If you’re looking for an absolutely delightful way to wow your guests this holiday season, I can’t recommend the Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe enough. This festive dish balances creamy, melty cheese with savory turkey and a pop of sweet cranberries, all wrapped up in vibrant spinach tortillas. It’s playful, delicious, and visually stunning—a true star of any gathering that combines tasty layers with the joy of holiday spirit. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to appetizer every Christmas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding creamy richness and fresh texture to bursts of color that make it festive. Here’s what you’ll gather for this charming appetizer:
- 12 oz soft brie cheese (room temperature): This creamy cheese creates a luscious base that melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with turkey.
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded): Adds stretch and mild flavor that complements the brie without overwhelming it.
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh herbaceous note and a lovely green speckle throughout the cheese mixture.
- ¾ cup dried cranberries: A burst of sweet and tart flavor to balance the savory elements and add festive color.
- 4 spinach wraps: Their vibrant green color is perfect for the holiday theme and they hold the filling tightly when rolled.
- 1 lb sliced deli turkey: Tender and mild, this protein adds substance without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
- 8 sprigs fresh rosemary: Used as decoration to mimic tree branches, adding both aroma and rustic appeal.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Start by placing the soft brie and shredded mozzarella into a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip them together until smooth and combined. If the cheeses aren’t blending easily, pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds to warm and soften. Once combined, gently fold in a quarter cup of dried cranberries and a tablespoon of fresh parsley. This mixture creates the creamy, flavorful base that ties the whole appetizer together.
Step 2: Build the Wraps
Lay out each spinach wrap and generously spread a quarter of the cheese mixture evenly over one side with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle additional parsley and dried cranberries on top for fresh bursts of flavor and color. Then layer 4 to 6 slices of deli turkey across the bottom edge. Roll each wrap up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling, accepting that some cheese might escape during rolling. Place the wrapped pinwheels in the fridge for about 5 minutes; this helps them firm up, making them easier to slice cleanly.
Step 3: Slice into Pinwheels
Using a sharp knife, cut each wrap in half first. Then cut each half into four smaller ½ inch slices. This method yields about 32 uniform, bite-sized pinwheels. Don’t worry about the ends of the wraps; they make tasty little snacks or extras to save for later. These pinwheels are what you’ll arrange into your Christmas tree shapes.
Step 4: Assemble the Christmas Tree
On a serving platter or wooden board, place one pinwheel at the bottom center to form the “trunk” of your tree. Layer above it a row of five pinwheels, then four, three, two, and finishing with one pinwheel at the peak. This creates a beautiful, triangular Christmas tree configuration using exactly 16 pinwheels per tree. Repeat this assembly for each tree you want to serve, making a festive presentation your guests will adore.
Step 5: Optional Star Topping
If you want to add a special finishing touch, make a star to crown your trees. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut a star out of brie cheese. Then cut two star shapes from refrigerated pie crust. Place the brie star between the two pie crust stars and seal the edges with a long strip of pie dough, using an egg wash to bind everything together. Freeze the star for at least an hour. When ready, bake it in a preheated 375℉ oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and puffy. This golden star topping adds a charming focal point to your Christmas tree appetizer.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe by tucking in fresh rosemary sprigs around the pinwheels. The rosemary branches not only resemble pine tree limbs but also provide an aromatic herbal note that complements the creamy cheese and turkey. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can also add an exciting layer of flavor if your guests want to customize bites.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with refreshing sides like cranberry relish, assorted olives, or a crisp winter salad featuring citrus segments and toasted nuts. These contrasts help balance the richness of the brie and turkey, elevating the overall holiday spread with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel free to get creative presenting this dish. Using a rustic wooden board or festive holiday platter adds charm. Place small bowls of dipping sauces nearby—perhaps a tangy mustard or a sweet fig jam—for extra dipping fun. You can also arrange mini holiday ornaments or sprinkle some edible glitter nearby for glittering holiday cheer. The Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe isn’t just a treat for the palate, but also a joyful centerpiece to brighten your celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (which may be unlikely because they’re so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days and remain flavorful and fresh. Be sure to keep the pinwheels chilled to preserve the texture of the cheese and turkey.
Freezing
While this appetizer is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled but uncut wraps before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and assembling the Christmas tree shape.
Reheating
This recipe is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and might affect the texture of the cheese. If you prefer warmed bites, toast the pinwheels lightly in a skillet or air fryer just until the wraps are crisp, being careful not to melt the cheese too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of wraps instead of spinach?
Absolutely! While spinach wraps add a festive green color, you can substitute whole wheat, tomato basil, or even plain flour tortillas depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Just remember that color and flavor might vary slightly.
Is there a substitute for brie cheese?
If brie isn’t your favorite or you have dietary restrictions, you can try cream cheese blended with a little mascarpone to mimic brie’s creamy texture and mild flavor. However, brie’s distinct richness is a signature part of this recipe.
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey and add extra veggies like roasted red peppers, cucumbers, or avocado slices for a fresh vegetarian version that still pairs beautifully with the cheese mixture.
How far in advance can I prepare these appetizers?
You can prepare the cheese mixture and assemble the pinwheels up to a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated until about 30 minutes before serving to let them come slightly to room temperature for best flavor.
What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels cleanly?
Use a very sharp knife and slice with a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down. Chilling the wraps before slicing helps keep their shape and prevents the filling from squishing out.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe is a wonderful way to add both festive spirit and delicious flavor to your holiday celebrations. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and something everyone can enjoy. I can’t wait for you to share this recipe with your loved ones—it’s guaranteed to become a cherished tradition filled with fun, flavor, and plenty of holiday cheer!
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Christmas Tree Brie and Turkey Pinwheel Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (optional for star topper)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels per tree, 2 trees total (32 pinwheels)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Tree Appetizers featuring creamy brie and mozzarella cheese, savory turkey slices, and tangy dried cranberries all rolled in spinach wraps. Perfectly arranged into a charming Christmas tree shape, these pinwheels make an eye-catching and delicious party snack that requires no cooking except optional baking for the decorative cheese star topper.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz soft brie cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Wraps and Filling
- 4 spinach wraps
- 1 lb sliced deli turkey
Decoration
- 8 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Refrigerated pie crust (for optional star topper)
- Egg wash (for optional star topper)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the brie cheese and shredded mozzarella. Use an electric mixer to whip the cheeses together until smooth and combined. If the mixture is too firm to mix well, microwave it for 30 seconds to soften. Stir in ¼ cup of dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
- Assemble Wraps: Lay out each spinach wrap and spread ¼ of the cheese mixture evenly over one side using a rubber spatula. Sprinkle additional parsley and dried cranberries on top. Arrange 4-6 slices of deli turkey at the bottom edge of each wrap. Roll the wrap tightly from the bottom up, allowing some cheese mixture to slightly ooze out if needed. Repeat for all four wraps, then refrigerate for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Cut Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, first cut each wrap in half. Then slice each half into 4 slices approximately ½ inch thick, resulting in about 32 pinwheels total. The end pieces may be smaller; save or enjoy these separately.
- Arrange Christmas Trees: On a serving platter or board, build each Christmas tree by placing one pinwheel for the trunk at the bottom. Above it, arrange a row of five pinwheels, then rows of four, three, two, and finally one pinwheel at the top, forming a tree shape. This uses 16 pinwheels per tree. Repeat for the second tree.
- Optional Star Topper: Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut a star from brie cheese. Then cut two star shapes from refrigerated pie crust and a long strip for the edges. Place the brie star between the two pie crust stars, using egg wash to bind the crust edges around the cheese. Freeze the assembled star for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375℉ and bake the star topper for 15-20 minutes until golden. Place the baked star atop each Christmas tree for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- For easier rolling, ensure the cheese mixture is soft but not overly runny.
- Pinwheels can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- The optional star topper adds a charming detail but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
- Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion for clean pinwheel slices.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs add a festive garnish and aroma alongside the trees.
