Sun-Dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Recipe That’s Simple and Delicious

It’s amazing how something so simple can taste so good. Turkey pinwheels are a go-to when hosting family or friends. Their ease of preparation and elegance make them more than just finger food—they’re conversation starters, little bites of comfort wrapped up and ready to serve. What really sets this turkey pinwheel recipe apart, though, is the sun-dried tomato spread. It’s the secret ingredient that adds a layer of sophistication without any extra fuss. These pinwheels are great for Christmas festivities, game days, or an impromptu neighborly get-together. Let me share how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser appetizer in no time.

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Ingredients Breakdown

The secret of this pinwheel recipe lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight, coming together for a snack that feels as festive as it does, satisfying each bite will make you do the happy dance!

Sun-Dried Tomato Spread Ingredients

The spread is where the flavor starts. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, adding a touch of creaminess
• Few dashes of Tabasco sauce, or more if you like some heat
• Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste

The good thing is, the spice level is completely in your hands. Prefer a more mellow flavor? Go light on the Tabasco. Want to make things interesting? Add a couple of extra dashes.

Bonus: You can make the spread ahead and store it in the fridge. It only gets better as the ingredients mingle.

Pinwheel Assembly Ingredients

For the pinwheels themselves, here’s what you’ll need:

• Large tortillas (flour tortillas work best for rolling)
• 6-8 slices of turkey breast (thinly sliced deli-style turkey works like a charm)
• 1 cup lettuce leaves, boston or butter lettuce- washed and dried
• 6-8 slices of cheese, cheddar, provolone, or monterey jack, or havarti, your choice!

Here’s a little insider trick: Mixing different cheese colors not only adds visual appeal but also a layer of subtle flavor variation. It’s a small touch that goes a long way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pinwheels are so much fun to make. It’s a simple, no-stress process that leaves you with something that looks like a masterpiece.

Making the Spread

Let’s start with the foundation—the delicious sun-dried tomato spread. Here’s how:

Combine the cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, Tabasco, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.

Use a food processor if you want a super smooth spread, or mix by hand if you like a bit of texture. I prefer a bit of texture myself.

Once blended, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra pepper can add a pleasant kick.

That’s it—the spread is ready and bursting with flavor.

Assembling the Pinwheels

Now comes the fun part.

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.

Spread a thin, even layer of the sun-dried tomato mixture over the entire tortilla. Leave about an inch around the edge to avoid overflow when rolling.

Layer slices of turkey, followed by lettuce leaves and your choice of cheese. The order doesn’t matter too much, as long as you distribute everything evenly.

Rolling it Right

Rolling is where the magic really happens.

1. Start at one edge and roll the tortilla tightly into a cylinder.
2. Press gently as you go to keep everything held together. The layer of spread acts as a glue, sealing the edge when you reach the end.
3. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.

Chilling and Slicing

Don’t rush—it’s worth refrigerating the rolls before slicing. Here’s what to do:

Wrap each rolled tortilla in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes

Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces. Each roll will give you roughly 6-7 pinwheels.

If you’re serving these at a party, consider securing them with toothpicks for easier handling. Something like these toothpicks would work perfectly. It’s one of those little details that turns casual into classy.

Presentation Ideas

Presentation can make all the difference when serving food at gatherings. Let these pinwheels shine on your table.

Platter Arrangement

Set the vibe by arranging the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a pop of color. For extra flair, consider placing a small bowl of the sun-dried tomato spread in the center for dipping.

Why Pinwheels Are Perfect for Any Event

The wonderful thing about turkey pinwheels is how universal and simple they are. They are easy to whip up, packed with flavor, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Christmas Parties

During holiday gatherings, I find these make a fantastic addition to the appetizer table. They’re light, festive, and most importantly, can be made ahead so you can spend more time mingling with guests.

Game Days & Super Bowl Parties

These little rolls stand proudly next to wings and nachos. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to grab without slowing down the fun.

Any Social Gathering

Whether it’s a picnic, a baby shower, or a casual Sunday hangout, turkey pinwheels are endlessly customizable and always a hit.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

A few tried-and-true tips can take your pinwheels to the next level.

Storage

Leftovers need careful handling since mayo and dairy are involved. Seal them tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate. They usually keep well for up to 2 days.

Variations

Feel free to personalize. Swap turkey for ham or chicken, choose spinach or arugula for a peppery twist, and experiment with different spreads if you like.

Dipping Sauce Idea

If you want a dipping sauce to pair with this recipe, double the sun-dried tomato spread recipe and serve half of the spread on the side as a dip. If you want to thin it out a bit add some greek yogurt. Now, you’ve got a tangy, complementary dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

Turkey pinwheels remind me why I love hosting: the joy of preparing something simple yet special for the people in my life. I hope you try this pinwheel recipe, make it yours, and share moments of laughter and connection with those you care about. If you experiment with variations, let me know—your version might just become a new favorite at my next gathering!

And hey, if you’re in the mood to switch things up, you’ve got to check out my Cheesy Mexican Pinwheels! So yummy!