Delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful treat that bring a burst of flavor to any gathering. I remember the first time I made these—my family couldn’t get enough! The combination of creamy cheese, zesty cranberries, and earthy herbs wrapped in flaky puff pastry makes for an irresistible snack or appetizer. These pinwheels are perfect for holiday parties, family brunches, or even a cozy evening at home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets these pinwheels apart is their simplicity and versatility. They can be whipped up quickly, making them ideal for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings. With minimal ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly yet impressively delicious. Plus, kids love them! Whether you’re serving them at a festive holiday gathering or just looking for an easy snack to enjoy at home, these pinwheels never disappoint.
"I made these for our holiday party and they were the hit of the evening! Everyone asked for the recipe!" – A satisfied cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Let’s break down what you can expect when making these Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels. You’ll start by rolling out the puff pastry and spreading a layer of creamy cheese. Then, the fun begins with sprinkling on your cranberries and feta cheese, followed by a sprinkle of fresh herbs. After rolling it up and slicing, you’ll bake them until golden. It’s a straightforward process that results in delightful, bite-sized treasures!
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own scrumptious pinwheels:
- 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 (for egg wash)
Feel free to switch out the herbs per your preference or use goat cheese if feta isn’t on hand!
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the puff pastry, pressing out any creases.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries on top, followed by the crumbled feta.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the filling to infuse flavor.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape.
- Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and arrange cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with your egg wash and place in the oven.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until they’re perfectly golden and puffed.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving your Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels, the possibilities are endless! They are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a fresh garden salad or a light dip like tzatziki can elevate the experience. You could also set up a charcuterie board and include them as a flavorful component among meats, cheeses, and fruits.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Want to enjoy them later? You can also freeze them before baking; just wrap the prepared pinwheels tightly. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Pro Chef Tips
- Make sure your puff pastry is well chilled before working with it for best results. Cold dough puffs up better in the oven!
- If you prefer to make these a day ahead, assemble them and store them in the fridge overnight before baking—this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the cream cheese for an added zing that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch up the ingredients in these pinwheels. Try using spinach and artichoke in place of cranberries for a savory version. Vegan cream cheese and plant-based puff pastry are great swaps for a dairy-free alternative. You could also mix in nuts for added crunch or drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for an extra touch.
Your Questions Answered
-
What is the prep time for this recipe?
- The prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with an additional baking time of 18-22 minutes.
-
Can I use another cheese?
- Absolutely! If you don’t have feta on hand, goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar could work well.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Look for gluten-free puff pastry alternatives available in stores, and you can easily create a gluten-free version of these pinwheels.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are bound to impress at your next gathering. With easy steps and accessible ingredients, you’ll soon be known as the go-to host for delectable bites!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry Make sure it's well chilled before use.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Can add lemon zest for extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries Either works well in the recipe.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Can substitute with goat cheese or sharp cheddar.
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary), chopped Feel free to use your preferred herbs.
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water Used for egg wash.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the puff pastry, pressing out any creases.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries on top, followed by the crumbled feta.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the filling to infuse flavor.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape.
- Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and arrange cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with your egg wash and place in the oven.
Baking
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until they're perfectly golden and puffed.
