Pin A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday staple in my family; everyone loves the combination of smoky turkey and colorful veggies wrapped in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
- Spinach or flour tortillas: 4 large (10-inch)
- Cream cheese: 170 g (6 oz), softened
- Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Smoked turkey breast: 200 g (7 oz), thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, finely diced
- Cucumber: 1 small, julienned
- Carrot: 1, peeled and grated
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Pretzel sticks: 12 (for tree trunk)
- Fresh parsley sprigs: for tree branches
- Cherry tomatoes: halved, for tree ornaments
- Yellow bell pepper: sliced into a star shape, for tree topper
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese filling:
- Blend cream cheese mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth Season with salt and pepper
- Spread filling:
- Lay a tortilla flat Evenly spread one quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface leaving a 1 cm (12-inch) border
- Add fillings:
- Layer smoked turkey slices then scatter with diced red bell pepper cucumber carrot and chives
- Roll tortillas:
- 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
- Repeat:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling
- Slice pinwheels:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels
- Arrange:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base narrowing to a point)
- Decorate tree:
- 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
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
Pin My family especially enjoys assembling this together during holidays turning cooking into a fun tradition.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Chefs knife Cutting board Plastic wrap Large platter
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortillas) Milk (cream cheese) Eggs (mayonnaise check label) May contain Soy (depending on tortilla brand) Always read ingredient labels to confirm allergen safety
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g per serving approximately 3 pinwheels
Pin This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and can be made ahead saving you time on the day.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef work well as alternatives without compromising flavor.
- → How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?
Chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes before slicing helps maintain their shape.
- → What type of tortillas are best?
Spinach or flour tortillas, 10 inches in size, are ideal for easy rolling and a pleasant texture.
- → Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and slice in advance, then refrigerate covered until serving to preserve freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Pretzel sticks, fresh parsley sprigs, cherry tomato halves, and a yellow bell pepper star add festive visual appeal.