If you love appetizers that combine the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe. These delightful pinwheels are not only visually stunning but also wonderfully easy to make, featuring a blend of tart cranberries, crumbly feta, and smooth cream cheese rolled into flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply a tasty snack, this recipe brings a burst of color and flavor that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe come alive, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating an irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, and crispy textures.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: The flaky, buttery base that wraps all the delicious fillings into perfect pinwheels.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly bite that pairs beautifully with sweet and tangy flavors.
- Dried Cranberries: Give that hallmark pop of fruity tartness and chewy texture.
- Fresh Herbs (like parsley or thyme): A touch of brightness and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): Just a drizzle to enhance the sweetness of the cranberries and tie it all together.
- Egg Wash: For brushing the pastry to achieve a perfectly golden, shiny finish.
How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by letting your puff pastry sheets thaw according to the package instructions so they’re pliable but still cold. While waiting, crumble the feta cheese and chop your fresh herbs. This prep step ensures a smooth assembly process later on.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with crumbled feta, dried cranberries, chopped herbs, and a little honey or maple syrup, if you like a touch of sweetness. Stir gently to mix everything without breaking down the cranberries or feta too much.
Step 3: Roll Out and Spread
Place one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the pastry sheet up tightly from one side to the other, creating a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into pinwheels about one inch thick — they should look like perfect little spiral pinwheels!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the slices cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with the egg wash to get that golden, glossy finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for around 15-18 minutes or until they puff up beautifully and turn golden brown.
How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to add a fresh green pop and a light herbal aroma that complements all the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or alongside a bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy mix of textures and temperatures. Their rich flavor also pairs beautifully with a platter of cured meats or fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the pinwheels on a large wooden board interspersed with clusters of grapes, nuts, and olives. You can even serve them warm threaded on small skewers for easy finger food. A pretty touch is adding tiny edible flowers or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance their festive look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for quick snacks later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time, you can assemble and slice them, then freeze the raw pinwheels on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, pop the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and contain more moisture, so they can make the pastry soggy. If you want to use them, it’s best to cook them down into a thick jam or sauce first.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe is naturally vegetarian since it focuses on cheese and pastry, but always check your puff pastry ingredients to ensure no animal-based gelatin or lard is included.
Can I substitute feta cheese with another cheese?
Go for a similarly crumbly and salty cheese like goat cheese if you want a different flavor. Just keep in mind it will alter the taste but still be deliciously creamy.
What can I use instead of puff pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, you could try phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier bite but be mindful it requires more layers and careful handling.
Are these pinwheels suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the pinwheels in a single layer then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe—a perfect harmony of tart cranberries, tangy feta, and luscious cream cheese wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. It’s an effortless way to brighten any occasion with a burst of flavor and color. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your appetizer lineup, bringing smiles and happy taste buds every time.
Print
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the tender, flavorful goodness of baked scallops infused with garlic butter, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of paprika. This simple yet elegant seafood dish is perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion, garnished with fresh parsley to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Scallops
- 1 lb fresh large sea scallops
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- A pinch of paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for greasing the baking dish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil if desired to prevent scallops from sticking.
- Prepare garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper; mix well to blend flavors.
- Arrange scallops: Place the fresh large sea scallops evenly in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Apply garlic butter: Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over each scallop, ensuring each is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Optional cheese topping: If desired, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the scallops to add richness and a savory layer.
- Bake the scallops: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, carefully monitoring to avoid overcooking which can toughen the scallops.
- Garnish and serve: Remove scallops from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately to enjoy their tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Monitor the scallops closely near the end of baking to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.
- For extra richness, try using half butter and half olive oil in the garlic butter mixture.
- A small sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking adds a delicious savory crust.
