Mediterranean Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels
Mediterranean Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are a bright, creamy, and slightly sweet appetizer that always disappears fast. These soft tortilla pinwheels are filled with a silky cream cheese spread, juicy crushed pineapple, chewy dried cranberries, and a hint of Mediterranean flair from herbs and a touch of savory seasoning. They are easy to prepare, perfect for make-ahead entertaining, and ideal for potlucks, game days, and holiday gatherings. The mix of creamy, fruity, and lightly savory flavors makes them unique without being complicated.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Makes about 32 pinwheels
Ingredients
For the filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup crushed pineapple, very well drained
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or mild white cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For assembly:
4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
Optional additions:
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, mixing until evenly distributed.
Add the dried cranberries, green onions, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in parsley and toasted almonds if using for extra flavor and texture.
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean work surface or cutting board.
Spread a generous, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting at one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log, keeping the filling tucked in.
Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and place all wrapped rolls in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
Unwrap the chilled rolls and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pinwheels before serving.
Tips
Soften the cream cheese fully to avoid lumps in the filling.
Drain the pineapple extremely well to prevent soggy tortillas.
Use a serrated knife for clean, neat slices.
Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing to help them hold their round shape.
Spread the filling evenly to avoid thick and thin spots.
Roll tightly but gently to keep the filling from squeezing out.
Wipe the knife clean between slices for a polished presentation.
Lightly toast the almonds before chopping to bring out their flavor.
Keep the border around the tortilla edges to prevent leaks.
Serve slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Variations
Swap dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or golden raisins.
Use spinach or herb wraps instead of plain flour tortillas for extra color.
Add finely chopped red bell pepper for crunch and brightness.
Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer filling.
Add a pinch of curry powder for a warm, exotic flavor.
Use honey-roasted pecans instead of almonds for a sweeter crunch.
Add miniature chocolate chips for a dessert-style version.
Replace mozzarella with sharp white cheddar for a bolder taste.
Mix in a little lemon zest for extra freshness.
Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and slice just before serving.
How do I keep the pinwheels from getting soggy?
Drain the pineapple very thoroughly and keep them chilled until serving.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less creamy.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and creamy flavors are very popular with children.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy filling can change texture.
What size tortillas work best?
Large 10-inch flour tortillas are ideal for evenly sized pinwheels.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and handle them gently when rolling.
How long can they sit out?
They can sit out for about 2 hours when kept cool.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe scales well for larger gatherings.
What should I serve with them?
They pair nicely with fresh fruit platters or light veggie trays.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate, 2 Pinwheels)
Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pineapple Cranberry Cream Cheese Party Pinwheels are a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and savory flavors wrapped into a bite-sized, party-ready snack. They look beautiful on a platter, travel well, and require no cooking, making them one of the easiest yet most impressive appetizers you can make for a crowd. With their soft texture, bursts of sweetness, and light savory finish, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.