Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or holiday parties. These flaky, savory bites combine tangy cranberries, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor 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.
3. Step 3: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Step 4: Evenly sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries and crumbled feta cheese over the cream cheese layer.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped fresh herbs on top of the filling for an aromatic touch.
6. Step 6: Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log and slice it into 1-inch pieces.
7. Step 7: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
8. Step 8: Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh rosemary for a piney flavor or parsley for a milder herb note; both pair well with feta and cranberries.
• Substitute goat cheese for feta for a creamier texture and tangy twist.
• For a sweeter bite, drizzle a little honey over the pinwheels after baking.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier spreading and a smoother filling.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely according to package instructions before rolling and assembling.

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for best results.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

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4.4 from 136 reviews

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are delightful, flaky pastries that combine the tartness of cranberries with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these easy-to-make pinwheels feature puff pastry rolled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, feta, cranberry, and fragrant herbs, baked to golden perfection.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry

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

Egg Wash

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry, smoothing out any creases for an even layer.
3. Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
4. Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle the cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, then add the crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy flavor.
5. Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary evenly over the filling to add a fresh, aromatic note.
6. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry from one long edge into a tight log, then slice into 1-inch pieces to create pinwheels.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each pinwheel cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for puffing.
8. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash mixture for a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, but use about half the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
• Use either cranberry sauce or dried cranberries based on your preference for texture and sweetness.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to spread smoothly over the pastry.
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, though they can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
• These pinwheels can be prepared ahead, sliced, and refrigerated before baking to save time.

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry recipes, feta cheese snacks, holiday appetizers, herb snacks