Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer perfect for any gathering. These flaky, savory-sweet bites combine creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs in a simple puff pastry snack.

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 creases.
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 and crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped fresh herbs evenly over the filling.
6. Step 6: Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log, then slice into 1-inch pieces.
7. Step 7: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger herb flavor, try mixing chopped thyme or dill with the parsley or rosemary.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used—use about one-third the amount.
• Substitute goat cheese for cream cheese for a tangier twist.
• Use fresh cranberries cooked down with a little sugar if you prefer a fresher cranberry flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

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 and refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions before rolling and assembling the pinwheels.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

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Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy tangy cream cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, savory feta, and fresh herbs. These bite-sized pinwheels baked to golden perfection make an elegant and easy crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

• Author: Nora
• 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

Finishing

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth out any creases and slightly enlarge the sheet for easier spreading.
3. Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow while rolling.
4. Add Cranberries and Feta: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, followed by an even layer of crumbled feta cheese.
5. Sprinkle Herbs: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary evenly on top of the filling to add aromatic freshness.
6. Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Slice the rolled log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels.
7. Arrange Pinwheels: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow puffing.
8. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed, golden, and cooked through.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
• For a sweeter version, use cranberry sauce instead of dried cranberries and consider adding a touch of honey to the cream cheese.
• Pinwheels are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and feta with plant-based alternatives.
• To prep ahead, slice the rolled log and refrigerate before baking, adding extra baking time if baking cold.

Keywords: cranberry pinwheels, cream cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, holiday appetizers, feta cheese snacks, herb appetizers, baked finger foods