Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or quick snacks. These flaky puff pastry treats combine creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite. They’re sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.

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 the 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.
5. Step 5: Scatter the chopped fresh herbs 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 the egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Tips & Variations

• Keep puff pastry cold while working with it to ensure a flaky texture.
• For extra flavor and crunch, add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans before rolling the pastry.

Storage

Store any 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 crispiness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month; thaw before reheating.

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 in the refrigerator before rolling it out to prevent tearing.

What herbs work best in these pinwheels?

Parsley and rosemary are great choices for a fresh, aromatic touch, but you can also try thyme or chives depending on your preference.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe

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4.8 from 121 reviews

These Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or quick snacks. Featuring flaky puff pastry baked to golden perfection, filled with creamy tangy cream cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, salty feta, and aromatic fresh herbs, these pinwheels are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pinwheel 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. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, gently pressing out any creases to form a smooth, even rectangle.
3. Spread cream cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the filling contained.
4. Add fillings: Sprinkle cranberry sauce or the chopped dried cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, followed by crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
5. Roll and slice: Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log shape. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels for even-sized bites.
6. Arrange and egg wash: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust during baking.
7. Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

Notes

• Keep puff pastry cold while working with it for the best flaky texture.
• For extra flavor and crunch, add a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans before rolling the pastry.
• You can substitute parsley or rosemary with other fresh herbs like thyme or basil depending on your preference.
• Ensure evenly sized slices to bake uniformly.

Keywords: easy appetizer, holiday recipe, quick snack, puff pastry pinwheels, cranberry cream cheese