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Crowd-Pleasing Cranberry Feta Pinwheels: Easy Appetizer Recipe

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These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer, featuring a creamy, tangy filling of cream cheese and feta, studded with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, all rolled up in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30-40 minutes before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Toast the pecans (optional): Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, honey, black pepper, and a tiny pinch of salt. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  4. Fold in the mix-ins: Add chopped dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced green onions. Stir with a spatula until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust honey or pepper if desired.
  5. Prepare the tortillas: Lay flour tortillas flat on a clean work surface. If stiff, warm in microwave for 10-15 seconds to make pliable.
  6. Spread the filling: Divide filling evenly among tortillas (about 1/2 cup per tortilla). Spread in a thin, even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
  7. Roll them up tight: Starting at one edge, roll tortilla tightly, using fingers to keep filling snug inside. Roll like a sleeping bag—firm but not so tight that filling squeezes out ends. Press gently to seal.
  8. Wrap and chill: Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down on plastic wrap. Wrap tightly, twisting ends like a candy wrapper. Place on baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  9. Slice and serve: When ready to serve, unwrap rolls and place on cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off ragged ends (about 1/2 inch from each end). Slice each roll into 8-10 even pinwheels, about 1 inch thick. Wipe knife clean between cuts.
  10. Arrange and garnish: Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped green onions, whole dried cranberries, or fresh parsley. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Chilling is non-negotiable for clean slices. For best results, chill overnight. If filling is too soft to slice, freeze rolls for 15 minutes before slicing. Keep knife clean between cuts for neatest slices. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry feta pinwheels, easy appetizer, make-ahead appetizer, party appetizer, holiday appetizer, cream cheese pinwheels

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/crowd-pleasing-cranberry-feta-pinwheels-easy-appetizer-recipe/