Yes, you can freeze pinwheels made with cream cheese. Pinwheels are a popular appetizer made by spreading a creamy filling onto a tortilla, rolling it up, and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. While the cream cheese makes the filling soft and creamy, it can still be frozen successfully with a few tips. Freezing pinwheels is a great way to make them ahead for parties, lunches, or snacks.
Can You Freeze Pinwheels with Cream Cheese Filling?
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from milk and cream. It has a smooth, creamy texture that makes an excellent base for dips, frostings, and fillings like in pinwheels. Despite its soft texture, cream cheese freezes well and can be used in frozen foods.
The key is freezing the cream cheese when it’s very cold and firm. So before assembling and rolling up the pinwheels, make sure the cream cheese filling has been chilled thoroughly, preferably overnight. Using very cold cream cheese helps it hold its shape better when frozen.
You’ll also want to roll the tortillas tightly around the filling to prevent air pockets and squeeze out excess air before wrapping. This protects the delicate cream cheese filling from getting freezer burnt. Wrap the rolled pinwheels very well in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air gaps.
Finally, freeze the wrapped pinwheels on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags or containers. This prevents them from losing their shape during freezing.
Follow these tips, and your cream cheese pinwheels will freeze perfectly for up to 3 months. The cream cheese will still be creamy and soft after thawing in the fridge overnight.
How to Freeze Pinwheels Step-By-Step
Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully freeze pinwheels with a cream cheese filling:
Make the Filling
Choose your favorite cream cheese filling recipe. Some popular options are:
– Cream cheese, shredded cheese, spices, and chopped veggies
– Cream cheese with jam or fruit preserves
– Cream cheese with chopped nuts and cinnamon
– Pesto or olive cream cheese mixtures
Make the filling up to 2 days ahead and chill it thoroughly overnight. Very cold filling is important.
Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin, even layer of the chilled filling over it, leaving a 1/2 border.
Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air as you roll to prevent air pockets.
Use a sharp knife to trim and straighten the ends, then cut the rolled tortilla into 1-inch pieces.
Wrap and Freeze
Place pinwheel pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Transfer frozen pinwheels to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Label bags with contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Serve
When ready to serve, transfer frozen pinwheels to the refrigerator and thaw overnight.
Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Enjoy within 2 days for maximum freshness.
The cream cheese filling will still be soft, creamy, and delicious after freezing.
Tips for Freezing Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Follow these tips for best results when freezing pinwheels with a creamy filling:
– Use block style cream cheese. Whipped or spreadable cream cheese can get too soft when frozen.
– Make the filling 1-2 days in advance and chill overnight before assembling pinwheels.
– Roll the tortillas very tightly around the filling to remove air pockets.
– Wrap rolled pinwheels individually in plastic wrap before freezing to maintain shape.
– Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to bags.
– Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Do not microwave or leave at room temperature.
– Consume within 2 days after thawing for freshest flavor and texture.
– Avoid refreezing after thawing. The texture will decline with each freeze-thaw cycle.
Cream Cheese Fillings Perfect for Freezing
These creamy cream cheese mixtures are ideal choices for frozen pinwheels:
Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese
Whip together cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Southwest Cream Cheese
Mix cream cheese with sautéed peppers and onions, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, and shredded cheese.
Bacon Cheddar Cream Cheese
Combine cream cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Blueberry Cream Cheese
Stir blueberry preserves into whipped cream cheese along with a pinch of cinnamon.
Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
Blend cream cheese, minced chives, diced green onion, garlic powder, salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
Spinach Artichoke Cream Cheese
Fold together cream cheese, thawed frozen spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do frozen pinwheels with cream cheese last?
Properly frozen, cream cheese pinwheels will maintain best quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer. After that, the tortillas can dry out and the filling can develop freezer burn.
Can you freeze assembled pinwheels?
It’s best to fully assemble the pinwheels, then wrap and freeze them. That helps prevent air pockets and maintain the shape better.
Should pinwheels be thawed before serving?
Yes, always thaw cream cheese pinwheels overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Letting them thaw at room temperature can make the filling too soft.
Is it better to freeze pinwheels with or without cutting them?
Cutting pinwheels into slices before freezing helps them thaw faster. It also allows you to grab just a few at a time.
Can you refreeze thawed pinwheels?
It’s not recommended. Refreezing after thawing can dry out the tortillas. The filling also may not freeze solidly again.
Storing and Reheating Thawed Pinwheels
Once thawed, cream cheese pinwheels should be consumed within 2 days for best quality. To store:
– Keep thawed pinwheels tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
– If freezing was done properly, the filling will still be firm and shaped.
– Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor.
To reheat a few thawed pinwheels:
– Microwave on HIGH for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
– Place on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
– Do not overheat or the tortillas can become tough.
With proper freezing methods, cream cheese pinwheels thaw well and can be stored for several days refrigerated. Be gentle when reheating to maintain that fresh, creamy texture.
Get Creative with Cream Cheese Pinwheel Fillings
Cream cheese makes such a perfect base for endless sweet and savory pinwheel combinations. Here are more fun fillings to try:
– Strawberry cream cheese with sliced strawberries
– Honey walnut cream cheese with chopped walnuts
– Maple cinnamon cream cheese with chopped pecans
– Caramelized onion and brie cream cheese
– Pimento cheese with diced pimentos
– Jalapeño popper cream cheese with diced jalapeños
– Apple pie cream cheese with chopped apples and cinnamon
– Pizza cream cheese with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and shredded mozzarella
– Cookie dough cream cheese with chocolate chips and sprinkles
Let your imagination run wild! The possibilities are endless for delicious cream cheese pinwheel fillings.
Conclusion
Pinwheels made with creamy cream cheese can absolutely be frozen for later use. Just be sure to chill the filling thoroughly before assembling and rolling the tortillas. Freeze the rolled pinwheels in a single layer first before storing in bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving within 2 days for best quality. With these simple tips, you can enjoy freezer-friendly pinwheels for parties or anytime snacking. Get creative mixing up savory, sweet, or spicy cream cheese combinations that freeze perfectly.