Save It 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 has become a favorite at all our holiday parties with its delicious taste and eye-catching appearance.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): Base for the pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Provides creamy texture
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds richness
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: For 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: Freshness and texture
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Slight sweetness and texture
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Mild onion flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Decorative base
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): Garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Colorful decoration
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Festive top
Instructions
- Blend cream cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread mixture:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1 quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (half-inch) border.
- Add fillings:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Roll and chill:
- 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 It My family loves gathering around this colorful appetizer during the holidays and sharing stories as we enjoy the festive flavors together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula or butter knife, chef s knife, cutting board, plastic wrap, and large platter are all you need to make this recipe.
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
Per serving (approx 3 pinwheels): 150 calories, 7 g total fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein.
Save It Enjoy this festive appetizer for your next gathering to create delicious memories with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey with another protein?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef can be great alternatives, offering different smoky flavors while maintaining the dish's texture.
- → What tortillas work best for these pinwheels?
Flour or spinach tortillas work well due to their flexibility and mild flavor, making rolling easier and complementing the fillings.
- → How can I make the pinwheels vegetarian-friendly?
Omit the smoked turkey and add roasted vegetables or cheese slices for similar texture and taste without meat.
- → How should I store the pinwheels before serving?
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier slicing and freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the tree presentation?
Pretzel sticks create the trunk, while parsley sprigs, cherry tomatoes, and a yellow bell pepper star add festive colors and shapes.