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 is a delightful holiday treat I enjoy making every year to bring cheer to family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10 inch): For the pinwheels base
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy texture
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Enhances moisture
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein ingredient
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Provides sweetness and crunch
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Adds freshness
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Adds sweetness and texture
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds mild onion flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks: For tree trunk
- Fresh parsley sprigs: For tree branches
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: For tree ornaments
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape: For tree topper
Instructions
- Mix the spread:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread tortillas:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border.
- Add fillings:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Roll up:
- 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.
- Repeat:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice pinwheels:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels.
- Arrange:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base, narrowing to a point).
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save This recipe has been a family favorite during holidays, gathering everyone around the table with smiles and full plates.
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 Enjoy these flavorful pinwheels as a festive appetizer that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute smoked turkey with other meats?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef can be used as flavorful alternatives to smoked turkey in this dish.
- → What type of tortillas work best for pinwheels?
Large spinach or flour tortillas (about 10-inch) provide a flexible base that rolls easily and holds the filling well.
- → How long should the pinwheels chill before slicing?
Refrigerate the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes to firm them up, making slicing easier and cleaner.
- → Can this appetizer be prepared in advance?
Yes, prepare and assemble beforehand, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to keep flavors fresh.
- → What garnish options enhance the festive presentation?
Pretzel sticks for a trunk, parsley sprigs for branches, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star topper highlight the tree design beautifully.