2-Bite Pinwheel Sandwiches
Updated Nov 02, 2024
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Learn how to make perfectly neat pinwheel sandwiches that stay together. The recipe is simple, tasty, and takes just 6 minutes to prepare!
Bite-Sized Sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches are round sandwiches that are small and bite-sized, making them perfect for tea time or party appetizers. They’re made by layering ingredients on a tortilla, rolling it up, and slicing it into rounds.
Most pinwheel sandwiches are made with meat, cheese, and lettuce. They also use a creamy ingredient to add flavor and bind the ingredients together. When the tortilla is rolled and cut, the ingredients create a spiral shape. That’s why they’re called “pinwheel” sandwiches.
Recipe Tip
I made these pinwheel sandwiches a little smaller and thinner than regular pinwheel sandwiches since I wanted them to be eaten in 2 bites. They’re perfect as appetizers or as a savories course at afternoon tea at home.
I tried a few different combinations of ingredients (turns out, the grated Parmesan really is a must) and I kept it simple by not overloading it with ingredients but without sacrificing on taste.
RELATED: 24 Best Tea Sandwiches
Recipe Summary
- This simple 7-ingredient recipe is quick and easy to make.
- It takes just 6 minutes to prepare, plus 10 minutes of chill time.
- One recipe yields 6 mini pinwheel sandwiches, which serves 1 person, but you can easily scale up for more people.
RELATED: Ham & Cheese Tea Sandwiches
Ingredient Notes
- Tortilla: Use a burrito-sized flour tortilla, which will be big enough to make 6 pinwheel sandwiches.
- Cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened. This will make it easier to spread.
- Roasted red peppers: You can find roasted red peppers in olive oil or water in jars. When removing the peppers from the jar, use a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid, then chop them into fine pieces.
- Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty kick to the cream cheese. Don’t skip this since it made the sandwiches taste so much better.
- Provolone cheese: Thanks to its mild and buttery flavor, Provolone will help balance the saltiness and smokiness of the pepperoni. Use thinly sliced Provolone cheese.
- Pepperoni: Use medium-sized pepperoni for this recipe.
- Butterhead lettuce: This type of lettuce has a mildly sweet flavor that’s delicious in sandwiches. Be sure to wash and dry it well before using.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the tortilla.
Step 3: Place two lettuce leaves, slightly overlapping, on top of the cream cheese spread. Top with cheese and pepperoni.
Step 4: Roll the tortilla tightly, starting at the side closest to you.
Step 5: Wrap the roll with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Unwrap the plastic wrap. Cut off each end, then slice into 6 equal-sized pieces.
Recipe Notes
Prepare the plastic wrap in advance.
Before rolling the sandwich, prepare a sheet of plastic wrap and place it nearby. This way, you can quickly wrap the sandwich as soon as you’re done making it.
Hold the fillings as you roll the wrap.
As you roll the tortilla toward the fillings, gently hold them in place. This will help prevent the fillings from moving.
Make them in advance.
After covering the sandwich in plastic wrap, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve your guests, unwrap and cut the sandwich as usual. Avoid storing the sandwiches for more than 1 day, as this can make the tortillas soggy.
Another option is to cut the sandwiches into pinwheels, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pack them tightly together or pierce them with toothpicks to stop them from unrolling.
RELATED: Club Tea Sandwiches
Flour vs Corn Tortillas
Flour tortillas are easier to roll than corn tortillas. They’re also less likely to crack.
Expert Tips
- To make these pinwheel sandwiches vegetarian-friendly, skip the pepperoni.
- If you can only find small pepperoni, you’ll need 6 pieces per sandwich.
- Don’t add too many fillings. Otherwise, it will be difficult to tightly roll up the tortilla.
- The wrap will be easier to slice when it’s cold, so make sure there’s enough time to chill it.
- Most deli meats and thinly sliced cheeses will work in this recipe. If you’d like to use another leafy green, make sure it’s flat, large, and somewhat thin, like large spinach leaves.
Related
- Easy Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
- Mozzarella, Tea, & Basil Sandwiches
- Ham and Brie Cheese Tea Sandwiches
- Blue Cheese and Pear Tea Sandwiches
- Apricot Jam and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches
If you tried this Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon roasted red peppers, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 flour tortilla, burrito size
- 3 pepperoni slices, medium size
- 3 Provolone cheese slices, thinly sliced
- 2 butterhead lettuce leaves, washed and dried
Instructions
- Make cream cheese spread.In a bowl, add the cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.1 tablespoon cream cheese, 1 teaspoon roasted red peppers, 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Assemble the sandwich.Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the tortilla. Add two lettuce leaves to the middle of the tortilla. Top with cheese and pepperoni.1 flour tortilla, 3 Provolone cheese slices, 2 butterhead lettuce leaves, 3 pepperoni slices
- Roll the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly, starting at the side closest to you.
- Wrap and chill the sandwich.Tightly cover the roll with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve the pinwheel sandwiches.Unwrap the sandwich. Cut off each end, about 1 ½ inches, then slice into 6 equal-sized pieces.
Notes
- 6 pinwheel sandwiches serves 1 person.
- Let the cream cheese reach room temperature. This will make it easier to mix and spread.
- Before rolling the sandwich, prepare a sheet of plastic wrap and place it nearby. This way, you can quickly wrap the sandwich as soon as you’re done making it.
- As you roll the tortilla toward the fillings, gently hold them in place. This will prevent the fillings from moving.
- To make these pinwheel sandwiches vegetarian-friendly, skip the pepperoni.
- If you can only find small pepperoni, you’ll need 6 pieces per sandwich.
- Don’t add too many fillings. Otherwise, it will be difficult to tightly roll up the tortilla.
- The wrap will be easier to slice when it’s cold, so make sure there’s enough time to chill it.
- Cutting off the ends will ensure all the pieces are the same size and have flat sides.
- You can refrigerate these pinwheel sandwiches for up to 1 day. Keep them in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!