Italian Pinwheels
Italian pinwheels are savory appetizers featuring a delightful combination of Italian-inspired ingredients rolled up in a soft tortilla, and perfect for any gathering or snack time!
Post includes Weight Watchers points.
Italian pinwheels are versatile appetizers, ideal for parties, picnics, or quick snacks. Rolled in soft tortillas, they boast layers of flavorful ingredients such as Genoa salami, provolone cheese, and tangy cream cheese, offering a taste of Italy in every bite.
Easy to make ahead and customize, this Italian pinwheel recipe is a crowd-pleasing option that tastes like a tiny, bite-sized Italian sub sandwich and is sure to satisfy both adults and kids alike!
Despite their gourmet appeal, Italian pinwheel sandwiches are surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal option for busy weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings. And for even more flavor options, check out this collection of 22 Pinwheel Recipes.
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With just a few basic ingredients and minimal assembly required, these pinwheels come together effortlessly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
Simple preparation and easy to find ingredients make this Italian pinwheel recipe a keeper for the recipe box! Pinwheels can served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
Why Make This Recipe
- Elevate snack time – Sometimes we need a little more sophistication than an apple and peanut butter. I call this a “substantial snack.”
- Delicious ingredients – This roll-up includes an interesting and customizable assortment of meats and cheeses.
- Simple preparation – You won’t need any complicated tools or unusual ingredients for this recipe.
Love pinwheel sandwiches? Get my list of 22 Pinwheel Recipes for more delicious recipes!
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese — Softened cream cheese holds the pinwheel together.
- Roasted red bell peppers — Sweet and slightly smoky, these add rich flavor.
- Italian seasoning — Herbaceous and bright, this adds depth.
- Corn tortillas — These make the structure of the pinwheels. Feel free to use wheat or another grain alternative.
- Provolone cheese — Semi-hard and fairly mild with nutty undertones, Provolone is a perfect complement to the flavored meats.
- Genoa salami — Seasoned with garlic and pepper, this cured meat has a textured appearance and robust flavor.
- Pepperoni slices — Savory and sometimes spicy, pepperoni makes a great addition to sandwiches.
- Yellow bell pepper — Fresh and crispy, the beautifully colored yellow bell pepper gives a nice crunch and freshness to the roll.
- Lettuce leaves — Romaine, butter, or iceberg would all be excellent choices for this pinwheel.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
How To Make Italian Pinwheels
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
Step 1. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese spread ingredients and stir to thoroughly mix.
Step 2. Arrange tortillas on a working surface. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly and stack 2 slices of cheese, 4 salami slices, and 12 of the pepperoni. Place bell pepper and lettuce on top in the center to finish.
Step 3. Tightly roll up the tortilla and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, remove and slice each tortilla roll into pinwheels with a sharp knife.
Step 4. Arrange on a platter, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Using fresh, flavorful ingredients will elevate the taste of your pinwheel. Have the deli cut your meats and cheese fresh if possible.
- Roll the tortilla tightly but gently to prevent any filling from spilling out. Use your fingers to press down gently as you roll to ensure a compact and even roll.
- Accompany the pinwheels with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce or a balsamic reduction for additional flavor and flair.
- Use the sharpest knife in your block to slice the pinwheel into individual servings. A sharp knife will make clean cuts without squishing the roll, resulting in neat and attractive pinwheels.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian – Replace the meat with thinly sliced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add extra flavor with marinated artichoke hearts or olives.
- Mediterranean Twist – Use ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine such as hummus, feta cheese, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and roasted garlic. Add fresh herbs like oregano or basil for an extra flavor boost.
- Caprese Style – Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves for a classic Caprese flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before rolling for a touch of sweetness.
- Loaded with Veggies – Add more veggies such as banana peppers, pepperoncini peppers, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and more.
- Swap the Cheese – Sliced Provolone cheese is a classic, but swap for parmesan cheese, sliced mozzarella cheese or even pepper jack.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Prepare these a few hours to a couple of days before serving. Beyond a couple of days, the tortillas may become soggy, so it’s best to eat them before then.
- Store – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – It’s best not to freeze these since cream cheese can separate when frozen.
FAQs
A sharp knife is essential for slicing pinwheel sandwiches cleanly and evenly. It’s helpful to wipe the knife clean between each slice to ensure neat edges. Chilling the pinwheel before slicing also makes it easier to cut into uniform portions.
Marinara sauce, pesto, balsamic reduction, or ranch dressing are all excellent choices for dipping sauce for these Italian appetizers. You want to choose a sauce that complements the flavors of your filling.
Italian pinwheels are very flexible so you can mix and match ingredients to fit your tastes. Try different cuts of meat and cheese, various spreads and seasonings, fresh and cooked veggies to create your own flavor combinations.
Similar Recipes
Serve With:
- For an awesome game day spread, serve alongside These Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, and this zesty Air Frter Mexican Cheese Dip.
- Pair with a handful of homemade air fryer potato chips for a delicious lunch.
- This refreshing fruit salad is the perfect accompaniment.
Recommended Tools
- A sharp knife makes it so easy to slice pinwheels.
- A good set of spices and seasonings to add great flavor.
- Handy glass storage containers to keep your food fresh.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
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Italian Pinwheels
Ingredients
Spread
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup (111g) roasted red peppers thinly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
To assemble
- 4 corn tortillas
- 8 slices Provolone cheese
- 16 slices Genoa salami
- 48 slices pepperoni
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 8 lettuce leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the spread ingredients.
- Arrange tortillas on a working surface. Spread with the cream cheese mixture all over.
- Now place 2 slices of cheese in the center, next to each other. Lay 4 salami all over the tortilla then the 12 pepperoni.
- Lay bell pepper and lettuce in the center to finish.
- Tightly roll up the tortilla and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. At least 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, remove and slice into pinwheels with a sharp knife. Arrange them on a plate.
Video
Notes
- Using fresh, flavorful ingredients will elevate the taste of your pinwheel. Have the deli cut your meats and cheese fresh if possible.
- Roll the tortilla tightly but gently to prevent any filling from spilling out. Use your fingers to press down gently as you roll to ensure a compact and even roll.
- Accompany the pinwheels with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce or a balsamic reduction for additional flavor and flair.
- Use the sharpest knife in your block to slice the pinwheel into individual servings. A sharp knife will make clean cuts without squishing the roll, resulting in neat and attractive pinwheels.
- There are 10 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
