Cranberry & Cream Cheese Delight Pinwheels
These delightful Cranberry & Cream Cheese Pinwheels are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that are perfect for your next gathering. The creamy texture of the softened cream cheese paired with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries brings a refreshing twist to a classic appetizer. Wrapped in vibrant spinach tortillas, these pinwheels make for an eye-catching addition to any party platter, especially during the festive Christmas season. Easy to prepare and pleasing to the palate, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your celebration with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soft flour tortillas (spinach)
4 (Use green spinach tortillas for a festive touch.)
Cream cheese
16 ounces (Soften at room temperature.)
Dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 cup (Chop if desired for smaller pieces.)
Diced green onions
2 bunches (Finely chop.)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon (Use as is.)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic salt, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2
Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, ensuring you cover the entire surface.
3
In a separate small bowl, mix together the dried cranberries and finely diced green onions until they are well combined.
4
Sprinkle the cranberry and onion mixture evenly over the cream cheese spread on each tortilla, lightly pressing them into the cream cheese to help them stick.
5
Carefully roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other, ensuring the filling stays intact.
6
Once rolled, trim off the uneven ends of each tortilla for a clean look.
7
Using a serrated knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 10 equal pieces, resembling pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
12g
Carbs
0.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry & Cream Cheese Delight Pinwheels?
They are a festive appetizer made by spreading a seasoned cream cheese and dried cranberry mixture onto spinach tortillas, which are then rolled and sliced.
What kind of tortillas should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for green spinach flour tortillas, which provide a beautiful festive color contrast for holiday gatherings.
Can I use regular flour tortillas instead of spinach ones?
Yes, you can use regular flour tortillas; the flavor will remain excellent, though you will lose the green color.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before mixing to ensure it is smooth and easy to spread.
How many pinwheels does this recipe make?
With 4 tortillas sliced into 10 pieces each, this recipe makes approximately 40 pinwheels.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and slice them just before serving.
How should I store leftover pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I freeze these cranberry pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese and tortillas may change texture and become soggy upon thawing.
What is the best way to slice the tortillas?
Using a serrated knife is highly recommended to get clean slices without flattening the pinwheels.
Why do I need to trim the ends of the tortillas?
Trimming the ends ensures that every piece served has a uniform look and plenty of filling.
Are these pinwheels suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped pecans or walnuts make a great addition for added crunch.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
You could use dried cherries or even pomegranate arils, though dried fruit works best for the texture.
How many calories are in one pinwheel?
There are approximately 80 calories in one pinwheel piece.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
Yes, you can use garlic powder, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to maintain the flavor profile.
Is there a lot of fat in this appetizer?
Each pinwheel contains about 4 grams of fat, primarily from the cream cheese.
Can I add meat like turkey or ham?
Absolutely; adding a thin layer of deli turkey or ham before rolling is a popular variation.
How do I keep the tortillas from unrolling?
Spreading the cream cheese all the way to the edges helps it act as a glue to keep the roll intact.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are not recommended as they are too tart and may release too much moisture into the cream cheese.
What size tortillas work best?
Standard 10-inch or 12-inch large flour tortillas are best for creating tight, even rolls.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
No, these are savory and slightly sweet. If you want heat, you could add finely diced jalapeños.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well, though the texture may be slightly less firm.
What part of the green onion should I use?
Use both the white and green parts for the best balance of flavor and visual appeal.
How long can they sit out at a party?
For safety, they should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, a garden vegetable or chive flavored cream cheese would complement the other ingredients well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can substitute the flour tortillas for gluten-free versions.
Should I chop the dried cranberries?
Yes, the recipe suggests chopping them for smaller pieces to ensure easier slicing and even distribution.
How much protein is in each piece?
Each pinwheel contains approximately 0.8 grams of protein.
What makes this a good Christmas recipe?
The combination of green spinach tortillas and red dried cranberries creates a festive look perfect for the holiday.
Can I use chives instead of green onions?
Yes, chives are an excellent substitute if you prefer a milder onion flavor.