Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels: Festive Holiday Appetizer
Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that screams holiday cheer? Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the answer. These colorful tortilla roll-ups feature a creamy cream cheese base mixed with tart dried cranberries, fresh green onions, and optional nuts for crunch. The red cranberries and green onions create a festive Christmas look, making them ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or snack trays. No baking required – just mix, spread, roll, chill, and slice!
This make-ahead recipe is perfect for searches like "cranberry cream cheese pinwheels," "holiday tortilla pinwheels," "easy Christmas appetizers," or "no-bake holiday snacks." They're vegetarian, customizable, and always a hit.
Why Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Are a Holiday Favorite
These pinwheels combine sweet-tart cranberries with rich cream cheese for a flavor balance that's addictive. The soft tortillas make them easy to eat, while the vibrant colors add a festive touch to any table. Benefits include:
- Super Easy: Only 10 minutes of prep.
- Make-Ahead: Chill overnight for best results.
- Portable: Great for parties or gift trays.
- Versatile: Add feta, walnuts, or jalapeños for twists.
A classic holiday appetizer that's been popular for years, often featuring dried cranberries for that signature tartness.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels (Makes about 40 pieces)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for tang)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch, spinach or sun-dried tomato for extra color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simple ingredients that come together for big flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in chopped dried cranberries, green onions, feta (if using), and nuts. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread on Tortillas: Lay out one tortilla on a flat surface. Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Roll Tight: Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap to hold shape.
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- Chill: Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
- Slice and Serve: Unwrap and slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter – for fun, stack into a Christmas tree shape!
Pro Tip: Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Pinwheels
- Festive Presentation: Use green spinach tortillas for more holiday color or arrange slices into a wreath.
- Add Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF tortillas.
- Storage: Keep sliced pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Try with turkey for post-Thanksgiving leftovers or swap feta for blue cheese.
These pinwheels are naturally bite-sized and mess-free, making them a go-to for holiday entertaining.
Delight Your Guests with Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the effortless appetizer that looks impressive and tastes even better. With their festive red-and-green swirls and irresistible sweet-savory flavor, they're guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Make them this holiday season and watch them become a new tradition! Share your creations in the comments. For more easy holiday recipes, explore our collection of festive appetizers. Happy holidays!
Merry Christmas everyone !
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