Name: Italian Summer Pinwheel Sandwiches
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 large flour tortillas or wraps; 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese; 8 to 10 slices deli salami; 8 to 10 slices deli ham; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (sliced); 1/2 cup fresh spinach or arugula; Optional: sliced pepperoncini or black olives

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Experience the fresh and vibrant taste of Italy with these delightful Italian Summer Pinwheel Sandwiches. Perfectly layered with savory deli meats, creamy cheese, and crisp veggies, each bite is a flavorful journey that will captivate your senses. These colorful pinwheels are ideal for warm-weather gatherings or a light, satisfying lunch.

Easy to prepare and visually appealing, these sandwiches combine the classic flavors of Italy in a fun, handheld format. Rolled into neat pinwheels, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during summer parties or picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, colorful ingredients bring vibrant Italian flavors to each bite.
Quick to prepare and perfect for parties or light lunches.
Easy to customize with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and veggies.

Ingredients

Flour tortillas or wraps: Large, soft tortillas create an easy-to-roll base that holds all fillings securely for clean pinwheels.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creamy richness and helps the fillings stick to the wrap evenly.
Mayonnaise: Adds smooth texture and a subtle tang to balance the cream cheese.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs providing classic Mediterranean flavor throughout the spread.
Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: Melty, mild cheeses that complement the meat and vegetables with creamy texture and sharpness.
Deli salami slices: Thinly sliced, spicy salami adds a savory, slightly peppery kick to the layers.
Deli ham slices: Tender, mild ham balances the salami’s boldness for perfect meat harmony.
Roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky strips add vibrant color and depth of flavor.
Fresh spinach or arugula: Crisp, leafy greens provide freshness and a peppery contrast.
Optional sliced pepperoncini or black olives: Adds a tangy and briny bite for extra complexity, customizable to your taste.

Instructions

Make the Spread: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning until smooth and spreadable. This creamy mixture not only binds all the ingredients together but also infuses an herby flavor base that complements the rich meats and fresh vegetables.
Assemble the Wraps: Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small margin near the edges to prevent overflow when rolling. This even layer ensures every bite is flavorful and helps keep the fillings in place.
Layer the Fillings: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the spread to add melty texture. Arrange salami and ham slices evenly, followed by roasted red peppers and fresh spinach or arugula. Add optional pepperoncini or black olives if desired. Layering thoughtfully ensures a balanced taste and appealing presentation.
Roll Tightly: Starting from one edge, carefully roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape. Wrapping each roll in plastic wrap helps it hold its shape securely and makes slicing much easier without the fillings falling apart.
Chill the Rolls: Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the spread and fillings, allowing clean, uniform slices for neat pinwheels that hold together beautifully when served.
Slice and Serve: Unwrap the chilled rolls and slice into 2–3 cm (about 1-inch) thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange on a serving platter and keep them chilled until ready to serve, making them refreshing and perfect for summer entertaining.

You Must Know

You can customize the meats and cheeses to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Chilling the pinwheels before slicing is crucial for neat presentation and ease of cutting.
These pinwheels keep well for up to 24 hours refrigerated, making them great for meal prep.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 24 hours to maintain freshness and texture but can last up to two days if kept properly chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pinwheel sandwiches chilled alongside a crisp green salad or antipasto platter. They also pair beautifully with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a perfect light summer meal.

Professional Tips

For easier slicing, use a very sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade between cuts.
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze on the spread before layering for an extra tangy flavor boost.
Try swapping meats like pepperoni, turkey, or prosciutto to vary flavors.
Using spinach gives a milder flavor, while arugula adds a peppery bite—choose based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?: Yes, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free wraps or large lettuce leaves for a gluten-free version that’s just as tasty.
How long can I store the pinwheels?: They can be made ahead and stored wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours without losing freshness.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tortillas and fresh ingredients may be compromised upon thawing.
What dips go well with these sandwiches?: Italian dressing, pesto sauce, or a simple marinara dipping sauce complement these pinwheels wonderfully.
Can I use different cheeses?: Absolutely! Provolone adds a sharper flavor, while mozzarella keeps it mild and creamy—feel free to mix or match.
Are these suitable for kids?: Yes! You can customize the fillings to suit picky eaters, leaving out spicy or strong-flavored ingredients.
How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when rolling?: Ensure the tortillas are at room temperature to make them more pliable and avoid overfilling to prevent tearing.