Pin It A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer was always the centerpiece at our family parties and never lasted long on the table
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): Base for the pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Blended for smooth texture
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: For a slight tang
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Freshness and texture
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Sweetness and color
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Mild onion flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Structure decoration
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): Garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Colorful decoration
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Festive 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.
Pin It Our family cherishes the moments gathering around this delightful appetizer during the holidays
Nutritional Information
Approximately 150 calories per serving, providing a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates
Allergen Information
Contains wheat from tortillas, milk from cream cheese, and eggs from mayonnaise. Always check labels for possible soy presence.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl spatula or butter knife chefs knife cutting board plastic wrap large platter
Pin It Enjoy this festive treat that brings joy in every bite and perfectly complements your holiday table
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Chilling the rolled tortillas wrapped in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes firms them up, making slicing easier and preventing unrolling.
- → Can I use other meats besides smoked turkey?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef make excellent alternatives, adding unique flavors while maintaining the texture.
- → What is the best way to assemble the tree shape?
Arrange the pinwheels on a large platter starting with a wide base and tapering to a point. Use pretzel sticks for the trunk and garnish with parsley and cherry tomatoes for a festive look.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this dish?
Omit the smoked turkey and replace with roasted vegetables or add thin slices of cheese to enhance flavor and texture.
- → How long can these pinwheels be stored before serving?
Store wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and taste.