If you’re on the lookout for a festive, flavorful appetizer that’s bound to wow your guests, the Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful pinwheels perfectly marry the creaminess of softened cream cheese, the tangy burst of cranberries, the savory touch of feta, and the fresh pop of herbs all wrapped up in buttery puff pastry. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but comes together with ease, making it ideal for holiday parties or anytime you want a tasty bite that’s as pretty as it is scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to a balance of flavors and textures that turn simple puff pastry into an irresistible treat.
- Sheet of puff pastry: The flaky, golden base that holds all the delicious fillings together.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a rich, smooth layer that’s key for creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries: Adds a burst of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Offers a salty, tangy contrast that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped: Provides a fresh, aromatic note that lifts the dish.
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash): Ensures a shiny, golden finish on the pinwheels after baking.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep Your Surface
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is the perfect temperature for puff pastry to puff up beautifully and turn golden. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a non-stick surface that helps your pinwheels bake evenly without any hassle.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Place your sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth out any folds or creases. This step makes the pastry easier to work with and ensures an even layer that will puff nicely in the oven.
Step 3: Spread the Cream Cheese Evenly
Take your softened cream cheese and spread it over the puff pastry, making sure you leave about a half-inch border around the edges. This creamy layer acts as a glue holding your other ingredients in place and adds a luscious smoothness in every bite.
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Feta
Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries over the cream cheese to inject a lovely pop of fruity tartness. Then, scatter crumbled feta cheese across the surface, giving you that perfect salty contrast against the sweet berries.
Step 5: Sprinkle Fresh Herbs
Top your vibrant filling with a tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary. These herbs add a delightful fragrance and a fresh depth that complements all the other ingredients beautifully.
Step 6: Roll and Slice the Pinwheels
Carefully roll the pastry starting from one long edge, forming a tight log. Then, slice this log into approximately 1-inch thick pieces, creating bite-sized rounds that capture all the colorful, flavorful layers inside.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the pinwheels cut-side up on your lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to give each room to expand as they bake. Brush the tops with the egg wash you prepared earlier, which will give them a gorgeous golden color and a slight sheen after baking.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautiful golden puff pastry rise, signaling that your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, sprinkle your finished pinwheels with a few extra fresh herbs or even a light drizzle of honey if you want to play up the sweetness. A few whole cranberries or crumbled feta scattered on the serving plate also add a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light soup when served as part of a larger meal. The creamy and tangy flavors of the pinwheels complement fresh, crunchy veggies perfectly, making for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange pinwheels on a beautiful platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves or decorate the platter with fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive look. For parties, you can serve them alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like a tangy yogurt-herb dip or a sweet-spicy chutney for extra flavor fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, they store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing to keep that flaky texture intact.
Freezing
These pinwheels freeze well both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the rolled pastry log tightly and slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. For after baking, cool completely, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the pinwheels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries work especially well if you want a less messy option or a little more chew and texture. Just chop them finely for the best distribution.
Which herbs work best for this recipe?
Parsley and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also experiment with thyme or chives depending on your flavor preferences. Fresh herbs provide the best aromatic lift.
Can these pinwheels be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets. Just check the packaging to ensure it behaves similarly while baking.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from getting soggy?
Make sure your cream cheese is well softened but not watery, and don’t overload with cranberry sauce. Leaving a small border around the edges also helps the pastry puff up nicely without leaking filling.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the pinwheels, keep them refrigerated until party time, and bake them fresh just before serving for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe is one of those little joys that bring big flavors to your table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and fresh wrapped in crispy, buttery puff pastry magic. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how quickly these pinwheels become your favorite go-to appetizer for any occasion!
Print
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and fragrant fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pinwheel Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out creases and create an even thickness, making it easier to spread fillings.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire puff pastry surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when baking.
- Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, followed by crumbled feta cheese, distributing them uniformly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, over the filling to add a fragrant and fresh herbal note to the pinwheels.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces to form individual pinwheels.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion while baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash mixture to give them a shiny, golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- For a sweeter taste, use cranberry sauce; for more texture, use chopped dried cranberries.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.
- Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and to let flavors meld.
- Pinwheels can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
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