Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, festive snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe. Trust me, these bite-sized wonders are perfect for gatherings, lunchboxes, or just a quick nibble when you’re craving something tangy and creamy with a hint of sweetness. I stumbled upon this combo over a holiday potluck, and it quickly became a favorite go-to — now I’m excited to share how you can make them effortlessly in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberries combine beautifully with the salty feta and creamy cheese for that perfect bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find, minimal prep, and comes together super fast — great for last-minute needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate them before slicing and they hold their shape wonderfully, making prep on your timeline possible.
- Versatile Appeal: Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or light lunches that everyone will love.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe plays a role — from texture to flavor. I always make sure the cream cheese is nice and soft before mixing, and I like picking either spinach or plain flour tortillas depending on what I’m craving or what’s in my fridge.
- Spinach or flour tortillas: Spinach adds a subtle veggie flavor and color, but flour tortillas are soft and neutral, making this recipe flexible.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest results; softening it beforehand saves you from lumps in the filling.
- Dried cranberries: Their tart sweetness is key — opt for ones without added sugars if you want a less sweet bite.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives that necessary salty tang and crumbly texture to balance the sweetness.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion kick that brightens up the filling.
- Sugar (optional): I sometimes add a tablespoon to mellow out tart cranberries, especially if they’re extra sour.
Tweak to Your Taste
One thing I love about this Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe is how easily you can adjust it to suit your mood or your guests! Feel free to swap out or add ingredients for new flavor twists that make it your own.
- Variation: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a nuttier crunch — it adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can swap cream cheese with a plant-based spread and use a vegan feta alternative, making it allergy-friendly.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add a burst of freshness that brightens the filling.
- Seasonal Twist: During fall, I might add a pinch of cinnamon to complement the cranberries and feta.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese and Mix Your Filling
Start by letting your cream cheese sit out for about 20 minutes to soften — it makes everything easier to combine. Then, whisk it with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the dried cranberries, crumbled feta, sliced green onions, and sugar if you’re using it. Stir until everything is evenly blended. I like to taste a bit here, to adjust the balance — sometimes the cream cheese needs a pinch more sugar or a touch more feta tang.
Step 2: Spread and Roll Those Tortillas
Lay one tortilla flat on your workspace and spread about 1/4 cup of the filling evenly on top, leaving about an inch of space around all edges. This border helps keep the filling inside when rolling, which I learned the hard way on my first try! Then, roll it up nice and tight, but without squeezing out the filling. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to help them hold their shape.
Step 3: Chill Before Slicing
Pop your wrapped rolls into the fridge for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours. This chilling step is crucial — it firms up the filling and makes slicing way easier without squishing the pinwheels. I usually prep mine a day ahead, so they’re perfect and stress-free when guests arrive.
Step 4: Slice and Serve!
When ready, unwrap the rolls and slice them into one-inch pieces using a serrated knife. This kind of knife helps avoid squishing or tearing the tortilla. Arrange the pinwheels on a pretty platter, and you’re all set. I promise these will disappear fast at any party!
Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
- Softening Cream Cheese First: Always let your cream cheese sit out to soften for smoother, easier mixing and a silky filling.
- Leave the Border: Don’t skip leaving that 1-inch tortilla edge free of filling — it prevents mess and keeps the roll tight.
- Refrigerate Wrapped Rolls: Wrapping the rolls and refrigerating helps them firm up so clean slices are simple and beautiful.
- Use a Serrated Knife: When slicing, a serrated blade protects tortilla shape better than a smooth knife.
How to Serve Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a few extra crumbled feta bits or scatter some fresh chopped parsley over the platter for a pop of color. A light drizzle of olive oil or a tiny pinch of black pepper can elevate each bite if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels are versatile little snacks, but I love pairing them with a crisp green salad or pairing with soup for a light lunch. They also make great finger foods alongside wine or cocktail parties, especially with some fresh fruit or nuts on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these pinwheels standing upright in a festive glass to look like little edible bouquets. Another fun idea is serving them on wooden boards with clustered bunches of grapes and olives, turning any gathering into an easy charcuterie vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once sliced, I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, usually good for 2-3 days. If they dry out a bit, a quick spritz of water on a paper towel and a loose cover can restore softness.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the rolled but uncut tortillas in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag — they freeze well for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice as usual. Just a heads up: leftover pinwheels that have been sliced and frozen may lose some texture, so freezing before slicing works best.
Reheating
Honestly, these pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature. If you want them warm, pop a few pinwheels in the oven on a baking sheet at low heat for 5 minutes, but be careful not to melt the cheese filling too much — we want soft, not soggy!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tortillas for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spinach or flour tortillas work best due to their pliability, you can try whole wheat or even gluten-free tortillas if that suits your dietary needs. Just make sure they’re soft enough to roll without cracking.
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How far ahead can I prepare the pinwheels?
You can prepare the rolled tortillas up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated wrapped tightly in plastic. This not only helps with slicing later but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Can I make these pinwheels vegan?
Definitely! Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and skip the feta or replace it with crumbled vegan cheese. Be sure your tortilla choice is vegan too, and you can add nutritional yeast or herbs for extra flavor.
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What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels without squishing?
Use a serrated knife and slice gently in a sawing motion. Make sure the rolls are well chilled before slicing to help maintain their shape and avoid any filling from spilling out.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe has become one of those dishes I pull out whenever I want to impress without fuss. They offer such a lovely balance of fresh and festive flavors, and I always get compliments on how pretty they look. If you give it a whirl (and I really hope you do), don’t be surprised when this simple recipe becomes a household favorite for you, too.
Print
Cranberry Feta Spinach Tortilla Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 32 slices
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer combining creamy, tangy feta and cream cheese with sweet dried cranberries wrapped in soft tortillas. These colorful pinwheels are perfect for parties, snacks, or light lunches.
Ingredients
Tortillas
- 4 8-inch spinach or flour tortillas
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or mix by hand until smooth and creamy. Add dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and sugar if using. Stir all ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Assemble the pinwheels. Lay out each 8-inch tortilla flat. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
- Roll and chill. Tightly roll each tortilla from one edge to the other into a log shape. Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap to hold its shape. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours, to allow the filling to set and flavor to meld.
- Slice and serve. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap from the tortillas. Using a serrated knife, cut the rolls into one-inch thick slices to create pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before slicing to help the pinwheels keep their shape.
- Leave a 1-inch border around the tortilla edge to prevent filling from spilling out when rolling.
- Nutritional values and cook times may vary depending on cookware and brand of ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg