Save to Pinterest A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is a fun recipe I love to make during the holidays since it brings everyone together in the kitchen and looks so festive on the table.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10 inch): For the pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Blended with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Mixed into cream cheese blend
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Added to cream cheese mixture
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein for pinwheels
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Fresh texture
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Sweetness and color
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Flavor enhancer
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Assembly
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): Garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Decoration
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Finishing touch
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border.
- Step 3:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 6:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels.
- Step 7:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base, narrowing to a point).
- Step 8:
- 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.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest I love how my family gathers to assemble and decorate the tree pinwheels each holiday season.
Notes
Substitute smoked turkey with smoked chicken or roast beef for variation Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber Add thin slices of cheese for extra richness For a vegetarian version omit turkey and add roasted vegetables.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Chefs knife Cutting board Plastic wrap Large platter
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g (per serving approx 3 pinwheels)
Save to Pinterest Enjoy making this festive appetizer that doubles as holiday decor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of tortillas work best for pinwheels?
Spinach or flour tortillas both hold fillings well; whole-wheat adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey with other proteins?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef make great alternatives for different flavor profiles.
- → How should the pinwheels be stored before serving?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow firm slicing and maintain freshness.
- → What is the purpose of the pretzel sticks in the assembly?
Pretzel sticks act as the tree trunk, adding an edible structural element to the display.
- → Are there vegetarian options available?
Omit smoked turkey and substitute with roasted vegetables or additional cream cheese for a vegetarian alternative.