Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

If you are searching for a perfect crowd-pleaser that is both elegant and packed with vibrant flavor, this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe is your new go-to snack. These bite-sized delights combine flaky puff pastry with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce and the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, all brightened up with fresh rosemary. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a fun appetizer to share with friends, these pinwheels are irresistibly good and surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves that simplicity shines bright when each component is chosen with care. From the buttery puff pastry to the zesty rosemary garnish, every ingredient plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal in your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe.

• Puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky base that provides the perfect structure and buttery crunch.
• Egg plus water for egg wash: Creates a beautiful golden crust and helps seal the pastry edges.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Offers bursts of sweet and tart flavor along with lovely texture contrast.
• Feta cheese crumbles: Adds creamy, tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the cranberry’s sweetness.
• Minced rosemary: A fragrant herb that brings an earthy, piney note to elevate the pinwheels’ aroma and taste.

How to Make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation and Preheat

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your pinwheels bake evenly without sticking, giving you that coveted golden puff every time.

Step 2: Arrange and Brush the Puff Pastry

Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the baking sheet and carefully brush a ¼ inch border around all four sides with the egg wash. This border serves as a barrier to keep your delightful filling inside while the pinwheels bake.

Step 3: Spread the Cranberry Sauce

Next, gently spread the canned whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry’s surface, but be sure to stay within the egg-washed border. The whole berries give these pinwheels a lovely burst of flavor and add some textural excitement.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Feta Cheese

Evenly distribute the crumbled feta cheese over the cranberry sauce layer. The creamy tang of the feta contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries, setting the stage for the mouthwatering flavor combination.

Step 5: Roll and Seal the Pastry

Starting at the short end of the pastry, roll the sheet tightly like a cinnamon roll. Once rolled, use your fingers to pinch the seam closed firmly, so your pinwheels won’t fall apart while baking. Lay the log seam-side down on a cutting board for stability as you prepare to slice.

Step 6: Slice into Pinwheels

With a serrated knife, carefully cut the log into ½ inch slices. The serrated edge helps maintain clean cuts without squashing the delicate puff pastry layers. Arrange the slices cut side up on your baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops and sides of each slice with egg wash once more. This final touch gives the pinwheels their glossy, golden exterior. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until beautifully puffed and golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle minced rosemary over the pinwheels to finish. The fresh rosemary adds color and aromatic brightness that perfectly complements the sweet and savory filling.

How to Serve Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation by garnishing extra fresh rosemary sprigs or a light dusting of finely chopped chives for a pop of green. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also bring surprising layers of flavor to your pinwheels.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels are fabulous on their own but can also be paired with crisp green salads, roasted nuts, or a chilled glass of white wine. For a heartier spread, accompany them with a flavorful soup or a colorful veggie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these pinwheels into party showstoppers by serving them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce for dipping. You can also thread them onto skewers or arrange them in a spiral on a charming serving tray for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to keep that golden crust from spoiling.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time, slice and freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and bake straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back their crispiness and warm, melty filling, just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

You can use fresh cranberries, but you would need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency. The canned whole berry cranberry sauce works brilliantly for convenience and texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it uses no meat products. Just ensure your puff pastry is free from animal-derived ingredients if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.

Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?

Absolutely. Using a gluten-free puff pastry substitute will work, though baking times and texture may vary slightly. Be sure to follow the package directions of your gluten-free pastry for best results.

What other cheeses could I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese or ricotta would be delicious alternatives and provide a creamy tang like feta. Just be mindful that feta brings a distinct saltiness that balances the sweetness of cranberries perfectly.

Can these pinwheels be served cold?

Yes, these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe bites taste great warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks and picnics where reheating may not be an option.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and creamy feta wrapped in buttery puff pastry, and this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels Recipe brings it all to life in a fun, finger-friendly form. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself, these pinwheels are guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. Give them a try, and get ready to be wowed by how effortlessly delicious they are!

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