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Italian Pinwheels

Italian Pinwheels are an easy appetizer for any party, an easy snack, or or a light dinner.

italian pinwheels recipe

Italian Pinwheel Recipe

When I am thinking of the perfect appetizer for my game day spread, I always include some pinwheels.

Finger foods are the name of the game when it comes to tailgating because you have to have your other hand free for that giant foam finger, right?!

These have all the best ingredients from an Italian sandwich like hard salami, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.

Feel free to use your favorite kinds of meat: Italian meats, sliced of deli ham, pepperoni slices, capicola.

If you want to kick it up a notch, add some pickled red onion, red pepper flakes, or jalapeno peppers.

Not just for tailgating, these delicious Italian roll-ups are a great appetizer, a fun quick lunch, or easy dinners.

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ingredients for italian pinwheel sandwiches

Ingredients Needed

Tortillas – Large flour tortillas (burrito size). Try a flavored tortilla wrap if you like.

Cream cheese – Plain cream cheese, softened.

Seasoning – Italian seasoning or your favorite Italian herbs and spices.

Cheese – Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese.

Charcuterie – Genoa salami, pepperoni.

Veggies – Roasted red bell peppers, pepperoncini peppers, shredded lettuce.

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How to Make Italian Pinwheels

First: Combine the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini peppers. Lay out the three tortillas.

Divide the cream cheese mixture between the three tortillas and spread into an even layer over the entire surface.

Second: In the center place the three slices of provolone cheese. Cover the whole tortilla with the slices of salami next.

Scatter the pepperoni over the salami as evenly as possible.

Third: Lay on the lettuce leaves or sprinkle the shredded lettuce. Starting on one edge, roll tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge.

Fourth: Chill for at least one hour. Remove plastic wrap and slice with a serrated knife. Serve!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

tasty pinwheels are a huge hit at tailgate parties

How long do they last?

Store leftover Italian pinwheel sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

What do you eat with Italian pinwheels?

I like to serve mine with potato chips, french fries, or keep with the theme and have some caprese skewers or a caprese salad.

hand holding a delicious appetizer

How do you wrap pinwheels?

Start by making sure the spread is all the way to the edges of the tortilla.

Next, sprinkle all the fillings over the tortilla, leaving 1/2 inch from the edge clear.

Take one edge and start rolling. Be sure to roll as tightly as possible. Secure with toothpicks if you need to but the spread should help the tortilla to stick to itself.

Wrap in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

close up of Italian pinwheels on a plate

How do you keep pinwheels from getting soggy?

  • Don’t use fillings that are high in water content.
  • Use a spread to keep the tortilla from getting wet.
  • Pat any excess water or oil off ingredients.
  • Chill them for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.
collage of pinwheel sandwiches

More Pinwheel Recipes

plate of italian pinwheels

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, be sure to soften your cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Substitute sun-dried tomatoes and basil for the red peppers and italian seasoning.
  • For the lettuce you can use green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, or iceberg lettuce.
  • Try different flavor wraps like spinach, whole wheat, or low-carb tortillas.
  • Wrap the pinwheels as tightly as possible.
  • Chill before slicing to help them retain their shape.
  • Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife when slicing.
  • Wipe knife clean between cuts to avoid smearing the filling.
  • Pepperoncinis are similar to banana peppers.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

hand holding an Italian roll up sandwich

These easy Italian Pinwheels are a great party appetizer for any occasion. Think tailgating, baby showers, bridal showers, office parties, or a fun lunch or dinner.

plate of Italian pinwheel sandwiches

Italian Pinwheels Recipe

Italian Pinwheels are an easy appetizer for any party, an easy snack, or or a light dinner.
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Print Pin Rate
Course: Easy Finger Foods
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 361kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

Italian Pinwheels

  • 3 large flour tortillas burrito size
  • 15 slices genoa salami
  • 9 slices provolone cheese
  • 30 slices pepperoni
  • 6 large lettuce leaves or 1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce

Veggie Spread

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers chopped fine
  • 2/3 cup pepperoncini peppers seeded and chopped fine

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients for the veggie spread in a medium bowl.
  • Lay out the three tortillas.
  • Divide the spread between the three tortillas and spread into an even layer on each one.
  • In the center place the three cheese slices.
  • Cover the whole tortilla with the salami slices next.
  • Scatter the pepperoni over the salami as evenly as possible.
  • Lay on the lettuce leaves or sprinkle the shredded lettuce.
  • Starting on one edge, roll tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge.
  • Chill for at least one hour.
  • Remove plastic wrap and slice into 1 inch pieces with a serrated knife.
  • Serve!

Notes

  • For best results, be sure to soften your cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Substitute sun-dried tomatoes and basil for the red peppers and italian seasoning.
  • For the lettuce you can use green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, or iceberg lettuce.
  • Try different flavor wraps like spinach, whole wheat, or low-carb tortillas.
  • Wrap the pinwheels as tightly as possible.
  • Chill before slicing to help them retain their shape.
  • Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife when slicing.
  • Wipe knife clean between cuts to avoid smearing the filling.
  • Pepperoncinis are similar to banana peppers.

Nutrition

Serving: 3rolls | Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 1009mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

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