Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Prepare puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, gently pressing out any creases to form a smooth, even rectangle.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
