Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch):
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese: softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise:
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard:
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast: thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper: finely diced
- 1 small cucumber: julienned
- 1 carrot: peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- 12 pretzel sticks: (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
- 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.
Save 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
Save
This festive appetizer brings holiday cheer and bright flavors to your table every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is the best way to roll pinwheels without cracking?
Use fresh, pliable tortillas and spread the filling evenly while leaving a small border. Roll tightly but gently to maintain shape without cracking.
- → Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes helps them set and makes slicing easier, plus enhances flavor blending.
- → Are there suitable substitutes for smoked turkey?
Smoked chicken or roast beef work well, and for a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables offer a tasty alternative.
- → How can I prevent the pinwheels from drying out?
Wrap rolled tortillas tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until slicing. Serve promptly or keep chilled to retain moisture.
- → What garnishes enhance the tree presentation?
Pretzel sticks simulate the tree trunk, fresh parsley adds greenery, cherry tomato halves mimic ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star tops the display.
- → Is it possible to make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without compromising flavor.