Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Feta & Herbs are a delightful appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and aromatic fresh herbs. Perfectly golden and flaky, these bite-sized pinwheels offer a balance of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors, ideal for holiday parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Filling
- 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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet evenly, pressing out any creases to create a smooth base for the filling.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle the cranberry sauce or dried chopped cranberries evenly over the cream cheese, followed by an even layer of crumbled feta cheese. Then scatter the chopped fresh herbs on top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly to allow for expansion while baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash to help them achieve a beautifully golden and shiny finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rosemary with other herbs such as thyme or chives for a different herbal flavor.
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for a juicier texture or dried cranberries for a more concentrated tartness.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier spreading and better texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and assembled but bake just before serving for optimal flakiness.
