Italian Pinwheels Appetizer (Printable version)

Savory Italian pinwheels with meats, cheese, and herbs rolled in tortillas for an easy appetizer.

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 6 slices Genoa salami (approximately 3 oz)
02 - 6 slices deli ham (approximately 3 oz)
03 - 6 slices pepperoni (approximately 3 oz)

→ Cheese

04 - 6 slices provolone cheese (approximately 3 oz)

→ Vegetables & Greens

05 - 1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
06 - 1 medium roasted red bell pepper, thinly sliced

→ Spread

07 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 2 tbsp mayonnaise
09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 - 1 small garlic clove, minced

→ Bread

11 - 4 large 10-inch flour tortillas

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil or parsley

# Directions:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix until completely smooth and well blended.
02 - Place a tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface, reaching the edges.
03 - Distribute one-quarter of spinach, salami, ham, pepperoni, provolone, and roasted red pepper slices evenly across the tortilla.
04 - Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a compact log, applying gentle pressure to ensure the roll holds together.
05 - Continue spreading and rolling the remaining three tortillas with the remaining fillings.
06 - Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
07 - Unwrap the chilled rolls and use a sharp knife to cut each log into 6 equal pinwheels.
08 - Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in just 15 minutes but taste like something from an Italian deli counter
  • The contrast of creamy spread against savory meats and sharp provolone creates layers of flavor in every bite
02 -
  • Chilling the rolled tortillas is essential or they will squish when sliced and lose their neat circular shape
  • A serrated knife works better than a straight chef knife for cutting through the tortilla without tearing
03 -
  • Place a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping while slicing
  • If serving outdoors, keep the platter on ice since the cream cheese softens quickly in warm weather