Pin This 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 has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted, loved for its fresh flavors and fun presentation.
Ingredients
- Spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): 4 large
- Cream cheese, softened: 170 g (6 oz)
- Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: 200 g (7 oz)
- Red bell pepper, finely diced: 1 medium
- Cucumber, julienned: 1 small
- Carrot, peeled and grated: 1
- Fresh chives, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): 12
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): as needed
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): as needed
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): as needed
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 This This recipe brings back great family memories from our holiday parties where everyone gathers around to assemble and enjoy the festive pinwheels.
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 approx 3 pinwheels
Pin This Enjoy these festive pinwheels with friends and family any time of the year.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different meats in the pinwheels?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef can be used as tasty alternatives to smoked turkey for varied flavors.
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Spinach or flour tortillas work well to hold the fillings and add mild flavor, with whole-wheat options for extra fiber.
- → How do I assemble the tree shape?
Arrange pinwheel slices in a wide base narrowing toward the top on a large platter, decorate with pretzels as the trunk, and use parsley and tomato halves as branches and ornaments.
- → Can the pinwheels be made ahead?
Yes, refrigerate wrapped pinwheel rolls for at least 30 minutes before slicing to maintain shape and freshness.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this dish?
Omit the smoked turkey and substitute with roasted vegetables or add thin cheese slices for added richness.