If you’re anything like me, you love finger foods that bring a punch of flavor without too much fuss. That’s why the Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe holds a special place in my snack rotation—they’re colorful, tasty, and so easy to whip up. The combo of tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh spinach tortillas is a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re throwing a casual brunch or need a festive addition to your holiday spread.

What makes this Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe truly stand out is how these simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can make them ahead, slice them up, and serve cold or at room temperature, which is a lifesaver when hosting. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for unexpected guests or a quick snack fix.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe plays an important role, adding a balance of creaminess, freshness, and a hint of sweetness. When picking out your ingredients, I like to choose the freshest green onions and a good quality feta that’s crumbly but not too salty.

Spinach Tortillas: I prefer burrito-sized ones because they give you a nice, wide surface to spread the filling evenly, and their spinach flavor complements the filling beautifully.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature—this helps you spread it smoothly without tearing the tortillas.
Feta Cheese: Opt for a Mediterranean-style feta for that authentic tang; crumbled feta works best for easy mixing.
Dried Cranberries: These bring a chewy sweetness that balances the salty feta perfectly. If you want a little twist, try dried cherries instead.
Green Onions: Use fresh and crisp ones for a mild onion flavor and a subtle crunch; both white and green parts add different notes.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch to enhance the flavor without overpowering the delicate ingredients.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. I often play around with the filling to keep it fresh and exciting depending on the season or occasion.

Herb Boost: I sometimes add fresh chopped dill or basil for an extra fragrant bite—it pairs wonderfully with the feta and cranberries.
Nutty Crunch: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch, plus some healthy fats.
Vegan Version: Swap the cream cheese and feta for dairy-free alternatives and you still get a seriously tasty snack.
Spicy Kick: A few red pepper flakes mixed into the cream cheese give it a subtle heat that’s nice for entertaining guests who like a little boldness.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Filling with Care

Start by combining the softened cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese in a bowl. I use a fork to mash them together gently so you get a creamy but slightly chunky texture. Then stir in the diced green onions, dried cranberries, and black pepper. This mixture should be flavorful but not too wet—if your cranberries seem overly sticky, you can give them a quick chop or dab them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Spread and Roll

Lay out your spinach tortillas flat on a clean surface. Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, spread an even layer of the filling across each tortilla—aim for full coverage but stay away from the edges to avoid overflow when rolling. Now comes the fun part: tightly roll each tortilla into a log shape, pressing firmly but gently so you don’t squeeze the filling out. This keeps your pinwheels looking neat and gives that pretty swirl when sliced.

Step 3: Chill Before Slicing

Pop the rolled tortillas into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I know waiting isn’t the easiest part, but chilling helps the filling firm up so the pinwheels hold their shape better when you slice them. If you’re making these for a party, you can prep them the day before and chill overnight—trust me, the flavors actually deepen, making every bite tastier.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch pinwheels. Clean your knife between cuts to prevent the filling from sticking and tearing the tortillas. Arrange your pinwheels on a serving platter, and you’re ready to wow your guests!

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a pinch of extra chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the pinwheels just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze on the side for dipping—it adds a wonderful sweet tang that complements the cranberries perfectly.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad or even a chilled cucumber salad. If you’re serving at a party, I like laying them out with an assortment of olives and roasted nuts to keep things simple but sophisticated.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the pinwheels standing upright in a shallow dish filled with fresh herbs or edible flowers—it adds a charming, festive touch. You could also thread them onto skewers for a fun appetizer or pack them as part of a picnic spread for a picnic-friendly finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in a shallow airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They still taste fresh and delicious the next day, which is perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox surprise.

Freezing

I have tried freezing the rolled but uncut pinwheels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They freeze well for up to a month. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before slicing and serving. This is a handy trick if you want to prepare batches ahead of time for holiday entertaining.

Reheating

These pinwheels are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm them a bit, I recommend a quick 5-minute zap in a warm oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil—this keeps them soft without drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the tortillas can get chewy.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour tortillas instead of spinach tortillas?

Absolutely! Regular flour tortillas work just fine and will still hold up well to the filling. Spinach tortillas just add a subtle flavor and a fun green color, but if you only have flour tortillas on hand, go ahead and use them.
How far ahead can I make Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels?

You can prepare the pinwheels up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated, wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. The flavors even improve as they chill. Just slice them close to serving time for the freshest look.
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?

Yes, you can! Goat cheese makes a creamy alternative with a similar tang, or you could use shredded mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that feta’s saltiness and texture really complement the cranberries, so choose something with a bit of character.
Is this recipe suitable for a party platter?

Definitely! The Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe is great for parties because they’re easy to eat with your hands, visually appealing, and can be made in advance. They look especially nice arranged on a colorful platter with some fresh herbs or edible flowers as garnish.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I keep coming back to this Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels recipe because it’s one of those rare bites that feels both fancy and effortless. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a tasty snack, or something to impress your guests, these pinwheels deliver every time. I encourage you to try making them this week—you’ll love how simple and satisfying they are to prepare, and I bet they’ll become one of your go-to recipes, just like they did for me.

Cranberry Feta Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful and visually appealing appetizer featuring soft spinach tortillas filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh green onions. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a quick snack, these pinwheels combine a balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 pinwheels (approximate, depending on slice thickness) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pinwheel Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
⅔ cup dried cranberries
5 green onions, diced
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Wraps

3 large burrito-sized spinach tortillas
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, diced green onions, dried cranberries, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy and textured filling.
Spread the Filling: Lay one spinach tortilla flat on a clean surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread about one-third of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, covering the surface completely but leaving a small border around the edges for easier rolling.
Roll the Tortilla: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside as much as possible. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Chill the Rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Slice into Pinwheels: Remove the wraps from the fridge and unwrap each roll. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into ½ to ¾-inch thick pinwheels, arranging them neatly on a serving platter.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced pinwheels with the reserved chopped green onions for a fragrant and colorful garnish. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Notes

For easier spreading, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Use a sharp serrated knife to achieve cleaner slices and avoid squashing the pinwheels.
These pinwheels can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated, but serve within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
To add extra crunch, consider including finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans in the filling.
Spinach tortillas add color and subtle flavor, but regular flour tortillas can be substituted if preferred.

Keywords: cranberry feta pinwheels, appetizer, spinach tortillas, cream cheese, party snacks, vegetarian, no-cook recipes