Save A vibrant appetizer featuring tangy cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and creamy cheese rolled in soft tortillas—perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
I first made this recipe for a holiday potluck, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. Everyone loved the colorful presentation and the hint of heat paired with the sweet cranberries.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream; 1 tablespoon honey
- Mix-Ins: 3/4 cup (90 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup (40 g) fresh jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat); 1/3 cup (25 g) green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Assembly: 4 large (10-inch/25 cm) flour tortillas
Instructions
- Make Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and honey together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Stir in the chopped cranberries, diced jalapeño, green onions, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Spread and Roll:
- Lay out the tortillas and spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each, leaving a 1/2-inch (1 cm) border. Roll up each tortilla tightly into a log.
- Chill:
- Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and Serve:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pinwheels. Arrange on a serving platter.
Save This dish is always requested at family gatherings, and my kids love helping roll and slice the pinwheels.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, hand mixer or spatula, sharp knife, plastic wrap, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese) and gluten (flour tortillas). Double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 165, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving, ~3 pinwheels)
Save Slice just before serving for clean edges. These pinwheels make a beautiful, festive addition to any appetizer spread.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and chill them up to 24 hours in advance. Slice just before serving for freshness.
- → How can I make them less spicy?
Use less jalapeño or substitute with bell pepper for a milder flavor without sacrificing color or crunch.
- → What cheese works best in this dish?
Softened cream cheese is ideal for the filling, but goat cheese yields a tangier taste if preferred.
- → Are these vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly, perfect for many diets.
- → Should pinwheels be served cold or warm?
They’re best enjoyed chilled for ideal texture and flavor. Refrigerate before slicing.
- → Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy-based filling may alter texture once thawed.