- Mix the cream cheese and feta. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the two together until smooth and creamy.
- Add cranberries and honey. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, honey (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The honey adds a little sweetness that complements the tangy feta and cranberries perfectly.
- Add fresh parsley. If using, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This also adds a little herbaceous flavor that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Stage 2: Assembling the Pinwheels
- Spread the filling. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula or knife, spread an even layer of the cranberry-feta cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the tortilla. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla, making sure the filling stays inside as you roll. The tighter the roll, the better the pinwheels will stay together.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas. Continue the same process for the other tortillas until all are filled and rolled.
Stage 3: Slicing and Serving
- Chill (optional). For easier slicing, you can chill the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help firm them up and make them easier to cut.
- Slice into pinwheels. Once chilled, slice the rolled tortillas into about 1-inch wide pinwheels. Arrange them on a serving platter.
- Garnish (optional). If desired, garnish the pinwheels with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some extra chopped cranberries for an extra festive touch.
Stage 4: Serving
Serve the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese as an appetizer or snack. They are perfect for a holiday party, potluck, or as a simple, refreshing treat for a light meal.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Feta Pinwheels:
- Make ahead. You can prepare these pinwheels a day ahead of time. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and serve.
- Customization options. Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), fresh spinach or arugula, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Use different tortillas. You can switch up the flavor by using spinach, sun-dried tomato, or whole wheat tortillas for a different look and flavor profile.
- Vary the filling. Experiment with adding a little cream, goat cheese, or even a handful of arugula to give the filling extra creaminess or a peppery bite.
Final Thoughts:
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make them irresistible. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for serving at your next event. With the vibrant colors and festive flavors, they’ll make a great addition to any holiday spread or casual gathering! Enjoy!