Italian Pinwheels
Italian Pinwheels are a fun, no-bake appetizer that’s full of bold, savory flavor. Rolled in soft tortillas and packed with creamy, herbed cream cheese, tangy peppers, provolone cheese, and classic Italian meats like salami or soppressata, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: No baking or cooking required.
Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or game days.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling.
Customizable: Easily adapted to vegetarian, spicy, or low-carb versions.
Key Ingredients
Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, seasoned base that holds everything together.
Italian Seasoning, Garlic & Onion Powder: Brings in classic Italian herb flavor.
Roasted Red Peppers & Pepperoncini: Adds tangy sweetness and crunch.
Provolone Cheese & Salami: Rich, salty, and satisfying deli meats and cheeses.
Flour Tortillas: The soft, rollable vessel for all the ingredients.
Kitchen Tools
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Sharp or serrated knife
Plastic wrap
Italian Pinwheels
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and diced
1/2 cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, drained and diced
16 thin slices provolone cheese
1/2 lb sliced salami or soppresetta
6-8 large flour tortillas
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Make the filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Add the veggies:
Fold in the diced roasted red peppers and pepperoncini (or banana peppers) until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assemble the pinwheels:
Spread about ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over a large flour tortilla, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
Layer the meats and cheese:
Place a layer of provolone slices along one end of the tortilla, then top with a layer of salami or soppressata.
Roll and chill:
Starting from the side with the meat and cheese, roll the tortilla up tightly. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up.
Slice and serve:
Unwrap and slice into 1-inch rounds. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
Recipe Notes
Use room-temp cream cheese: It spreads easily and blends well with the seasonings.
Don’t overfill: This ensures tighter rolls and cleaner slices.
Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap to help hold the shape and make slicing easier.
Chill before slicing: A cold roll holds its shape better and slices neatly.
Use a serrated knife: This helps you cut clean pinwheels without smashing them
Nutrition Information
(Per 1 pinwheel – approximate)
Calories: 90 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 5g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sodium: ~230mg
Recipe Swaps & Variations
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.
Low-carb: Use low-carb tortillas or roll in large lettuce leaves.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or spicy giardiniera.
Different cheese: Use mozzarella, fontina, or goat cheese instead of provolone.
Fresh herbs: Add chopped basil or parsley for brightness.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze: The texture of the tortillas and cream cheese doesn’t hold up well when frozen.
Meal prep tip: Make rolls ahead and slice just before serving for best texture.
Food & Drink Pairings
Drinks: Italian soda, iced tea with lemon, dry white wine, or light beer.
Sides: Caprese skewers, antipasto salad, or marinated olives.
Dips: Serve with marinara, pesto, or balsamic glaze for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Italian pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to a day in advance.
Wrap tightly and slice just before serving.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely. Try prosciutto, ham, pepperoni, or even turkey for a milder flavor.
Are they good for lunchboxes?
Yes—just keep them chilled and store in a sealed container for easy transport.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, though they’re best within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes! Garden veggie or garlic & herb cream cheese adds even more flavor.
How do I get the tortillas to roll without cracking?
Use fresh tortillas, and if needed, microwave them for 10 seconds to make them more pliable.
What size tortillas should I use?
Large (10-inch) flour tortillas work best for rolling and slicing into uniform pinwheels.
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Roll tightly, chill well, and slice with a serrated knife.
You can secure loose pieces with toothpicks.
Can I toast or bake them?
This recipe is meant to be served cold, but if you want a baked version, try warming in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Can I add lettuce or spinach?
Yes, but use dry greens to avoid sogginess, and layer them under the meat or cheese to keep them in place.