Christmas Pinwheels: 17 Make-Ahead Party Bites You Can Roll the Night Before

Christmas pinwheels are the party food you can make the night before and forget about. Searches for Christmas cranberry pinwheels have jumped about 180 percent this week alone, and spinach artichoke, broccoli and buffalo chicken versions are climbing too. Each one is a soft tortilla or a sheet of puff pastry, a creamy spread and a filling, rolled up tight, chilled and sliced into spirals. Below you will find the cranberry feta roll everyone is searching for, plus festive red and green fillings, baked puff pastry trees and a sweet cinnamon one for Christmas morning. Every slide has a full recipe and make-ahead tips. Ready to roll..

Christmas Pinwheels Start With These Cranberry Feta Rolls

The appetizer that disappears first at every Christmas party takes ten minutes to roll, sits in the fridge overnight and never needs an oven. Cranberry feta pinwheels are the one people are searching for right now. Tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries and green onion in a cream cheese base give you red, white and green in every slice. Recipes like these have thousands of reviews on Allrecipes. Arrange them in a ring with rosemary for a wreath..

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 2/3 cup dried cranberries (chopped), 3 green onions (sliced), 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley, 1 cup baby spinach, fresh rosemary sprigs for the platter.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the feta, cranberries, green onions and chives. 2. Spread a thin layer to the edges of each tortilla. 3. Add a layer of spinach. 4. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic. 5. Chill at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. 6. Trim the ends, slice 1 inch thick and arrange in a ring with rosemary.

Christmas Pinwheels With Turkey, Cranberry and Spinach

Searches for turkey cranberry pinwheels are up about 90 percent this week, and it makes sense: it is Thanksgiving dinner rolled into one bite. Deli turkey or leftover roast turkey, a swipe of cranberry cream cheese and a layer of baby spinach give you the red and green colors that make Christmas pinwheels look so festive on a platter.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce or chopped dried cranberries, 8 oz thinly sliced turkey, 2 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or white cheddar.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the cranberry. 2. Spread a thin layer to the edges of each tortilla. 3. Layer spinach, turkey and cheese. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Trim the ends and cut into 1 inch slices.

Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Your favorite hot dip, baked into one of the flakiest Christmas pinwheels. Spinach artichoke pinwheels are up about 110 percent in searches this week. Spread the creamy filling on puff pastry, roll it into a log, chill it so it slices cleanly, then bake until golden. They are just as good at room temperature, which makes them perfect for a buffet table.

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts (drained), 1 cup chopped cooked spinach (squeezed dry), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 egg for brushing.

How to make it: 1. Mix the cream cheese, artichokes, spinach, cheeses and garlic. 2. Spread over the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch strip bare on one long side. 3. Roll toward the bare edge and seal. 4. Chill 30 minutes (or overnight). 5. Heat the oven to 400 F, slice 1/2 inch thick, brush with egg and bake 15 to 18 minutes.

Broccoli Cheddar Pinwheels

Broccoli pinwheels are one of the fastest climbing searches this week, up 110 percent. Finely chopped raw broccoli stays crisp and bright green in the cream cheese, and sharp cheddar makes it taste like broccoli cheese soup in a bite. Even kids who skip vegetables tend to grab one of these Christmas pinwheels. A) Love broccoli B) Only with cheese C) Pass.

You will need: 4 large flour or spinach tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp ranch seasoning, 1 1/2 cups very finely chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the ranch seasoning. 2. Stir in the broccoli, cheddar and red pepper. 3. Spread evenly over each tortilla. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Slice 1 inch thick.

Buffalo Chicken Christmas Pinwheels

Game day meets Christmas party. Shredded chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, cream cheese and a little ranch makes a spicy, creamy filling, and a sprinkle of green onion keeps it looking fresh. Serve with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They are usually the first plate to empty at any party. Mild or extra hot?

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works), 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce, 2 tbsp ranch dressing, 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, 3 green onions (sliced).

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the buffalo sauce and ranch. 2. Stir in the chicken, cheese and green onions. 3. Spread over the tortillas. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Slice and serve with ranch for dipping.

Ham, Swiss and Dill Pickle Pinwheels

These Christmas pinwheels taste like a deli sandwich and look like a party. Thin ham, Swiss cheese and a whole dill pickle spear rolled right in the middle, so every slice has a little green circle in the center. A mix of cream cheese and a spoon of mustard holds it together. People always ask how you got the pickle inside.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard, 1 tsp dried dill, 8 oz thinly sliced ham, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 4 whole dill pickle spears (patted dry).

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese, mustard and dill. 2. Spread over each tortilla. 3. Layer ham and Swiss. 4. Lay a pickle spear along one edge and roll up tightly around it. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Slice 3/4 inch thick.

Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Pinwheels

This is the baked one, and it might be the most popular of all Christmas pinwheels. Searches for sausage and cream cheese pinwheels are up 90 percent this week. Browned breakfast sausage mixed with cream cheese is spread over crescent dough, rolled, chilled and sliced. They bake into golden, savory spirals that are great for Christmas brunch too.

You will need: 1 lb breakfast sausage, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent dough sheets or seamless dough, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional).

How to make it: 1. Brown and crumble the sausage, then drain and cool. 2. Mix with the cream cheese and cheddar. 3. Unroll each dough sheet and press any seams closed. 4. Spread the filling and roll from the long side. 5. Wrap and chill at least 1 hour or overnight. 6. Heat the oven to 375 F, slice 1/2 inch thick and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden.

Christmas Pinwheels Shaped Like Trees: Pesto Puff Pastry

Want something that looks like Christmas the second guests walk in? Spread pesto and Parmesan between two sheets of puff pastry, cut long strips and twist them onto a stick in a zigzag so they look like little trees. A star cut from the pastry scraps goes on top. They bake in 15 minutes and are easier than they look.

You will need: 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed), 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, 1 egg (beaten), wooden skewers or thick toothpicks, a small star cutter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Spread pesto and Parmesan on one sheet and lay the second on top. 3. Cut into 3/4 inch strips. 4. Thread each strip onto a skewer in a zigzag, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top. 5. Add a pastry star, brush with egg and bake 15 to 18 minutes.

Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese is a classic for a reason, and our cream cheese party recipes have more ideas like it. Rolled in buttery puff pastry with a little honey mustard, it turns into crisp, flaky spirals that everyone at the party will eat, from toddlers to grandpa. Make a double batch and freeze half, unbaked. You can bake them straight from the freezer for unexpected guests.

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 2 tbsp honey mustard, 6 oz thinly sliced ham, 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere, 1 egg (beaten).

How to make it: 1. Spread the mustard over the pastry. 2. Layer the ham and cheese. 3. Roll up from the long side and wrap. 4. Chill 30 minutes or up to a day. 5. Heat the oven to 400 F, slice 1/2 inch thick, brush with egg and bake 15 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden.

Pizza Pinwheels for the Kids’ Table

Every party needs one plate just for the kids, and pizza pinwheels never come home. Store-bought pizza dough rolled with sauce, mozzarella and mini pepperoni, sliced and baked in a skillet or muffin tin. Serve warm marinara on the side for dipping. Grown-ups will sneak a few too. What goes on yours? A) Pepperoni B) Sausage C) Just cheese.

You will need: 1 lb pizza dough, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup mini pepperoni, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 tbsp melted butter, warm marinara for dipping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and grease a skillet or pan. 2. Roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. 3. Spread sauce, then add cheese, pepperoni and seasoning. 4. Roll from the long side and slice into 12 pieces. 5. Place cut side up, brush with butter and bake 18 to 22 minutes.

Taco Pinwheels With Salsa Cream Cheese

Taco night, party size, and the boldest of the Christmas pinwheels here. Cream cheese mixed with taco seasoning, salsa and shredded cheese makes a bold filling, and black olives and green onions add color. They take 10 minutes to roll and taste even better the next day after the flavors blend. Put out a bowl of salsa and one of guacamole and watch them go.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup thick salsa (drained), 1 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 3 green onions (sliced), salsa and guacamole to serve.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the taco seasoning and salsa. 2. Stir in the cheese, olives and green onions. 3. Spread over the tortillas. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Slice and serve with salsa.

Smoked Salmon Christmas Pinwheels With Dill

For a fancier party, these taste like a bagel with lox. Dill and lemon cream cheese, thin smoked salmon and a few capers rolled in a soft tortilla or lavash. The pink and green swirl looks beautiful on a white platter. They are best made the day of the party.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas or lavash, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp capers (chopped), 8 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon, 1 small cucumber (cut into thin matchsticks).

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the dill, lemon zest and capers. 2. Spread over the tortillas. 3. Lay the salmon in a single layer and add cucumber along one edge. 4. Roll up tightly from the cucumber side. 5. Wrap and chill 2 to 4 hours. 6. Slice 1 inch thick.

Roasted Red Pepper and Olive Pastry Pinwheels

Red and green Christmas pinwheels without any food coloring. Jarred roasted red peppers and chopped green olives with feta give these flaky spirals a Mediterranean kick and the perfect Christmas look. They are vegetarian, so they are a great pick for mixed crowds. Bake them in the morning and serve at room temperature.

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (patted dry), 1/3 cup chopped green olives, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 egg (beaten).

How to make it: 1. Mix the cream cheese, feta and oregano and spread over the pastry. 2. Scatter the peppers and olives on top. 3. Roll up from the long side and chill 30 minutes. 4. Heat the oven to 400 F. 5. Slice 1/2 inch thick, brush with egg and bake 15 to 18 minutes.

Italian Sub Pinwheels

All the flavor of a classic Italian sub with none of the mess, in Christmas pinwheels form. Salami, ham and provolone with a layer of chopped pepperoncini and lettuce, held together by Italian-seasoned cream cheese. Slice them thick so they stay sturdy on the platter. Which party are you bringing these to: the office, the family or the neighbors?

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 4 oz sliced salami, 4 oz sliced ham, 8 slices provolone, 1/3 cup chopped pepperoncini, 2 cups shredded lettuce.

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese with the Italian seasoning. 2. Spread over the tortillas. 3. Layer salami, ham, provolone, pepperoncini and lettuce. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Slice 1 1/4 inches thick.

Classic Ranch Christmas Pinwheels

This is the base recipe behind most Christmas pinwheels, and Allrecipes’ party pinwheels alone have more than 1,000 ratings. Cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar and finely chopped red and green peppers. Learn this one and you can swap in almost anything. Arrange slices in a circle on a round platter with rosemary sprigs to make a wreath.

You will need: 4 large flour tortillas, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper, 2 green onions (sliced).

How to make it: 1. Beat the cream cheese and ranch seasoning. 2. Stir in the cheese, peppers and onions. 3. Spread to the edges of each tortilla. 4. Roll up tightly. 5. Make ahead: roll, wrap tightly in plastic and chill up to 24 hours; slice up to 4 hours before the party and keep covered. 6. Trim the ends and slice 1 inch thick.

Rainbow Veggie Hummus Pinwheels

For guests who skip meat or dairy, these Christmas pinwheels roll hummus with shredded carrots, cucumber, red cabbage and spinach. The cut sides look like little rainbows, and they add color to any appetizer table. Use a spinach tortilla for extra green. They are light, crunchy and a nice break from all the cheese. Hummus flavor pick? A) Classic B) Roasted red pepper.

You will need: 4 large spinach or flour tortillas, 1 cup hummus, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 small cucumber (cut into matchsticks), 1 cup baby spinach, 1 avocado (sliced, optional).

How to make it: 1. Spread the hummus over each tortilla. 2. Line up the vegetables in rows across the tortilla. 3. Roll up tightly from the bottom. 4. Wrap in plastic and chill 1 hour. 5. Slice 1 1/2 inches thick and serve the same day.

Sweet Christmas Pinwheels: Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry

End on something sweet. Brush puff pastry with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll, slice and bake into crisp, caramelized spirals. Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or leave them plain. They are the perfect pinwheel for Christmas morning with coffee. Will you be making the sweet one or a savory one first?

You will need: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed), 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Glaze (optional): 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet. 2. Brush the pastry with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. 3. Roll up from the long side and chill 15 minutes. 4. Slice 1/2 inch thick and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden. 5. Cool and drizzle with glaze.