Italian pinwheels are rolled tortillas filled with rich and creamy, seasoned cream cheese, roasted red pepper, salty cured meats, and slices of provolone cheese.
They’re rolled, chilled, and sliced – they make a great appetizer for any party!
Try the pastry version, Sausage Pinwheels or Taco Pinwheels, too!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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I’m a sucker for finger foods, and there’s something about grazing, and sampling bites of different things that’s so appealing. Which is why when I host, I usually put out an assortment of crowd-pleasing party appetizers like these Italian pinwheel sandwiches, mini taco cups, sausage stuffed mini peppers, and ham and cheese savory palmiers.
However, as a host who’s juggling all the balls (yeah I said that), the recipe gets bonus points if there is no baking involved!
This recipe couldn’t be easier. This recipe makes about 32 pinwheels, but you can easily make more if you need to. It’s meat and cheese, cream cheese spread and a little spinach.
Why you’ll love this Pinwheel recipe:
- Easy to make – make one roll, or make 12!
- It’s always a good time for pinwheels. Game day parties, the holidays, bridal showers, baby showers, staff meetings, afterschool snacks, lunch boxes, you name it! They are the perfect finger food, and super flavorful due to the cream cheese spread!
- Italian pinwheels are perfect to make ahead. Whether you’re hosting, or bringing something, these this is a great recipe for making ahead up to 24 hours. Easy breezy entertaining, I tell you!
- Customizable. As fantastic as these are the way the recipe is written, there is plenty of room to make these your own.
- Not just for parties! Italian pinwheels are the perfect appetizer of course, but they also make a great quick lunch, or snack too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to soften cream cheese?
Cream cheese needs to be taken out of the fridge about 1 hour before using it so that it spreads easily. It may take a bit longer if your house is a bit cool. However, life happens and sometimes we forget!
To soften it quickly, you can put an unwrapped block on a plate and microwave it for about 20 seconds. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t melt. Don’t leave the wrapper on!
Alternatively, you can place the cream cheese in a ziplock bag, seal it, and place it in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.
Can I just use the spreadable tub?
In theory, this sounds like a reasonable option, except the answer is no! Spreadable cream cheese contains more water. Therefore when it is rolled up and placed back in the fridge to set up, it won’t set as nicely as a block will.
How many people will this serve?
This recipe should yield about 32 pinwheel slices, assuming you cut each tortilla roll into 8 pieces.
As an appetizer: If they’re part of a larger spread of appetizers, this recipe could serve 16 people, assuming each person eats 2 pinwheels. However, if your family is like mine, plan for 4 each.
As a main dish: If you’re serving them as a main feature of a light meal, you might estimate 4-6 Italian pinwheels per person, so the recipe would serve about 4-8 people.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Kylee’s Notes
What to do with leftovers
Keep any leftover pinwheel sandwiches in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic. Refrigerate them for up to 2 days.
Substitutions/Additions
There are so many ways to make simple swaps or additions based on your taste preferences.
For spice add some pepperoncini peppers or banana peppers. You could swap the roasted red bell pepper and give it a little crunch with fresh red bell peppers or red onion.
You could even use mozzarella cheese instead of provolone.
If you want to make a vegetarian version omit the slices of pepperoni and salami and up the veggies. Use sliced artichokes, black olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Turn these roll-ups into wraps! An alternative to a sandwich, much like Turkey Club Wraps with Bacon, you can enjoy the flavors of these pinwheels in a handheld wrap!
About the spread
I use cream cheese and Italian seasonings with roasted red peppers, but sun dried tomatoes are a great alternative!
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
For the cream cheese spread
- Cream cheese softened – take the block out of the fridge an hour before and let it sit at room temperature.
- Seasoning. We love Italian seasoning and garlic powder around here. You can use a little basil, thyme and oregano if you don’t have Italian seasoning.
- Parmesan cheese. I recommend freshly grated parmesan cheese from a wedge if you’re feeling a little fancy (there is a difference in flavor), however pre-shredded will work just fine.
- Roasted red peppers. Pat these dry before chopping so you’re not adding too much moisture to the cream cheese spread.
For the pinwheels
- Large flour tortillas. burrito-sized (whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can also be used). Kick your game up, and make your own flour tortillas!
- Sliced provolone cheese. Mozzarella, gouda, or Swiss would work too.
- Sliced salami. Genoa salami is what I use, but there are a ton of variations available. Try slices of ham, or any of your favorite deli meats.
- Small pepperoni slices. These usually come in a pack with more than enough. Save the rest for pizza night.
- Fresh spinach leaves. Can also use romaine lettuce, or your favorite greens.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
(affiliate links may be used here, which helps me earn some pennies – with no increased pricing to you)
Nothing crazy. You’ll need a small bowl for mixing the cream cheese spread, a sharp knife for cutting the rolls and that’s about it!
How to make Italian Pinwheels
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Make the Italian Cream Cheese spread
Grab a medium mixing bowl and add softened cream cheese, seasoning, red peppers, and parmesan. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Assemble the pinwheels
Take your tortillas and lay them out on a clean, flat surface.
Spread the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla and spread it out evenly across the entire surface, leaving just a small border around the edges.
Add 3 slices of cheese across the center of the tortilla. They will overlap.
Then, layer the slices of salami over the entire tortilla. Add a piece of pepperoni on top of each salami.
Last, add your spinach in a column across the center (the same way you did the cheese).
Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to ensure the fillings stay in place.
Chill
Transfer each rolled-up tortilla log onto a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly to get the the pinwheels to stay in the right shape. Place them in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour. If you’re not ready to serve them yet, they can be kept in the fridge overnight.
Slice and Serve
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the rolled tortillas into 8 1-inch slices.
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve. Talk about a great appetizer or easy lunch for everyone to enjoy!
If you think you’ll need it, add a bowl of your favorite Italian dressing on the side, so guests can dip their sandwiches in.
Need another appetizer for parties?
- Buffalo chicken tenders – crispy tenders smothered in a tangy Buffalo sauce, perfect for sharing!
- Thai chicken meatballs – made with ground chicken, lemongrass, ginger, and cilantro, make these mouthwatering meatballs an instant hit.
- Baked coconut shrimp – crispy, crunchy, and served with a dip, this easy shrimp recipe is one you’re going to want to keep.
- Whipped feta dip – creamy, light, and whipped feta made with roasted red peppers, fresh dill, and plenty of seasoning. Pair it with your favorite dippers.
- Baked chicken taquitos – baked not fried. They’re even make-ahead and freezer-friendly!
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Italian Pinwheels
Ingredients
For the cream cheese spread
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
For the pinwheels
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 12 slices provolone cheese
- 8 ounces salami (thinly sliced)
- 40 pepperoni slices (small)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
Directions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix together the softened 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup roasted red peppers until well combined.
Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay out 4 large flour tortillas on a flat surface.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer over 3 slices of cheese in the center.
- Layer 8 ounces salami over the whole tortilla and place a pepperoni slice on top of each.
- Add spinach down the center.
- Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to ensure the fillings stay in place.
Chill
- Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the pinwheels to hold their shape when cut.
Slice and Serve
- Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled tortillas into 8 slices.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve.
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Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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