Italian Pinwheels are an easy appetizer for any party, an easy snack, or or a light dinner.

Italian Pinwheel Recipe

When I am thinking of the perfect appetizer for my game day spread, I always include some pinwheels.

Finger foods are the name of the game when it comes to tailgating because you have to have your other hand free for that giant foam finger, right?!

These have all the best ingredients from an Italian sandwich like hard salami, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.

Feel free to use your favorite kinds of meat: Italian meats, sliced of deli ham, pepperoni slices, capicola.

If you want to kick it up a notch, add some pickled red onion, red pepper flakes, or jalapeno peppers.

Not just for tailgating, these delicious Italian roll-ups are a great appetizer, a fun quick lunch, or easy dinners.

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ingredients for italian pinwheel sandwiches

Ingredients Needed

Tortillas – Large flour tortillas (burrito size). Try a flavored tortilla wrap if you like.

Cream cheese – Plain cream cheese, softened.

Seasoning – Homemade Italian seasoning or your favorite Italian herbs and spices.

Cheese – Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese.

Charcuterie – Genoa salami, pepperoni.

Veggies – Roasted red bell peppers, pepperoncini peppers, shredded lettuce.

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banana pepper rings in cream cheese spread

How to Make Italian Pinwheels

First: Combine the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini peppers. Lay out the three tortillas.

Divide the cream cheese mixture between the three tortillas and spread into an even layer over the entire surface.

Second: In the center place the three slices of provolone cheese. Cover the whole tortilla with the slices of salami next.

Scatter the pepperoni over the salami as evenly as possible.

tortilla roll-ups wrapped in plastic wrap

Third: Lay on the lettuce leaves or sprinkle the shredded lettuce. Starting on one edge, roll tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge.

Fourth: Chill for at least one hour. Remove plastic wrap and slice with a serrated knife. Serve!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

tasty pinwheels are a huge hit at tailgate parties

How long do they last?

Store leftover Italian pinwheel sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve mine with potato chips, french fries, or keep with the theme and have some caprese skewers or a caprese salad.

How do you wrap pinwheels?

Start by making sure the spread is all the way to the edges of the tortilla.

Next, sprinkle all the fillings over the tortilla, leaving 1/2 inch from the edge clear.

Take one edge and start rolling. Be sure to roll as tightly as possible. Secure with toothpicks if you need to but the spread should help the tortilla to stick to itself.

Wrap in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

close up of Italian pinwheels on a plate

How do you keep pinwheels from getting soggy?

Don’t use fillings that are high in water content.
Use a spread to keep the tortilla from getting wet.
Pat any excess water or oil off ingredients.
Chill them for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.

More Pinwheel Recipes

Tapas Tips & Tricks

For best results, be sure to soften your cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
Substitute sun-dried tomatoes and basil for the red peppers and italian seasoning.
For the lettuce you can use green leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, or iceberg lettuce.
Try different flavor wraps like spinach, whole wheat, or low-carb tortillas.
Wrap the pinwheels as tightly as possible.
Chill before slicing to help them retain their shape.
Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife when slicing.
Wipe knife clean between cuts to avoid smearing the filling.
Pepperoncinis are similar to banana peppers.

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hand holding an Italian roll up sandwich

These easy Italian Pinwheels are a great party appetizer for any occasion. Think tailgating, baby showers, bridal showers, office parties, or a fun lunch or dinner.