along appetizers for potlucks and parties. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for even novice cooks, making it a staple in my holiday appetizer rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 5 green onions, diced (plus 2 tablespoons chopped for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large spinach tortillas
Feel free to swap in regular flour tortillas if you don’t have spinach ones, or add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. The ingredients are easy to find and come together quickly, making these pinwheels a last-minute lifesaver for any party.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer are a breeze to make. Start by mixing the cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced green onions, and black pepper in a bowl until everything is well combined. Spread an even layer of this mixture all the way to the edges of each tortilla. Sprinkle the extra chopped green onions on top for a pop of freshness.
Starting at one end, roll each tortilla tightly and wrap with plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour—this step is crucial for letting the flavors meld and the cream cheese “glue” the roll together. Slice each roll into 1/2-inch pinwheels and serve. The result? A delicious, festive appetizer that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
For a smoother, fluffier filling, beat the cream cheese with a mixer before adding the other ingredients. If you find the mixture hard to spread, add a splash of sour cream. Always roll the tortillas tightly and chill for at least an hour to ensure clean slices. You can also freeze the pinwheels and thaw before serving, making them ideal for advance prep.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Add chopped roasted pecans or candied walnuts for a crunchy twist. Swap in chives for green onions, or use red or green tortillas for an extra festive touch. For a heartier appetizer, try adding a layer of thinly sliced ham or turkey inside the roll.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your filling is too thick to spread, add a little sour cream or milk. If the tortillas crack while rolling, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. For a cleaner slice, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
Ingredient Substitutions
Can’t find spinach tortillas? Regular flour tortillas work just as well. Use chives or scallions instead of green onions. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile. Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dates if you prefer a less tart bite.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They also freeze well—thaw before serving. Serve them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh rosemary or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. These pinwheels pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider, making them a perfect addition to any holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prep and chill the rolls up to 24 hours before slicing and serving.
- Can I freeze these pinwheels? Yes, they freeze well. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Can I use pita bread instead of tortillas? Yes, but pita may be harder to roll.
- How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart? Chill the rolls for at least an hour before slicing.
- Can I add nuts to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.
- Are these pinwheels gluten-free? Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Can I make a vegan version? Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Party Appetizer
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 6 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 5 green onions diced (plus 2 tablespoons chopped for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large spinach tortillas
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, diced green onions, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Spread an even layer of the mixture all the way to the edges of each tortilla. Sprinkle the extra chopped green onions on top.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours.
- Slice each roll into 1/2-inch pinwheels and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs.
- Pinwheels can be frozen and thawed before serving.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
