Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Flatbread Pinwheels
Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Flatbread Pinwheels are a simple but impressive appetizer that blends creamy, melty cheese with sweet-tart cranberry flavor wrapped in soft flatbread. They look elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet are easy enough for casual snacking or lunchbox treats. The contrast between rich brie and bright cranberries creates a balanced bite, while herbs or nuts can add extra texture if you want to customize. These pinwheels bake quickly and slice beautifully, making them perfect for party platters, potlucks, or quick family meals when you want something warm and comforting without much effort.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6 (20–24 pinwheels)
Ingredients
3 large soft flatbreads or tortillas
8 oz brie cheese, rind on or off, sliced thin
1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce or thick cranberry chutney
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Lay the flatbreads on a clean surface and spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each one.
Evenly spoon cranberry sauce across the flatbreads, leaving a small border around the edges.
Arrange thin slices of brie over the cranberry layer so each bite will have creamy cheese.
Sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary and black pepper across the top.
Add chopped nuts if using for extra texture and flavor.
Starting from one edge, roll each flatbread tightly into a log.
Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp serrated knife.
Place pinwheels cut-side up on the baking tray and lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
Chill the rolled flatbread for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the filling.
If the brie rind is thick, trim it off for a smoother texture.
Don’t overfill with cranberry sauce to prevent soggy pinwheels.
Room-temperature cheese spreads more evenly and melts faster.
Brush with butter instead of oil for richer flavor.
Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
For crispier edges, bake directly on a perforated pizza pan.
Let pinwheels cool slightly so the cheese firms up before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for a fresh look.
Variations
Add thin turkey or chicken slices for a heartier appetizer.
Swap cranberry sauce with fig jam for a more savory sweetness.
Use spinach flatbread or whole wheat tortillas for added flavor.
Add caramelized onions for a deeper savory profile.
Include arugula or baby spinach leaves for freshness.
Replace brie with camembert or soft goat cheese.
Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard for subtle tang.
Mix crushed pistachios instead of walnuts for color and crunch.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over baked pinwheels before serving.
Turn them into dessert pinwheels by adding sliced apples and cinnamon.
Q&A
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.
What if I don’t have brie?
Soft cheeses like camembert or cream cheese blends work well.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely, just keep it thick.
How do I keep them from unrolling?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down while baking.
Can I make them vegetarian?
They already are if you skip meat variations.
Are they good cold?
They taste best warm but can be served at room temperature.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Honey mustard or a light balsamic glaze works nicely.
Can I air fry them?
Yes, at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
(Approx. per 4–5 pinwheels)
Calories: 220
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 320mg
Conclusion
Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Flatbread Pinwheels are the kind of recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy richness of brie, sweet brightness of cranberries, and soft flatbread create a balanced bite that works for both elegant gatherings and everyday snacking. With endless variations and simple preparation, this recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or pantry. Whether served warm from the oven or packed for a picnic, these pinwheels are guaranteed to look beautiful on the table and disappear quickly once served.