Pinwheel Sandwiches

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Pinwheel sandwiches are easy, charming appetizers perfect for brunch, picnics, potlucks and parties. We spread a flavorful cream cheese filling over a large tortilla, followed by layers of thinly-sliced deli meat, cheese, and lettuce. We roll it tightly into a log shape, then slice it into pinwheels, revealing eye-catching swirls of vibrant colors and enticing layers.

📌 Pin Pinwheel Sandwich Recipe

🛒 Ingredients

• Burrito-Size Flour Tortillas: These 12-inch flour tortillas serve as the base or wrap for the pinwheel sandwiches, providing a soft and flexible outer layer.
• Spinach-Herb Tortilla Wraps (green): These 12-inch wraps add flavor and a touch of color to the pinwheel sandwiches, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
• Block Cream Cheese: Acts as a creamy and rich binding agent for the filling, adding a luscious texture and flavor to the pinwheel sandwiches.
• Mayonnaise: Provides additional creaminess to the filling, while also adding a subtle tangy flavor.
• Ranch Seasoning: Infuses the filling with savory, herby, and slightly tangy notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pinwheel sandwiches. I prefer using Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning (dip & salad dressing mix).
• Cooked Crispy Bacon Crumbles: We mix it into the cream cheese spread. It introduces a smoky and savory element, adding crunch and a distinctive bacon flavor to the pinwheel sandwiches.
• Havarti Cheese: Contributes a creamy and mild flavor, as well as a smooth texture to the filling, complementing the other cheeses and meats.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Adds a blend of flavors with its combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, providing a slightly tangy and mellow taste.
• Deli-Sliced Roasted Chicken Breast: Offers a lean and protein-packed element to the filling, providing a meaty texture and savory taste.
• Deli-Sliced Baked Ham or Pastrami: Adds a distinct flavor profile (ham’s sweetness or pastrami’s smokiness) and contributes to the overall meaty layers of the pinwheel sandwiches.
• Sliced Salami: Introduces a salty and savory element, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the pinwheel sandwiches.
• Baby Spinach Leaves: Provides a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, as well as a vibrant green color, adding a nutritious and visually appealing component.
• Butter Lettuce Leaves: Offers a mild and crisp texture to the filling, adding a layer of freshness and contrasting with the other ingredients.

📖 Recipe Steps

1. Cut each softened block of cream cheese into 6 pieces. This will make this ingredient more manageable. Add the cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. With an electric hand mixer, beat the cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add mayo and ranch seasoning. Mix to combine. Add bacon bits to the bowl. Mix them in with a rubber spatula.
2. On a clean work surface, lay out the 4 green tortilla wraps. Divide half the cream cheese mixture between the green tortillas (the other half will be used for the white flour tortillas). Spoon a large dollop onto each and then spread it out, into thin layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. For each, arrange thin slices of deli chicken breast, slices of Colby Jack cheese, and 4 slices of salami, over the cream cheese spread. Don’t stack the meat and cheese in the center. Instead, spread the ingredients out.
4. On the bottom half of each wrap (not in the center), arrange 1/4 cup baby spinach leaves on top of the meat and cheese.

1. On your work surface, lay out the 4 white flour tortillas. Divide the remaining cream cheese mixture between them, spooning it onto each. Spread the mixture into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges of the tortillas.
2. On each, arrange the ham (or pastrami), 2 slices of Havarti cheese, and 4 slices of salami over the cream cheese mixture.
3. Place the butter lettuce on the bottom half of each tortilla (not in the center, and not on the top half).
4. Working with one green or white tortilla at a time, starting at the bottom, tightly roll it up into the shape of a log. With a sharp knife, slice the log into 8 pinwheel sandwiches (about 1.5 inches per slice), or as wide as you’d like. If desired, secure each pinwheel with a sandwich/cocktail pick.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• How to keep pinwheel sandwiches from getting soggy: Ensure that any wet ingredients (like mayo or dressings) are spread thinly. Consider placing a layer of dry ingredients (like lettuce or spinach) between wet ingredients and the tortilla to create a moisture barrier.
• How to prevent pinwheel sandwiches from unraveling: After rolling the tortilla into a log, refrigerate it for 1 hour to let the cream cheese (the binding ingredient) set. When ready to serve, slice the log into pinwheels with a sharp knife. Secure with sandwich picks.
• How to make pinwheel sandwiches for a large crowd: Make a variety of flavors to cater to different taste preferences and dietary options. At the market look for ingredients like gluten-free tortillas, vegan cream cheese, etc. Serve the different types of pinwheels on separate trays, labeling each tray with a list of ingredients.
• How to make holiday-inspired pinwheel sandwiches: For Easter, use green tortilla wraps, a whipped dill cream cheese spread (with capers folded in), smoked salmon slices, and baby spinach leaves. Or make pinwheels with egg salad mixture and romaine lettuce. For a Thanksgiving-inspired twist, try turkey with cranberry spread, cream cheese, and spinach.

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Flavor testers rated this the BEST pinwheel sandwich recipe. They loved the savory cream cheese spread, the use of 2 types of tortillas, and the specific combinations of meats and cheese. They said these were even better than Costco pinwheel sandwiches.

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Pinwheel Sandwiches 👉🏻 Join the Convo

Are you excited to make this easy recipe? Which set of pinwheels do you think you’ll enjoy most – the ones made with white tortillas or green tortillas? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to know if you’re making these for a picnic, a party or lunch!