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Italian Pinwheels

5 from 5 votes
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posted: 01/25/17

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Italian Pinwheels are a cinch to throw together and are always a crowd favorite! A delicious, easy appetizer for any occasion.

On a white plate, the Italian Pinwheels are in rows. The interior of the Italian Pinwheels show the fillings of pepperoncini, cream cheese, and some deli meat.

Italian Pinwheels are so simple to make but are chock full of bold, vibrant flavors. I love making a big batch anytime we’re hosting a game day, or when I just can’t fathom turning on the stove for dinner during hot months. They’re light, fresh, easy and so delicious! Pinwheels are versatile enough that you can literally toss in any meat and cheese combo you have on hand, but I love the Italian flavors of this recipe. Try them for your next game day gathering and watch them disappear!

If you’re a fan of pinwheels, try these Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels or these Taco Pinwheels. So many fun options!

Do you have a favorite meat and cheese combination? I’d love to hear your suggestions, if you’d be willing to drop me a comment below. It’s so fun to swap ideas together!

A collage of how to make the Italian Pinwheels. First, the cream cheese, cheese layer, and pepperoncini is spread on, then some deli meat. Lastly, the Italian Pinwheel is rolled into one.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR ITALIAN PINWHEELS

These babies come together in just a handful of ingredients and yet really feature layers of brilliant flavors. Here’s what you need for this recipe:

  • Salami: you can get fresh sliced salami at your butcher’s counter or favorite meat market.
  • Mozzarella cheese: I love the smooth, buttery texture and flavor of this cheese combined with the spiciness of the salami.
  • Cream Cheese: You can use flavored cream cheese (herb flavored would be delicious) or just regular cream cheese. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
  • Italian Dressing Mix: Use the dry packets that can be found in the salad dressing aisle at your grocery store. This stuff packs such a flavor punch, you’ll be amazed!
  • Peppercinis:  Chop the peppercini into tiny chunks (leave off the stem) and use the juice in the mixture too for added flavor.
  • Flour tortilla shells: I usually use whatever I have on hand, which tends to be white flour tortillas, but you can use spinach, sun dried tomato or any other flavor of shells you like.

On a white plate, the Italian Pinwheels are in rows. The interior of the Italian Pinwheels show the fillings of pepperoncini, cream cheese, and some deli meat.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR ITALIAN PINWHEELS

  • Not a fan of salami? Use any kind of deli meat you like! Turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni, pancetta, Prosciutto, chorizo, a combination. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to what kind of thinly sliced meat you use!
  • Same with cheese; try pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Gouda, brie, crumbly feta cheese, blue cheese, any kind you have on hand or what you know your family will eat.
  • Keep pinwheels lower calorie and low fat by using a reduced or fat free cream cheese.
  • Dice up dill pickles, green bell pepper, sweet pickle, cucumber, sun dried tomatoes, any kind of veggie you like for extra flavor.
  • Season pinwheels up with fresh dill, parsley, rosemary, basil, or any combination of fresh or dried herbs.

On a white plate, the Italian Pinwheels are in rows. The interior of the Italian Pinwheels show the fillings of pepperoncini, cream cheese, and some deli meat.

MORE APPETIZER RECIPES

If you’re looking for more easy appetizers to entertain with, try some of these simple recipes that come together fast and are definite crowd pleasers!

I hope you love the simplicity of this Italian Pinwheels recipe! My kids love them, my husband loves them, and I certainly can’t get enough. Please leave a comment in the section below and let me know what you think of these simple bites. Looking forward to hearing from you!

5 from 5 votes

Italian Pinwheels

Serves: 5
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Italian Pinwheels are a cinch to throw together and are always a crowd favorite! A delicious, easy appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tablespoon pepperoncini peppers juice
  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Italian dressing mix
  • 5 large tortilla shells
  • 20 pieces salami

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, and Italian dressing mix. Mix until fully combined.
  • Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly amongst the tortilla shells. Add 4 slices of salami to each tortilla shell. Roll up and cut into even pieces.
  • Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Serving: 1wrapped tortilla Calories: 469kcal (23%) Carbohydrates: 22g (7%) Protein: 18g (36%) Fat: 34g (52%) Saturated Fat: 16g (100%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 92mg (31%) Sodium: 1334mg (58%) Potassium: 60mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 4g (4%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

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Italian Pinwheels

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Melissa Howell says

    I have so many of the same sentiments as you! We also lost our first little baby boy, I also feel a little spoiled and guilty for living in such a nice home (we built three years ago), and I also am NEVER MOVING AGAIN! (I have made this very clear to my husband). Soon the stress will be over and you will be so happy to be in your new home.

    • Lisa Longley says

      Melissa. HOW did I not know you lost a child??? Did you tell me and I blocked it out?? I’m so sorry. I hate that we have this in common, but I always take heart in knowing that someone else gets it. And MAN you GET it, lol! And thank you, the light is at the end of the tunnel.

  2. Sandra Sherman says

    I know what you are going through with the lose of a child, I lost a set on twins, a girl and boy, on Valentines Day, in 1986, I lost them in a house fire, sending hugs and love, from one Mother to another Mother,

    • Lisa Longley says

      I am so so very sorry for your loss, Sandra!

  3. Laura says

    You say large tortilla shells here. Do you mean 8 inch ones or larger?

    • Lisa Longley says

      The 8 inch ones should be great!

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