Pinwheel Sandwiches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pinwheel Sandwiches are versatile, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor. They offer a fun, fresh alternative to traditional sandwiches, and you can fill them with a variety of ingredients to suit any preference. The best part? They can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining guests. These bite-sized delights are perfect for everything from casual gatherings to holiday spreads, and they’re loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 6 large flour tortillas (whole wheat, spinach, or sun-dried tomato for variety)

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 6 slices deli meat (turkey, ham, chicken, or roast beef)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)

• 1/4 cup lettuce, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread:
   In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the seasoning to taste.

2. Prepare the Fillings:
   Wash and chop the vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, and bell pepper). Lay out your tortillas on a flat surface, making sure they are smooth and not wrinkled.

3. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   Evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on each tortilla, making sure to cover the entire surface. The cream cheese acts as both a binder and a flavorful base for the fillings.

4. Layer the Fillings:
   Place a slice of deli meat (turkey, ham, or your choice) in the center of each tortilla. Then, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, followed by a handful of chopped lettuce, cucumber slices, and bell pepper.

5. Roll the Tortillas:
   Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Be gentle when rolling to prevent the filling from spilling out. For best results, roll from one edge to the other, keeping the roll as tight as possible.

6. Slice the Pinwheels:
   Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 8-10 pinwheels from each tortilla.

7. Serve:
   Arrange the pinwheels on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 (depending on how many pinwheels you cut from each tortilla)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time (optional): 30 minutes for best flavor

Variations

• Vegetarian Pinwheels: Use hummus as a spread and fill the tortillas with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and red onion, along with cheese and lettuce.

• Spicy Pinwheels: Add some sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy ranch dressing to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.

• Curry Pinwheels: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the cream cheese spread and fill with cooked chicken, lettuce, and sliced apple for a sweet and savory twist.

• Mediterranean Pinwheels: Spread with hummus and layer with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cucumber, and roasted red peppers.

• Breakfast Pinwheels: Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and avocado for a breakfast-style wrap.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Pinwheel sandwiches are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors will continue to meld, and they’ll still be tasty!

• Freezing: You can freeze pinwheels for up to 1 month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheating: Pinwheels are best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or on a skillet, just be sure not to overheat and make the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free tortilla?

Yes, you can easily substitute with gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version of these pinwheels. Many stores offer a variety of gluten-free tortilla options.

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I use different fillings in pinwheels?

Yes! The beauty of pinwheel sandwiches is that they are fully customizable. You can switch up the fillings based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Use different meats, cheeses, or vegetables to create new variations.

How do I make these pinwheels vegan?

For a vegan version, swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free version, such as cashew cream cheese or hummus. Use vegan deli meat, cheese, and add plenty of fresh veggies.

Can I make these pinwheels spicy?

Yes! To add spice, mix in some spicy mustard, hot sauce, or add jalapeño slices to the filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Can I make these pinwheels without cheese?

Yes, you can make these pinwheels without cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The cream cheese mixture and the vegetables will still provide plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

Pinwheel Sandwiches are a fun, versatile, and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a picnic, or just a casual snack, these little bites of goodness are always a crowd favorite. The combination of creamy spreads, savory fillings, and the crunch of fresh veggies makes these pinwheels the perfect balance of textures and flavors. With endless options for customization, you’ll never run out of delicious variations to try!