Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Why Make This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

If you’re searching for a festive, flavorful appetizer that’s simple to prepare, look no further than Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels. These delightful bites are not only visually appealing with their vibrant colors, but they also combine a perfect medley of savory and sweet flavors. The creamy feta and rich cream cheese create a luscious filling, while the dried cranberries add a delightful tartness. Furthermore, the fresh rosemary and orange zest infuse a refreshing aroma, making these pinwheels an irresistible treat at holiday gatherings.

How to Make Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

Making these pinwheels is a breeze, even for those who may not consider themselves expert bakers. The use of frozen puff pastry simplifies the process significantly. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can create a sophisticated appetizer that will impress your guests. Just be sure to chill the rolls before slicing; this helps maintain their shape and allows for cleaner cuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz (113g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tsp water (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Soften cream cheese. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, finely chopped dried cranberries, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined and smooth.

2. Gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper. If needed, gently roll it out slightly to achieve a consistent 10×12-inch rectangle and smooth any creases.

3. Divide the prepared cranberry and feta filling into two equal portions. Spread one portion evenly over the entire surface of the first puff pastry sheet, leaving a small, approximately 1/4-inch border along one of the long edges of the pastry. This border helps seal the roll.

4. Starting from the long edge without the border, carefully and tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Once rolled, gently pinch the seam to seal it completely, preventing unraveling during baking.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining filling. You should now have two pastry logs.

6. Transfer both pastry logs to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Chilling firms the pastry and filling, making slicing much easier and cleaner.

7. After chilling, take one log out at a time. Using a very sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the sliced pinwheels flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each.

8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg with 1 teaspoon of water for the egg wash.

9. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops and visible sides of each arranged pinwheel with the egg wash. This provides a golden-brown color and sheen.

10. Carefully transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep a close eye as oven temperatures vary.

11. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheets for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly further. They are delightful served warm or at room temperature. Garnish optionally with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 2 pinwheels):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 230mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 5g

How to Serve Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

These pinwheels are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a delightful snack. Serve them warm or at room temperature on a festive platter. To enhance the presentation, consider garnishing with fresh cranberry sprigs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They pair wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or holiday punch, making them a versatile addition to any menu.

How to Store Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can freeze the baked pinwheels. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

• Ensure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened for the smoothest filling. Leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.
• Roll the pastry tightly to prevent it from falling apart while baking.
• Use a sharp knife for slicing the pinwheels; this helps maintain clean edges.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip chilling the logs, but it does help in making slicing easier and results in a prettier pinwheel.
• Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.

Delicious Variations

For those looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Spinach and Artichoke: Substitute the cranberry filling with a mixture of cooked spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for a savory twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño: Mix in some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herbed Goat Cheese: Replace feta with herbed goat cheese and leave out the orange zest for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use homemade puff pastry?
  Absolutely! While store-bought is convenient, homemade puff pastry will yield a richer flavor.

• What can I serve with these pinwheels?
  They pair nicely with a simple dipping sauce, such as a honey mustard or a light yogurt dip.

• Are these pinwheels vegetarian?
  Yes, they are completely vegetarian, making them a great choice for non-meat eaters.

• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the logs in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days before slicing and baking.

• What if I don’t have rosemary?
  You can substitute it with thyme or Italian herbs for a different flavor.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative available at many grocery stores.

• Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
  Substitute the cream cheese and feta with dairy-free cheese options, although the texture and flavor may vary.

• Can I adjust the sweetness?
  Yes, you can reduce the amount of dried cranberries or substitute with another dried fruit like apricots for a less sweet taste.

• What’s the best way to reheat left-over pinwheels?
  Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
  Fresh cranberries are much more tart and not ideal for this recipe. If you want to use them, consider cooking them down with sugar to sweeten them up.

Conclusion

Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are not just appetizers; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that will light up your holiday gatherings. With their beautiful presentation and delightful taste, these pinwheels are bound to become a favorite in your home. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade holiday treats? Share your creations and tweaks with friends, and don’t hesitate to invite others to join in the kitchen fun! ✨

Tasty Christmas Cranberry Feta Pinwheels

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• Author: acheyakh-mohamed
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive and visually appealing pinwheels filled with creamy feta, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sheets (1 box) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz (113g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp sea salt, or to taste
• 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tsp water (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Soften cream cheese. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, finely chopped dried cranberries, minced fresh rosemary, orange zest, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a 10×12-inch rectangle if needed.
3. Divide the filling into two equal portions. Spread one portion evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/4-inch border at one long edge.
4. Tightly roll the pastry from the long edge without the border and pinch the seam to seal. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining filling.
5. Transfer the pastry logs to a lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
6. Slice the chilled log into 1/2-inch rounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare an egg wash by whisking together the egg and water, then brush it over the pinwheels.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. For garnish, consider fresh cranberries or balsamic glaze.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: holiday appetizer, cranberry pinwheels, festive food, party snacks