Christmas Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Pinwheels are a festive and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. These creamy, flavorful bites combine a tangy ranch cream cheese spread with fresh vegetables rolled in spinach tortillas for a delightful treat everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix, or 1 package
• 1/2 cup red pepper, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, diced
• 1/4 cup pimiento-stuffed olives, sliced
• 4 spinach flour tortillas, 10 inches

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix together until smooth and well combined.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced red pepper, celery, green onions, and sliced olives by hand until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Spread about ¾ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each spinach tortilla.
4. Step 4: Roll each tortilla tightly into a log, then wrap securely with plastic wrap.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least 2 hours to firm up and let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Remove from the fridge and slice each roll into ½-inch pinwheels before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.
• Try substituting spinach tortillas with tomato basil or whole wheat for a different flavor and color.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better flavor development.
• Use flavored cream cheese varieties, like garlic and herb, to add extra depth.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature before serving for softer texture. Avoid freezing as tortillas may become soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, these pinwheels are great for preparing a day in advance. Just keep them wrapped tightly and refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.

Can I use regular flour tortillas instead of spinach tortillas?

Absolutely, regular flour tortillas work well if you don’t have spinach tortillas on hand. The spinach tortillas add color and a mild flavor but are not essential.

Christmas Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 547 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 pinwheel slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These festive Christmas Pinwheels are a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy ranch-seasoned cream cheese, fresh vegetables, and spinach tortillas, they offer a tasty and visually appealing finger food that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (or 1 package)
• 1/2 cup red pepper, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, diced
• 1/4 cup pimiento-stuffed olives, sliced

Wraps

• 4 spinach flour tortillas, 10 inches

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Instructions

1. Prep the cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix together until smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful base for the pinwheels.
2. Add the vegetables: Stir in the minced red pepper, celery, diced green onions, and sliced pimiento-stuffed olives by hand until evenly incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Spread the filling: Lay out each spinach tortilla and evenly spread about ¾ cup of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, covering it completely to the edges for full flavor in every bite.
4. Roll and wrap: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to form a log shape. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap to maintain shape and freshness.
5. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped rolls for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set, making the rolls easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.
6. Slice and serve: Remove the plastic wrap and cut each roll into 1/2-inch thick slices to create neat pinwheel appetizers perfect for serving at your holiday party.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, substitute spinach tortillas with gluten-free wraps.
• These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated for convenience.
• Add some smoked salmon or turkey slices for a non-vegetarian twist.
• Use regular flour tortillas if spinach tortillas are unavailable.
• Adjust the ranch dressing mix amount to your taste preference for seasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas pinwheels, holiday appetizer, ranch cream cheese pinwheels, festive party food, spinach tortilla pinwheels