Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, bringing joy and smiles every time I serve it.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): Base for pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: For creamy filling
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds tangy flavor
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Fresh texture
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Sweetness and color
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Mild onion flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Supports assembly
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): Garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Decoration
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Finishing touch
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (1/2-inch) border.
- Step 3:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Step 4:
- Tightly roll up the tortilla from one end to the other. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for easier slicing.
- Step 5:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 6:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels.
- Step 7:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base, narrowing to a point).
- Step 8:
- Insert pretzel sticks at the bottom for the tree trunk. Decorate with parsley sprigs between pinwheels, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star at the top.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This appetizer always brings my family together during the holidays, sparking conversation and delight.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl spatula or butter knife chefs knife cutting board plastic wrap large platter
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortillas) Milk (cream cheese) Eggs (mayonnaise check label) May contain Soy depending on tortilla brand Always read ingredient labels to confirm allergen safety
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g per serving (approx 3 pinwheels)
Save These pinwheels make a perfect festive appetizer that's both delicious and easy to assemble.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey with another protein?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef work well as alternatives, adding different flavors while maintaining texture.
- → What type of tortillas work best for the pinwheels?
Spinach or flour tortillas of about 10 inches are ideal for rolling the ingredients tightly and slicing easily.
- → How can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
After rolling, wrap them in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier and to enhance flavors.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for this dish?
Yes, omit the turkey and use roasted vegetables instead for a satisfying meat-free option.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Pretzel sticks form a sturdy tree trunk, while parsley sprigs and cherry tomato halves add festive, colorful decorations.
- → Can I add cheese inside the pinwheels?
Adding thin slices of cheese can enrich the taste and texture, complementing the creamy spread nicely.