Ah, turkey pinwheels—my go-to for a quick and scrumptious party appetizer, especially when the thought of hosting feels as daunting as assembling IKEA furniture. These little bites of joy are not just easy to whip up, but they also look fancy enough to impress even your most discerning guests (yes, even Aunt Karen, who always has something to say about everything). Whether you’re chilling on a lazy Sunday afternoon or throwing the social event of the season, these pinwheels are the culinary equivalent of finding cash in an old coat pocket.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, finely shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, olive brine, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Lay out the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, covering it from edge to edge.
- Place 3-4 slices of turkey in the center of each tortilla, slightly overlapping them to form a uniform layer.
- Add a single layer of spinach leaves on top of the turkey, leaving a small border of cream cheese exposed on the top and bottom edges for sealing.
- Starting from the edge closest to you, fold and roll the tortilla tightly, ensuring the fillings are tucked in as you go.
- With the seam facing down, slice the rolled tortilla into 1-inch wide pieces using a sharp knife.
- Place each pinwheel spiral-side up on a serving platter or in an air-tight container, inserting a toothpick if desired to keep them intact.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1/3 cup pimento-stuffed olives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive brine
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 extra-large or burrito-size flour tortillas
- 1 9 oz. package sliced turkey
- 1 cup spinach leaves
Nutritional Values
Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Sodium: 652mg | Fiber: 2g
FAQ
- What are turkey pinwheels and how are they made?
- Turkey pinwheels are a fun twist on sandwiches, made by spreading a cream cheese mixture on a flour tortilla, layering turkey and other ingredients, rolling it up, and slicing it into spiral-shaped pieces. They are simple to prepare and make for a versatile meal or snack.
- Can I prepare turkey pinwheels in advance?
- Yes, turkey pinwheels can be made ahead of time. The cream cheese spread can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Assembled pinwheels can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, although they may become soggy after that.
- What variations can I try with pinwheel recipes?
- There are numerous flavor combinations to experiment with, such as ham with Swiss cheese and dill pickles, salami with provolone and pepperoncinis, or even sweet options like Nutella with toasted coconut and strawberries.
- What is the best type of tortilla to use for pinwheels?
- Burrito-sized flour tortillas are recommended for making pinwheels, as they are easier to roll and provide a nice spiral shape. While you can use different flavors like spinach or sun-dried tomato, corn tortillas are not ideal as they tend to tear more easily.
- What role does cream cheese play in pinwheels?
- Cream cheese acts as the “glue” in pinwheels, holding the ingredients together and providing a creamy texture. It can be mixed with other ingredients, like shredded cheese or olives, to enhance flavor and stability.
Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for the spread to ensure it mixes smoothly without lumps. This will make spreading it on the tortillas much easier.
- When rolling the tortillas, start with the edge closest to you and roll as tightly as possible to keep the fillings secure. This will help maintain the shape and prevent the pinwheels from unraveling.
- To prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy, store pre-made pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Consider using a sharp knife to slice the rolled tortillas into even pieces gently. This will help maintain the pinwheels’ shape and prevent the filling from being pushed out.
Equipment
- Extra-Large or Burrito-Style Flour Tortillas (if not readily available locally)
- Decorative Toothpicks (for presentation and to hold pinwheels together)
- Air-tight Meal Prep Containers (for storing the pinwheels)
