Chewy-soft tortillas wrapped around creamy, tangy filling, sliced into tidy little rounds that practically disappear off the platter the second you set them down. These Turkey Pinwheels hit every note you want in a lunch or party snack - savory turkey, a pimento-olive cream cheese spread that actually has personality, and a handful of fresh spinach tucked in for good measure. I started making these on busy school mornings when I needed something I could prep the night before without turning the kitchen into a disaster zone, and honestly? They've become one of my most-requested recipes.
If you love easy, make-ahead wraps, you might also enjoy my Delicious Vegan Lasagna Soup Recipe or a cozy bowl of The Best Asparagus Soup Recipe alongside these pinwheels for a fuller spread.
No cooking, no oven, no stress. Just a good knife and fifteen minutes.
Why You'll Love These Turkey Pinwheels
These rolled turkey sandwiches are the kind of thing you make once and then keep making forever. The cream cheese mixture with pimento-stuffed olives gives the filling a bold, briny flavor that keeps things interesting - way more than your average turkey pinwheels cream cheese situation. They're ready in 15 minutes flat, hold up beautifully in the fridge for meal prep, and travel well to parties or potlucks without falling apart. Kids love them, adults go back for thirds, and you didn't have to turn on the stove.
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Turkey Pinwheels Ingredients
Here's everything you need to pull these together.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- cream cheese, softened: The creamy base of the whole filling. Softened cream cheese spreads evenly without tearing the tortilla - don't skip the softening step.
- sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded: Adds a little sharpness and depth to balance the cream cheese. Finely shredded blends right in.
- pimento-stuffed olives, finely chopped: These bring the salty, briny punch that makes this spread stand out. Chop them fine so every bite gets a little.
- olive brine: Just a splash straight from the olive jar. It loosens the mixture and layers in extra savory flavor.
- garlic powder: Rounds out the cream cheese with a gentle warmth.
- black pepper: A little bite to finish the spread.
- extra-large or burrito-style flour tortillas: Bigger tortillas mean more filling and tighter rolls. Burrito-size is the way to go.
- package sliced turkey: The main event. Use your favorite deli-style sliced turkey - smoked turkey pinwheels work great here too.
- spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, a slight earthy note, and makes these feel like a balanced snack. Baby spinach works best.
How To Make Turkey Pinwheels
Ready? Here's how to roll them up in fifteen minutes.
Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, olive brine, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until completely smooth and well-blended. It should look creamy with little flecks of olive throughout.
Prepare the tortillas: Lay all four flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across one side of each tortilla, going all the way from edge to edge so every bite has coverage.
Add turkey and spinach: Lay 3 to 4 slices of turkey along the center of each tortilla, overlapping as little as possible and leaving about ¼ inch of the cream cheese spread exposed at the top and bottom edges. Layer spinach leaves right over the turkey.
Roll the pinwheels: Starting from the edge closest to you, fold the tortilla up and over to get it started, then roll it tightly forward, tucking in the fillings as you go. A snug roll keeps everything in place when you slice.
Slice and serve: Place each roll seam-side down and use a sharp knife to slice into 1-inch wide pieces. Arrange them cut-side up on a serving platter or pack into an airtight meal prep container. For extra presentation, press a decorative toothpick into each pinwheel before serving.
Substitutions and Swaps
These turkey tortilla roll-ups are pretty flexible. A few easy swaps:
- No cream cheese? A thick layer of hummus or whipped ricotta makes a good base for turkey pinwheels without cream cheese.
- Different protein: Smoked turkey pinwheels are a delicious upgrade, or swap in ham, chicken, or roast beef.
- No pimento olives: Regular black olives or finely diced sun-dried tomatoes work. Leave them out entirely if olives aren't your thing.
- Different greens: Romaine, arugula, or baby kale all work in place of spinach.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas with no other changes needed.
Equipment For Turkey Pinwheels
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter or meal prep container
Storage Your Turkey Pinwheels
Store turkey pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you're prepping ahead, refrigerate the whole unsliced rolls overnight, then slice right before serving - this helps them hold their shape better. These don't freeze well once assembled.
Serving Suggestions
These easy Turkey Pinwheels wraps are happy at just about any table:
Set them out as a starter at a potluck or game day spread - try them next to an Easy Hollandaise Sauce Recipe brunch table for a fun flavor contrast.
Lay them out on a party platter with a side of ranch or honey mustard for dipping.
Pack them into a lunchbox with some fruit and crackers for a full meal.
Serve alongside a warm bowl of The Best Asparagus Soup Recipe for a light but satisfying lunch.
Expert Tips
- Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese tears tortillas and leaves clumps. Give it 20 to 30 minutes on the counter first.
- Roll tight. A loose roll leads to pinwheels that fall apart when sliced. Use gentle but firm pressure as you roll.
- Sharp knife = clean slices. A serrated bread knife works especially well. One smooth downward press per slice rather than sawing.
- Chill before slicing if you have time. Even 15 to 20 minutes in the fridge firms them up and gives much cleaner cuts.
- Toddler-friendly version: Skip the olives and brine, use plain cream cheese, and slice them a bit smaller. Turkey pinwheels for toddlers are a hit when they're mild and bite-sized.
A Quick Story From My Kitchen
My neighbor Mia stopped by one afternoon while I was rolling these up for a potluck. She leaned against the counter, watched for about thirty seconds, then said, "That smells like a deli in here. Can I have one?" I handed her a slice before they even made it to the tray - she ate it in one bite and immediately asked for the recipe. The funny part? I'd accidentally doubled the olive brine that day. So I guess the slightly extra-briny version is now the "official" recipe in our house.
FAQ
What can I put in my Turkey Pinwheels?
Cream cheese-based spreads work best as a base, and from there anything goes - deli meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, spinach, shredded chicken, avocado, or hummus. The key is keeping the filling flavorful but not too wet so the tortillas don't get soggy.
What is a Turkey Pinwheels?
A Turkey Pinwheels is a rolled tortilla sandwich filled with turkey, a creamy spread, and other toppings, then sliced into round pieces. They're a popular party appetizer and make-ahead lunch option - basically a pinwheel sandwich idea that looks fancy but takes almost no effort.
What meat is best for Turkey Pinwheels?
Deli Turkey Pinwheels is the classic choice, but ham, roast beef, salami, or chicken all work well. Smoked turkey pinwheels have an extra depth of flavor worth trying. Thin-sliced meats roll more easily and stay flat inside the tortilla.
How do you keep tortilla pinwheels from getting soggy?
Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges as a moisture barrier. Use dry greens - pat spinach if needed - and slice right before serving rather than hours ahead.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Turkey Pinwheels
Turkey Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoon sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- ⅓ cup pimento-stuffed olives finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive brine
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 extra-large or burrito-style flour tortillas
- 1 9 oz. package sliced turkey preferably deli-style
- 1 cup spinach fresh
Instructions
-
Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, olives, olive brine, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
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Place the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each tortilla.
- Layer 3-4 slices of turkey in the center of each tortilla, ensuring minimal overlap. Leave about ¼" of the edges exposed to help seal the tortilla.
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Top the turkey with a single layer of spinach leaves.
- Starting from the edge closest to you, fold over the tortilla and roll it tightly, tucking in the fillings as you go.
- Once rolled, place the seam side down and slice each tortilla into 1" wide pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on a serving platter or into a meal prep container. Optionally, insert a toothpick into each pinwheel to hold them together.
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