Hey there, festive friends! The holidays are approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with a colorful and tasty treat? These Christmas cranberry pinwheels combine vibrant flavors and easy prep, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
With a delightful blend of creamy feta, tangy cranberries, and fresh green onions, these pinwheels not only look beautiful on your appetizer platter but also offer a burst of festive flavor in every bite. Let’s make your celebrations extra special!
- They’re quick and simple to prepare, requiring no baking.
- Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that impress guests.
- Flexible ingredient swaps to suit dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Ingredients
- Chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pleasant crunch that brightens the filling.
- Sweetened dried cranberries: Provide a sweet and tart burst softened for easy blending with creamy cheese.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Brings a salty, tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the cranberries’ sweetness.
- Large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable wraps that hold the filling while allowing easy rolling and slicing.
- Cream cheese (softened): A smooth, creamy base that binds all ingredients for a luscious filling texture.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling Mixture
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Begin by combining the chopped green onions, softened sweetened dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and softened cream cheese in a large bowl. Mixing thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors so each pinwheel slice will have the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet notes.
- Assemble the Tortilla Rolls
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Place the flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. Evenly spread the filling mixture onto each tortilla, leaving an approximate half-inch border around the edges to avoid overflow during rolling. This step helps contain the filling perfectly inside the pinwheels.
- Roll and Chill the Tortillas
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Carefully roll each tortilla tightly to secure the filling inside. Wrap each rolled tortilla snugly with plastic wrap to keep moisture in and maintain the shape. Refrigerate for at least one hour; chilling firms the roll and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slice and Serve
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Remove the chilled rolls from the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into about 12 even slices. Arrange the pinwheels on a festive serving platter, ready to delight guests as an appetizer or festive snack.
- Soften dried cranberries in warm water to make them tender and easy to bite.
- Chilling the rolls is key for clean slicing and flavor melding.
- Use a serrated knife for neater cuts without squashing the pinwheels.
Storage Tips
Store the prepared pinwheels tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste and texture, slice just before serving. They can also be frozen uncut for up to a month and thawed before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry pinwheels on a holiday appetizer tray with fresh herbs for garnish. Pair them with a crisp white wine or sparkling cider for festive entertaining. They also make great finger foods for brunch or lunchboxes.
- Room temperature cream cheese spreads more evenly and blends better with other ingredients.
- Try substituting dried cherries for cranberries to vary the sweet-tart balance.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and tofu instead of feta.
FAQs
- Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
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Yes! Prepare and roll them a day in advance and keep wrapped in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving for freshness.
- What if I don’t have flour tortillas?
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Large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps can be substituted, though they may be more delicate to roll and slice.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
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Absolutely. Use cashew or vegan cream cheese alternatives and replace feta with seasoned firm tofu.
- How do I keep the pinwheels from drying out?
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Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating helps maintain moisture and prevents drying.
- Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
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Yes, swapping the flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or large lettuce leaves makes it gluten-free, although texture will differ.
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
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Fresh cranberries are too tart and moist for this recipe; dried cranberries are recommended for balanced sweetness and texture.
Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries softened in warm water for 5 minutes
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 large 10-inch flour tortillas
- 1 package softened cream cheese about 8 ounces
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped green onions, softened cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and softened cream cheese until evenly mixed.
- Lay the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface and evenly spread the filling mixture over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll each tortilla tightly to encase the filling and wrap them in plastic wrap to keep their shape and prevent drying.
- Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least one hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Unwrap the chilled rolls and slice each into approximately 12 pinwheel pieces.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For dairy-free versions, use vegan cream cheese and substitute dried cherries or apricots for cranberries.
- Use gluten-free tortillas or large lettuce leaves for gluten-free options.
- Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate up to 2 days.
- Rolling tightly ensures neat slices and easier serving.
