These easy Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches pack a flavorful punch with three kinds of meat, fresh veggies, and a delicious cream cheese spread, making them perfect for appetizers, fun meals, picnics, or lunches.
Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe
Ingredients:
For the Italian Cream Cheese Spread:
- Cream cheese (to help hold the pinwheels together and add a rich flavor)
- Mayonnaise (for richness and tang)
- Olive oil (a nod to the oil typically used in Jimmy John's sandwiches)
- Red wine vinegar (for tangy flavor)
- Dried oregano and basil (for an herbaceous touch)
For the Pinwheels:
- Large burrito-sized flour tortillas
- Italian Cream Cheese Spread (as prepared above)
- Fresh Veggies: thinly sliced romaine, onion, and Roma tomatoes
- Meats: Salami, capocollo, and ham
Instructions:
For the Italian Cream Cheese Spread:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and dried basil until smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
For the Pinwheels:
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a work surface.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Spread the Italian cream cheese mixture on each tortilla evenly, nearly to the edges.
- Add Lettuce: Sprinkle shredded lettuce over the cream cheese spread on each tortilla.
- Add Onion and Tomato: Layer the sliced onion and tomato over the lettuce on each tortilla.
- Layer the Meats: Evenly distribute the salami, capocollo, and ham over each tortilla.
- Roll and Cut: Tightly roll each tortilla into a log. Secure with a toothpick if necessary and use a sharp serrated knife to cut the log into 1-inch pinwheels.
Tips for Success + Variations:
- Use large tortillas: This makes it easier to roll and ensures you have plenty of room for fillings.
- Serrated Knife: A sharp, serrated knife will ensure clean cuts without squishing the pinwheels.
- Avoid Sogginess: Don’t add liquid ingredients that could make the sandwiches soggy. If tomatoes are juicy, pat them dry before adding.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Refrigerating the pinwheels for at least 1 hour before serving can help them hold together better.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, and veggies. Just follow the basic method outlined above.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair the Italian Pinwheels with pickles, various dips, a side salad, and refreshing drinks like blueberry lemonade or a prosecco margarita for a complete, satisfying meal or appetizer spread.
Advance Preparation:
Italian pinwheels can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance but are best if made 4-6 hours before serving to prevent sogginess. Store them in a tightly sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper, wax paper, or plastic wrap.
Storage:
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Enjoy these delightful Italian Pinwheel Sandwiches at your next gathering, picnic, or as a delicious lunchtime treat!
