Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Crispy, golden puff pastry filled with creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and savory herbs – these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are the perfect quick appetizer. Great for holiday parties, brunch, or a snack, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, pressing out any creases while keeping the pastry cold but pliable.
3. Step 3: Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, then add crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Scatter chopped fresh herbs over the filling for a burst of flavor and color.
6. Step 6: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Tips & Variations

• Keep puff pastry cold while working with it for the best flaky texture.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans before rolling.
• Swap feta for goat cheese for a milder, creamy tang.
• If you don’t have cranberry sauce, use chopped dried cranberries or a thin layer of raspberry jam.
• Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. They can also be frozen: freeze sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled and sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to a month and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 97 reviews

Crispy, golden puff pastry pinwheels filled with creamy cream cheese, tangy cranberries, salty feta, and fresh herbs. These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a perfect easy appetizer for holiday parties, brunches, or any gathering, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 18 pinwheels (serves 6) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Base

• 1 sheet puff pastry

Cheese & Filling

• 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

Finishing

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the puff pastry sheet and gently press out any creases, keeping the dough cold but pliable for best puffiness when baked.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around all edges to prevent overflow during baking.
4. Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese layer, then scatter crumbled feta cheese on top to add a salty contrast.
5. Add Fresh Herbs: Distribute the chopped parsley or rosemary over the filling for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor.
6. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long side, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pieces to create individual pinwheels.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced pinwheels cut side up on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops with the egg wash mixture to achieve a golden and glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

• Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use for the best flaky texture.
• For added texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans over the filling before rolling.
• You can substitute goat cheese for feta for a milder, creamy tang.
• Use vegan puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Assemble pinwheels in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.
• Pinwheels freeze well: freeze sliced on a baking sheet, then store in airtight bags up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to bake time.

Keywords: easy appetizer, holiday recipe, quick snack, cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizer