~ Pinwheel recipes are perfect for quick party appetizers, game day snacks, potluck nibbles … even packed lunches and super-fast dinners! Nearly 30 recipes ideas here – and most take less than 15 minutes. So easy … and you know we’ve got lots of tips for you, too! ~
Need a quick nibble STAT?
- Maybe a crowd-pleasin’ appetizer … for that party you’re already late to?
- Or maybe a lunchbox sandwich the kids (or you!) will actually be excited to eat?
- Or maybe even a grab-and-go dinner you can throw together and take along as you dash to the next sports practice, the next evening meeting … the next whatever …
Pinwheels roll ups are the answer!
They’re fun, quick and EASY (so, soooooo quick and easy)! And …
With their pretty, spiral-cut layers, they’ve always got wow-factor!
We’ve gathered up nearly 30 delicious ideas. Most are no-bake tortilla roll ups, but we threw in a couple of baked and grilled options, too.
And, we’ve got some that venture out from the typical tortilla base, with a nod to other flatbreads, wraps, lavash, or even to no “bread” at all!
Whether vegan, vegetarian, or meat-packed. Kid-friendly munchies … or fancy-schmancy party fare. Pinwheel recipes are the lightning-fast solution to practically any meal, snack or appetizer dilemma!
Take a peek at all these yummy ideas, and then be sure to check out our best tips for making any roll up recipe healthier (THK-style), and for concocting your own unique pinwheel recipes, too!
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28 EASY Pinwheel Recipes and Tortilla Roll Ups
Pesto Turkey Pinwheels with Smoked Provolone
Loaded with fresh ingredients, these pinwheels feature smoked provolone, beautifully paired with turkey and savory pesto-cream cheese. It’s an addictive mixture that’ll keep you coming back for more! (from Lorie at Lemons + Zest)
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Baked Spiral “Hawaiian Roll” Sliders
A fun riff on the always-popular baked party sliders, these hearty pinwheel sandwiches are easy to make, super adaptable, and so much healthier, too! We’ve got 3 variations for you to try, so you can mix and match your favorites for parties, tailgates, make-ahead dinners, or even meal prep snacks and lunches. (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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These easy tortilla rollups have just 5 ingredients – speedy and super portable (great for work and school lunches, as well as healthy appetizers)! The addition of cheddar cheese adds an extra boost of protein and flavor. Don’t miss the ideas for switching things up, like adding seasonings, herbs or scallions, too. (from Jenn at Peas and Crayons)
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Seasoned deli chicken, jack cheese and crisp lettuce are rolled up with a delicious, creamy spread studded with apples, pecans, scallions and cranberries. Yeah … yummy! (from Amy at Belly Full)
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Granola Crunch Apple-Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps
An addictive combination of sweet, crunchy, chewy and creamy … satisfying and super-nourishing! These were one of my daughter’s favorite ways to power up before cross-country practice. Cut them into little pinwheel slices for a perfect grab-and-go snack the whole family will love! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Healthy Carrot and Cucumber Rolls
A refreshing, clever twist on pinwheels, with no tortilla needed for wrapping! Curry powder elevates the flavors with a special, unexpected twist. So pretty on appetizer platters! (from Meymi at Pastry & Beyond)
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These tasty little tortilla pinwheels are full of black beans, spinach, peppers, onion, and cilantro … with bold flavors from cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, and jalapeños. All made extra-special with a homemade, southwest-flavored ranch dressing! (from Jenn at Veggie Inspired)
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Turkey & Cheese Roll Ups with Creamy Thyme Dressing
Thesescrumptious little bites are the idealmini party sandwichesfor a crowd!What makes them extra-special is the flavorful, homemade dressing. No doubt – your guests will devour them! (from Aleka at Aleka’s Get-Together)
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These veggie-packed tuna pinwheels are great for lunchboxes! They’re made with canned tuna, canned chickpeas, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and cream cheese – all rolled up in a tasty tortilla wrap and cut into bite-sized slices. (from Emily at A Mummy Too)
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Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (with Lavash Bread)
A simple and delicious re-boot of the beloved, classic cucumber and cream cheese tea sandwiches! These will add a touch of class to a summertime luncheon, brunch or picnic outing. (from Christina at Christina’s Cucina)
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Classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are reinvented as easy roll ups, then skewered together with gorgeous fresh fruit. A creative lunch box recipe both kiddos and adults will enjoy (with allergy-friendly, nut-free suggestions, too)! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Rainbow Veggie (and Chicken) Pinwheels
Ranch-flavored cream cheese is a scrumptious canvas to show off a pretty rainbow of vegetables! To make these pinwheel sandwiches heartier, you can add some shredded chicken, too. They’re alluring little appetizers, great for lunches, and easy finger foods for families on the go! (from Sara at Dinner at the Zoo)
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These delicious appetizers channel the yummy flavors of cream cheese and lox (but without the calorie-loaded bagels!), rolled up and sliced into spirals of creamy, smoky, herb-studded goodness. Just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, plus you can even make these in advance. An easy, stress-free party food! (from Ashley at Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen)
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Baked Spinach Pinwheels with Cheese and Basil
A super-unique idea: make homemade yogurt dough and fill it with a cheesy, basil and spinach spread. Then just roll and bake it up! Great for meal prep, since these refrigerate well and can even be frozen. (from Kylie at Kidgredients)
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Use your leftover taco meat for these quick pinwheels. Swap out the mix-ins to use up your taco toppings, and serve ’em up with guacamole or salsa for dipping. Hurray – leftovers everybody will love! (from Anne at My Kitchen Serenity)
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Sandwich Pinwheels (aka “Veggies in a Blanket”)
Choose your favorite flavor of hummus or bean dip, add fresh, colorful vegetables, and then roll it all up in a whole-grain tortilla. Easy! These pretty, vegan sandwich pinwheels are really versatile – and terrific as either fast appetizers or for a quick, tasty lunch! (from Terri at EatPlant-Based)
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Smoked Turkey Pinwheels with Fresh Herb Cream Cheese
Light cream cheese is kicked up with red pepper flakes, fresh basil and scallions … then topped with crisp baby spinach, shredded cheddar and smoked turkey for layer upon layer of flavors! (from Toni at Boulder Locavore)
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Got the grill fired up? Then try these! (Or, use the alternate baking instructions.) They’re wonderful for stress-free entertaining, since you can make them a couple days ahead. And, they’re vegetarian, low carb,gluten free, and sugar free (plus, be sure to note the suggestion to use light cream cheese to reduce fat and calories). (from Alina and Dmitry at Cooking Journey)
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No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake Pinwheels
Looking for a sweeter option? These taste kinda like no-bake apple pie cheesecakes … all rolled into cute spirals! They’re the perfect quick snack to keep you fueled up and full of energy! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Chicken Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Mango, Corn, and Olives
Sweet mango lends a refreshing tropical flair to this easy pinwheel sandwiches recipe. Cheddar cheese, chives, corn and black olives add to the kaleidoscope of flavors. They’re terrific for appetizers, but the shredded chicken makes them hearty enough for a quick meal, too. (from Jovita at Yummy Addiction)
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A creamy, homemade chickpea spread is a lovely counterpoint to crisp, fresh veggies. These tortilla pinwheels are a scrumptious option for vegetarians and vegans (but watch out … everybody will be grabbing for them)! (from Gwen at Delightful Adventures)
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Turkey Pesto Tortilla Roll Ups
These simple tortilla roll ups are a healthy, easy way to change up lunchtime or feed a crowd. And, you can keep everything even more interesting with the ideas here for other flavor combos, too! (from Dara at Cookin Canuck)
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A spicy, sun-dried tomato spread is a flavorful backdrop for roasted red peppers, black olives, onions and spinach. A fantastic make-ahead option, since these keep well for 3-4 days! (from Ginny at Vegan in the Freezer)
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This is an ultra-quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s ready in under 15 minutes – and can even be made a few hours ahead of time. Great suggestions for swaps like roast beef, or additions like a bit of kicky horseradish! And be sure to read the recipe card note about reducing fat in these tortilla roll ups. (from Julia at Appetizer Addiction)
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This vegetarian pinwheel recipe gets great texture and flavor from a medley of black beans, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, salsa, and cheddar cheese. If you want to spice it up a little, add in some diced jalapeño, too! (from Alli at Longbourn Farm)
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Smashed chickpeas, Italian herbs, and colorful, finely chopped vegetables are mixed into light cream cheese and then rolled into whole wheat tortilla wraps. Serve ’em up for the holidays, casual parties, game night … or simply pack them for lunch. (from Anvita at The Belly Rules the Mind)
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Like little bite-sized versions of your favorite deli-style turkey sandwich! With under 5 minutes of prep time and zero cooking required, this recipe is great for easy snacks and meal prepping. (from Kristen at Slender Kitchen)
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Tortilla Pinwheels with Buffalo Hummus
Get that ever-popular buffalo chicken wing vibe … without the chicken! This vegetarian pinwheel recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables, and plenty of flavor and crunch. Use store-bought hummus or make your own homemade version: a win either way! (from Cadry at Cadry’s Kitchen)
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How to Make Pinwheel Recipes HEALTHIER
These handy tips will help you convert nearly any pinwheel sandwich or tortilla roll up into a more nutritious recipe.
• Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese.
Many pinwheel recipes start with a schmear of cream cheese, but choosing the reduced-fat variety is a slam-dunk way to reduce fat, calories and cholesterol.
Light cream cheese is typically labeled in small letters as Neufchâtel cheese, which is technically an altogether different cheese from cream cheese. But, Neufchâtel is very similar to full-fat cream cheese in taste and spreadability, and its healthier nutrition profile makes it a common choice for health-minded cooks.
• Use Other Reduced-Fat Cheeses, Too.
Although we almost never recommend fat-free varieties (which are often full of “weird” ingredients to make them resemble actual cheese), low-fat options strike a welcome balance between satisfying cheesiness and health-consciousness.
• Reach for Whole-Grain Tortillas and Wraps.
Tortilla roll ups get an automatic nutrition boost when you start with whole wheat or multi-grain wrappers.
Not only will you be getting fiber and micronutrients, but the whole grains will also help to keep you feeling full longer, with steadier energy than you’d get from white-carb options (and the energy crashes that go with them).
There are lots of brands and varieties to choose from these days, so pick your fave … and pile on the toppings!
How to Make Pinwheel Recipes of Your Very Own
Wanna create your own, adorable, rolled-up sandwich invention?
The template is so easy, and absolutely perfect for using up bits of cheese, meats and produce that you might happen to have on hand.
Step #1 – Start with a tortilla or wrap (and remember … think whole grain here!) Or, use a thin veggie layer that’s pliable enough to roll up around your fillings (like the Carrot and Cucumber Rolls and the Zucchini Roll Ups in our list above).
Step #2 – Using a spread like hummus, nut butters, or reduced-fat Neufchâtel cream cheese acts as sort of a glue to hold your next layers of ingredients together. But, it’s not strictly necessary to have a layer of spread, especially if you plan to use toothpicks to hold your roll ups together.
Step #3 – Layer on lots of fruits and veggies, lean deli meats or shredded chicken … whatever you’re in the mood for.
Step #4 – Then, carefully roll it all up, tightly enough that it holds together, but not so tight that your fillings ooze out.
Step #5 – Use a sharp, serrated knife and a back-and-forth sawing motion to make clean cuts without smashing your sandwich roll ups. Skewer with toothpicks if needed … and you’re done!
Mix and match … try different variations … it’s so easy to riff on the basic template to create your own quick appetizers, lunch box delights or even crazy-fast dinners. In no time flat!
Adorable, alluringly munchable, and so darn easy!
Little pinwheels of joy, ready to answer your call for munchies STAT!
