Every holiday season, there’s always that one recipe you find yourself going back to again and again — the one that’s festive, foolproof, and just a little bit fancy. For me, it’s these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. They’re the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, wrapped up in a soft tortilla and sliced into the prettiest little spirals. They look impressive on a platter but come together in minutes — no oven, no stress, just pure crowd-pleasing magic. I first brought these to a holiday open house a few years ago, and by the time I went to grab one for myself, they were gone. It’s safe to say they’ve earned a permanent spot in my December rotation. For more make-ahead appetizer inspiration, check out Taste of Home’s holiday finger food collection.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you want to swap feta for goat cheese, toss in some herbs for a flavor kick, or use spinach wraps for that festive red-and-green contrast, you can make it your own in so many ways. Plus, since they can be made a day ahead, they’re ideal for busy hosts who want a no-fuss, grab-and-go option. These little pinwheels don’t just taste amazing — they also photograph beautifully (hello, Pinterest-worthy platter!). Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re the ultimate make-ahead holiday appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into these irresistibly creamy, tangy, and festive Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. Each ingredient is simple, but together they create that perfect bite of sweet and salty that makes this recipe unforgettable.
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The creamy base that holds everything together. Let it come to room temperature so it spreads smoothly.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – Adds that salty, tangy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the cranberries. Crumble it finely for even mixing.
- ½ cup dried cranberries – Their chewy sweetness gives the pinwheels that signature festive flair. Chop them roughly so they distribute evenly.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives – Brightens up the flavor with a gentle oniony note. Chives are milder if you prefer a softer bite.
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch) – These are the perfect size for neat rolls and clean slices. You can use spinach or tomato wraps for a red and green color combo.
Optional:
- 1–2 tbsp honey or orange marmalade – For a touch of sweetness if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Cracked black pepper – Adds a subtle bite to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
These pinwheels come together in minutes, but the secret is all in the mixing and chilling. Here’s how to make them perfectly every time.
- Soften your cream cheese. Leave it out for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10–15 seconds. It should be soft enough to stir easily but not melted.
- Make the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, feta, chopped cranberries, and green onions (plus honey or marmalade, if using). Stir until everything is evenly distributed and colorful. The mixture should look creamy with little pops of red and green.
- Assemble the rolls. Lay a tortilla flat and spread about ¼ of the filling evenly over the surface. Be sure to go all the way to the edges for even slices later.
- Roll tightly. Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla up snugly — like you’re rolling sushi. A tight roll helps the pinwheels hold their shape.
- Chill to set. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This step is key — it makes slicing clean and easy.
- Slice and serve. Remove from the fridge and slice each roll into ½-inch pinwheels. Arrange them flat on a platter and watch them disappear!
Pro tip: A serrated knife makes slicing cleaner, especially when the filling is chilled.
Tips & Variations
Want to give your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels your own twist? Here are some easy ways to make them even more delicious and photo-ready.
- Add crunch. Toss in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a nutty flavor.
- Go savory. Swap the cranberries for chopped roasted red peppers and add fresh dill for a Mediterranean spin.
- Sweet and creamy. Substitute goat cheese for feta and mix in a drizzle of honey for a creamier, sweeter version.
- Colorful wraps. Use spinach and tomato tortillas for a festive red-and-green holiday look — perfect for Christmas platters.
- Make-ahead magic. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Slice right before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Storage tip. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid freezing — the texture won’t hold up.
Serving Suggestions
These pinwheels are as versatile as they are delicious — you can serve them in so many ways!
H3: For Parties
Arrange them on a large wooden board with sprigs of rosemary and sugared cranberries for a festive touch. They pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or a cranberry cocktail. Add other appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini quiches to make a full spread.
H3: For Snacking
Keep a few rolls chilled and slice as needed — they make the perfect afternoon snack or light lunch. Pair them with a cup of soup or a fresh green salad for a quick, satisfying meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and slice them just before serving. The flavors actually blend and improve as they rest.
2. What kind of feta should I use?
A firm, crumbly feta works best — the pre-crumbled kind is convenient and mixes evenly with the cream cheese.
3. Can I use corn or gluten-free tortillas?
You can! Just be sure they’re pliable enough to roll without cracking. Warm them slightly before spreading the filling.
4. How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Chilling them before slicing helps the cream cheese firm up and “glue” the roll together. Also, make sure to spread filling all the way to the edges.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes — this recipe is naturally vegetarian! Just double-check that your feta cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some are made with animal rennet).
6. How long do they last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 2 days. After that, the tortillas may start to soften a bit from the moisture in the filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that looks fancy but takes hardly any effort — and these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are exactly that. They’re colorful, festive, and bursting with flavor, making them a must-have for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even quick weekday snacks. Once you’ve made them once, they’ll quickly become one of those go-to recipes you pull out every season. For more creative appetizer inspiration, you might love exploring Better Homes & Gardens’ collection of make-ahead holiday bites.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just looking for something simple and special, these pinwheels are proof that the best holiday recipes are often the easiest ones. Slice, serve, and enjoy every sweet-salty bite!
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Cranberry Feta Pinwheels (The Easiest Festive Holiday Appetizer)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels (serves 6–8) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are the ultimate festive appetizer — creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet with a holiday twist. Made with cream cheese, feta, and dried cranberries, these no-bake tortilla roll-ups are as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in — and ready in minutes!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened (let it come to room temperature for easy spreading)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (firm and crumbly works best)
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (adds brightness and color)
For Assembly:
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size; use spinach or tomato wraps for festive colors)
Optional Add-Ins:
1–2 tbsp honey or orange marmalade (for a touch of sweetness)
Cracked black pepper (for a subtle kick)
Instructions
Soften the cream cheese: Leave at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds until spreadable.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, and green onions. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
Assemble the rolls: Lay a tortilla flat and spread about ¼ of the mixture evenly across the surface, all the way to the edges.
Roll tightly: Starting from one edge, roll up the tortilla snugly, ensuring no gaps. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Chill: Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This helps the filling set and makes slicing clean and easy.
Slice and serve: Remove from the fridge and cut each roll into ½-inch pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Notes
Make Ahead: These can be made up to 24 hours in advance — perfect for holiday prep.
Serving Tip: Arrange on a platter with rosemary sprigs and sugared cranberries for a festive touch.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Variations: Try swapping feta for goat cheese or adding chopped nuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pinwheels
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg