Pin This festive pinwheel appetizer has become my signature holiday party contribution, combining creamy cheese, savory turkey, and sweet-tart cranberry in colorful spirals that disappear within minutes of hitting the table. The red and green colors make them perfect for Christmas gatherings, but they're so delicious I find myself making them year-round.
I first created these pinwheels when tasked with bringing an appetizer to my in-laws' Christmas Eve gathering. They were such a hit that my mother-in-law now requests them for every family celebration from Thanksgiving through New Year's.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: provides the creamy base that holds everything together. Choose full-fat for the richest flavor and smoothest spreading consistency.
- Mayonnaise: adds extra creaminess and helps make the spread more pliable. Look for real mayonnaise rather than light versions which can be watery.
- Garlic powder: infuses the cream cheese mixture with savory notes without the harshness of fresh garlic. The powder distributes more evenly throughout.
- Fresh parsley: brightens the cream cheese mixture with color and fresh flavor. Italian flat-leaf variety has more pronounced flavor than curly parsley.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce: delivers sweet-tart flavor and festive color. Homemade offers better texture but quality store-bought works well too.
- Green onions: add a mild onion flavor and festive green color. Choose firm ones with bright green tops.
- Orange zest: brings citrus notes that complement the cranberry perfectly. Use only the colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Spinach tortillas: create the green holiday color but plain flour tortillas work equally well. Look for the 10-inch size for perfect pinwheels.
- Turkey breast slices: add protein and savory flavor. Thinly sliced premium deli turkey works best for easy rolling.
- Baby spinach leaves: incorporate fresh vegetables and bright green color. Pre-washed varieties save time.
- Swiss or mozzarella cheese: adds another layer of flavor and helps bind the ingredients. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese spread:
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This will take about 2 minutes of mixing. Then incorporate the garlic powder, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture. The spread should be soft enough to easily apply to tortillas without tearing them.
- Create the cranberry filling:
- Combine the whole berry cranberry sauce with finely chopped green onions and orange zest in a small bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly while maintaining some texture from the cranberry berries. This mixture should be spreadable but not overly runny.
- Assemble the base layer:
- Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface and spread exactly one-fourth of your cream cheese mixture over it, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer that reaches all the way to the border. The thickness should be approximately 1/8 inch throughout.
- Add the cranberry layer:
- Take 2 tablespoons of your cranberry mixture and gently spread it over the cream cheese layer. Distribute it evenly but don't press too hard, as you don't want to mix the layers completely. The distinct layers create visual appeal when sliced.
- Layer the proteins and vegetables:
- Arrange one-fourth of the turkey slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the cranberry spread. Next, distribute a handful of spinach leaves evenly across the surface, followed by a light sprinkle of shredded cheese, using about 2 tablespoons per wrap.
- Roll and chill:
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a compact cylinder, applying gentle but firm pressure as you roll to keep the filling in place. The border you left earlier will help seal the roll. Immediately wrap the roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure it. Repeat the entire process with the remaining tortillas and fillings, then refrigerate all rolls for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Slice and serve:
- Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them one at a time. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 6 equal pinwheels approximately 1.5 inches thick. Clean your knife between cuts for the cleanest edges. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on a serving platter in a circular pattern or rows.
Pin The cranberry spread is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic by accident when trying to use up leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. The bright tartness cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and adds that perfect holiday touch that makes these pinwheels special. My daughter now helps make the cranberry mixture, carefully zesting the orange while I chop the green onions.
Make-Ahead Tips
These pinwheels actually benefit from being made ahead of time. The chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the cream cheese to firm up, making cleaner slices possible. You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours before your event and keep them wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. I recommend slicing them no more than 2 hours before serving for the freshest presentation. If you need to slice earlier, cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the edges from drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
The basic formula for these pinwheels is quite flexible. For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with thinly sliced avocado or roasted red peppers. If cranberry sauce isn't available, fig jam or raspberry preserves make excellent substitutes while maintaining that sweet-tart balance. Dairy-free guests can be accommodated by using plant-based cream cheese and omitting the shredded cheese. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free wraps instead of standard flour tortillas. The flavor profile remains delicious with any of these adaptations.
Serving Suggestions
Present these colorful pinwheels on a white platter or wooden board to make their festive colors pop. For an elegant presentation, arrange them in a wreath shape and garnish the center with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries. I like to place small dishes of extra cranberry sauce nearby for additional dipping. These pinwheels pair beautifully with sparkling wine, prosecco, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, a cranberry spritzer or sparkling apple cider complements the flavors perfectly.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer version Use strawberry preserves instead of cranberry and add fresh basil
- Spring variation Incorporate asparagus and lemon zest with herbed cream cheese
- Fall option Use apple butter instead of cranberry and add thinly sliced apples
Success Stories
These pinwheels have saved numerous holiday gatherings when I needed something impressive with minimal effort. Last Christmas, my oven unexpectedly stopped working right before guests arrived. These no-cook pinwheels saved the day as I had all ingredients on hand. My sister-in-law, who claimed to dislike cranberries, tried one to be polite and ended up requesting the recipe before the evening was over. The combination of creamy, savory, and sweet-tart flavors wins over even the skeptical eaters.
Pin These pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for any occasion. Their attractive appearance and ease of serving make them an indispensable appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I keep pinwheels from unrolling?
After rolling, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when sliced.
- → Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?
Yes! Assemble and chill up to 24 hours ahead. Slice just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- → What are good substitutes for turkey?
Try roasted vegetables, cooked tofu, or extra spinach for a vegetarian twist. Smoked chicken also works well.
- → How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts. Chilling the rolls before slicing ensures neater spirals and less mess.
- → What dips pair well with these pinwheels?
Extra cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy herb dip complement the flavors and make serving more fun.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Serve chilled.