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Easy Pinwheel Appetizers

Make these easy pinwheel appetizers for your next party or get-together! Tortilla rollups are always a favorite with everyone.

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deli meat and cheese rolled in easy pinwheel appetizers

Fresh off the holiday party platters and right into football party season… there are never enough easy appetizer recipes, right? Easy pinwheel appetizer recipes are some of our favorites, and they can be made so many different ways.

How to make pinwheel sandwiches

These are so simple to make. I like to surprise the kids once in a while and put these into their lunchboxes as a surprise.

Soften the cream cheese and use it plain, or combine it with a dry seasoning mix or chopped pickles/relish.

Add your favorite vegetables, meats, etc. in your favorite flavor combination. There really is no limit! Just be sure and chop any vegetables into small pieces to be easier to chew and swallow, especially if serving to kids.

Roll each tortilla tightly, and refrigerate to make cutting easier. Cut into 1-inch sections, and they’re ready to go.

That’s the typical way to make cold pinwheel appetizers. But you can also bake them. For hot pinwheels, use canned bread dough (like crescent rolls) or something similar.

Baked pinwheel appetizers on blue plate

Can you make pinwheels ahead of time?

Whenever you are preparing for a party, it’s smart to make refreshments ahead of time. That gives you more time to relax and socialize, rather than staying in the kitchen. For cold pinwheels, prepare 1-2 days in advance, and just store in the refrigerator with plastic wrap.

If you’re baking pinwheels, you can prep them ahead, then let them cool. They’re easy to reheat in a low temperature oven (like 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes). Alternately, you can keep them warm until it’s time to serve them.

pinwheel appetizer on wooden tray

What to put in pinwheels

Pinwheel appetizers are so versatile–you can really use whatever you like! You’ll see a lot of pinwheel recipes that use cream cheese or flavored cream cheese as the spread. But you can also use hummus or any other thick spread that would stick well when the tortilla is rolled up. Try making pimiento cheese pinwheels or refried bean pinwheels, for example.

You can also vary the tortillas! Try using flavored tortillas-like red or green– to add more color and flavor to your pinwheels. There are also gluten free, low carb, keto-friendly and vegan wraps if you’re following a special diet.

On our list, you’ll find vegetarian pinwheels along with a basic pinwheel recipe using deli meat, pinwheels with cream cheese, and more.

Are there dessert pinwheels?

It’s always fun to include desserts when you’re preparing party appetizers, right? To make sweet pinwheels, use the same base of tortillas or bread dough. Choose sweet spreads like Nutella, apple butter, cinnamon sugar cream cheese, etc. and then your favorite nuts, chocolate, and fruits.

Strawberry cream cheese pinwheels These cinnamon pecan pinwheels are a perfect example of a baked pinwheel recipe.

More easy appetizers

Pinwheels are a party favorite, but here are more easy appetizer recipes:

Pinwheel Appetizer Recipes

Pinwheel appetizers are always a party favorite! These tortilla rollup recipes also make fun snacks or lunches for kids.

COLD & CREAMY

These cold pinwheels are quick to make and just need an hour to chill before slicing and serving.

SERVED WARM

These baked and meaty pinwheels are best served warm.

Stack of tortilla rollups with vegetables and cream cheese - easy party appetizers

Carol

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

Have you though about also adding shredded cheddar cheese or pimiento for color.

Gina

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

Great idea! What I love about this basic recipe is that you can change it up however you'd like.

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