These pinwheel sandwiches are flavorful and very versatile. You will only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to make this easy appetizer. Fill them with lunch meat and cheese or make them meatless, they are tasty and perfect for any time of the day!
Pinwheel sandwiches are a special type of sandwich roll-ups or tortilla roll-ups that is created by rolling up several different types of meats and cheese together around a slice of vegetable or fruit.
They are then cut into thin slices, which resemble spiral sandwiches or pinwheels. This creates a unique flavor and texture that is not found in other types of sandwiches. Additionally, the pinwheel shape makes them a visually appealing addition to any lunch or dinner table.
It’s a delicious meal that will certainly please people of all ages. Just pick your favorite lunch meat and veggies to fill up a large tortilla or pita bread.
why this recipe works
You don’t need any cooking skills to make the perfect lunch. The tortilla pinwheel sandwiches are easy and fast, which makes it great for unexpected guests! With so many variations they make a healthy snack, such a great appetizer, or perfect for a party tray.
They are great for meal prep, make them ahead of time to save time the following day.
These tortilla rollups are packable and perfect for lunch boxes or for meals on the go.
Load these mini sandwiches with greens, they make a great way to get kids to eat their fresh veggies.
These rolled sandwiches are served cold with a prep time of 15 minutes.
Best Bread for pinwheel Sandwiches
Choose a large flour tortillas. I used flatbread lavash and tortilla wrap. These are easier to roll. Burrito size tortillas will work the best. Make sure that the tortillas you choose to use are soft and on the thicker side. You can also double the tortilla to ensure it doesn’t crack and keep its shape.
Pinwheel sandwiches fillings
Sliced meat – use any kind of deli meats: oven-roasted or honey-baked sliced turkey, deli ham
Sliced cheese – I used Havarti cheese, feel free to use provolone cheese or swiss cheese
Cream cheese – soften at room temp
Goat cheese– soften at room temp
Jam-wild blueberry jam or strawberry jam. Choose thicker kind of jam that is not too sweet
Greens– Baby spinach, rinsed
Cucumber – English or Persian will work
How to make pinwheel sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches with cream cheese
Step 1. To make the pinwheels with cream cheese and cucumber, start making flavored cream cheese. In the small bowl add cream cheese, add the spices, mix to combine. Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the flatbread. Top cream cheese layer with cucumber slices.
Step 2. Roll tightly the sandwich, and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Pinwheel sandwich with jam
Step 1. Start by spreading some soften goat cheese on top of the flatbread. Then spread jam on top. Place baby spinach, spread evenly.
Step 2. Roll the sandwich up tightly, and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve immediately.
Pinwheel sandwich with turkey
Step 1. All you need is some sliced cheese and sliced turkey. You can use any kind of deli meat or sliced cheese. To make the pinwheel sandwiches, start by spreading a layer of flavored cream cheese spread on top of the flatbread. Then top with the spinach, sliced cheese, sliced meat.
Step 2. Roll the sandwich up tightly, and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Recipe Tips
This recipe makes 3 kinds of pinwheel sandwiches, each offers 11 slices.
When making pinwheel sandwiches, wrap tightly roll flatbread and hold it tight when slicing.
When slicing, use a sharp knife. Cut into 1/2 or 1-inch thick slices.
When using cucumbers, always peel and slice thinly so the cucumber slices are almost see-through, this will help when rolling sandwiches.
If tortillas are too thin, do a double-wrap to ensure they hold shape and don’t unroll later.
Some recipes use mayo, I prefer a thicker base like goat cheese or cream cheese, it helps when storing sandwiches for a couple of days.
To make delicious pinwheels, when using cream cheese, mix it with desired spices (taco seasoning, ranch seasoning). I like to add: powdered garlic, powdered onion, dry chives, dry dill.
When using jam, choose the thicker kind and avoid anything too runny.
Storing tips
For best flavor, it’s recommended to serve these little sandwiches immediately and consume within a few hours.
If you are not going to eat the sandwiches right away, you can store leftover pinwheel sandwiches in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap so that they don’t get dry.
Keep your pinwheel sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Variations
If you want to jazz up your pinwheel sandwiches, try adding more vegetables, cheeses, meats… anything that will taste really delicious with flatbread or tortillas! Experiment with different combinations to find out what tastes best. Remember, practice makes perfect. Some ideas to try:
peanut butter jelly and cheese.
smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Italian pinwheels sandwiches with salami, provolone cheese, and pesto cream cheese.
Sliced ham and provolone cheese.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
what are pinwheel sandwiches made of?
They are made of a large tortilla or flatbread and topped with greens and meat.
how to make pinwheel sandwiches?
You place the sandwich fillings on top of the large flour tortilla, then roll them up! It’s a pinwheel sandwich because when you cut it into slices, they look like pinwheels.
can you make pinwheels the night before?
Yes, you can make a pinwheel sandwich the night before! Place it in a container with some wax paper on top so the bread won’t get soggy from the moisture in the veggies, pop it in the fridge overnight.
how to keep pinwheels from getting soggy?
Many people like pinwheel sandwiches for lunch. But when they come in contact with moisture, they tend to get soggy. To prevent this, place dry veggies layer between moist flavored spread and tortillas.
These pinwheel sandwiches are flavorful and very versatile. You will only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to make them. Fill them with lunch meat and cheese or make them meatless, they are tasty and perfect for any time of the day!
Make flavored spread by mixing cream cheese or goat cheese with spices.
Peel and thinly slice the cucumber. Spread a layer of cream cheese or goat cheese on top of the flatbread. Then top with desired toppings.
Roll the sandwich up tightly, and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.
Notes
This recipe makes 3 kinds of pinwheel sandwiches, each offering 11 slices. Nutrition is approximately calculated for one slice. When making pinwheel sandwiches, tightly roll flatbread and hold it tight when slicing.When slicing, use a sharp knife. Cut into 1/2 or 1-inch thick slices.When using cucumbers, always peel and slice thinly so the cucumber slices are almost see-through, this will help when rolling sandwiches.If tortillas are too thin, do a double-wrap to ensure they hold shape and don’t unroll later.Some recipes use mayo, I prefer a thicker base like goat cheese or cream cheese, it helps when storing sandwiches for a couple of days.To make delicious pinwheels, when using flavored cream cheese, mix it with desired spices (taco seasoning, ranch seasoning). I like to add: powdered garlic, powdered onion, dry chives, dry dill.When using jam, choose the thicker kind and avoid anything too runny.For best flavor, it’s recommended for these little sandwiches to serve immediately and consume within a few hours.If you are not going to eat the sandwiches right away, you can store leftover pinwheel sandwiches in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap so that they don’t get dry. Keep your pinwheel sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Natalia is a recipe developer, food photographer, and home cook. She started Flavorful Home to document her recipes and share home cooking tips. She loves creating flavorful and nutritious meals while keeping the cooking process simple and joyful!
Get new recipes and tips via email when you subscribe!
Hi there, I’m Natalia. I’m so glad you stopped by! Here you’ll find the most useful cooking tips and answers to food questions. I focus on creating simple recipes and making sure they are extra flavorful and worthy of your time! Browse our step-by-step recipes and explore new flavors!
