Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches (Print version)
Colorful Italian pinwheels with salami, ham, provolone, pesto cream cheese and crisp veggies—easy, no-cook party bites.
# What you need:
→ Wraps & Spreads
01 - 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)
02 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons pesto
→ Meats & Cheeses
04 - 4 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
05 - 4 ounces thinly sliced smoked deli ham
06 - 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
→ Vegetables
07 - 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
08 - 1 small cucumber, seeded and julienned
09 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
→ Garnish
10 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese with pesto until incorporated and smooth.
02 - Lay one tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Evenly spread one quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, reaching close to the edges.
03 - Arrange an even layer of Genoa salami, followed by ham, and then provolone cheese over the cream cheese spread.
04 - Scatter diced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, and a handful of baby spinach leaves over the meats and cheese.
05 - Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly into a log to secure the fillings.
06 - Repeat the layering and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
07 - Wrap each rolled tortilla log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set and ensure clean slicing. This step is optional but recommended.
08 - Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the uneven ends, then slice each rolled tortilla into six even pinwheels.
09 - Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- You can prepare these in advance and watch as guests marvel at the colorful swirls.
- They pack a serious punch of flavor in every bite while sparing you last-minute fuss.
02 -
- I once rushed slicing before chilling and ended up with a patchwork mess—cooling really is worth it.
- Switching to sun-dried tomato wraps for color got everyone talking at my last brunch table.
03 -
- Don't skip using plastic wrap—without it, the pinwheel logs loosen and make slicing stressful.
- Softening the cream cheese fully prevents torn tortillas and uneven spreading—ten minutes on the counter makes all the difference.