Cranberry Feta Pinwheels: A Festive Appetizer Recipe

Looking for the perfect appetizer to wow your guests at your next holiday gathering? Look no further than these delightful Cranberry Feta Pinwheels! These savory and sweet bites are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and visually stunning, making them an ideal addition to any festive spread. The combination of tart cranberries, salty feta cheese, creamy cream cheese, and flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.

This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can create these impressive pinwheels with ease. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, a potluck, or any other special occasion, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors is incredibly addictive.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal effort.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the pinwheels ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
* **Visually Appealing:** These pinwheels look beautiful on a platter, adding a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread.
* **Versatile:** Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses, herbs, or nuts.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These pinwheels are ideal for holidays, parties, potlucks, or even a simple snack.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create these delectable Cranberry Feta Pinwheels:

* **Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled.
* **Dried Cranberries:** 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped.
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
* **Egg Wash:** 1 large egg, beaten (optional, for a golden-brown finish).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry**

* On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If the pastry feels too sticky, dust it with a little more flour.
* Using a rolling pin, gently roll the puff pastry into a 12×12 inch square. This will help to create thinner, more evenly baked pinwheels.

**Step 2: Make the Filling**

* In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dried cranberries, sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

**Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels**

* Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out puff pastry, leaving a small border at the edges.
* Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Make sure the roll is tight to prevent the pinwheels from unraveling during baking.
* Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This will make it easier to slice the pinwheels.

**Step 4: Slice and Bake**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Remove the puff pastry log from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
* Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get approximately 24-30 pinwheels.
* Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
* If desired, brush the tops of the pinwheels with egg wash for a golden-brown finish. This is optional, but it adds a nice color and sheen.
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the puff pastry is cooked through.

**Step 5: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
* Serve warm or at room temperature. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

## Tips for Perfect Pinwheels

* **Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly:** Allow the puff pastry to thaw completely in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This will prevent it from becoming sticky or difficult to work with.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** When rolling out the puff pastry, be gentle and avoid overworking it. Overworking the dough can make it tough and prevent it from rising properly.
* **Chill the Log Before Slicing:** Chilling the puff pastry log before slicing is crucial. This will firm up the filling and make it easier to cut the pinwheels without squishing them.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** A sharp knife is essential for slicing clean, even pinwheels. A dull knife will tear the dough and make the pinwheels look messy.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the pinwheels and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through.
* **Get creative with the filling**: Substitute the cranberries for finely diced sun-dried tomatoes, change the parsley to dill, or add some red pepper flakes for some zing.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese, brie, or parmesan. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Use different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or chives, to customize the flavor profile.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a dash of nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
* **Vegetables:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers, into the filling.
* **Meat:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a heartier appetizer.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan cream cheese and feta cheese alternatives to make this recipe vegan.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels as an appetizer at your next holiday gathering or party.
* Pair them with a glass of wine or sparkling cider.
* Arrange them on a platter with other appetizers, such as cheese and crackers, olives, and vegetables.
* Serve them as a snack for a game day or movie night.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a delicious and portable snack.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of slicing the log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, slice the pinwheels and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cranberry Feta Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Cranberry Feta Pinwheels**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Bake Time:** 15-20 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes

**Yield:** Approximately 24-30 pinwheels

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)

**Instructions:**

1. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll into a 12×12 inch square.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, dried cranberries, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry.
4. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Remove the puff pastry log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
7. Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with egg wash (optional).
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy these delicious Cranberry Feta Pinwheels at your next gathering! This recipe is sure to be a hit, and is also super easy to customize. Feel free to substitute other ingredients and experiment with this recipe.