Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Distribute the chopped parsley or rosemary over the filling for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor.
- 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.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced pinwheels cut side up on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- 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
