Italian pinwheels are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl snacks, combining a burst of flavor in each bite. These delightful rolls are creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends or attending a party, these tasty pinwheels will steal the show and keep everyone coming back for more.
Table of Contents
Recipe Must Haves
Essential Ingredients for Italian Pinwheels
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup red pepper spread
- ½ cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 16 slices salami or soppressata
- 8 large flour tortillas (10 or 12 inch)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
- Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil
- Hard salami, pepperoni, or ham as meat alternatives
- Vegetables such as red onion or bell peppers
- Spinach wraps for a colorful twist
Time to Make the Magic Happen
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, red pepper spread, chopped peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Then, spread about ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, reaching the edges. Place two slices of cheese and two slices of salami or soppressata at one end of each tortilla.
Tightly roll each tortilla and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for Rolling and Chilling
To achieve the best results, make sure your tortillas are soft and pliable. If they are a bit stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. Chilling them helps the pinwheels hold their shape better when slicing, ensuring a clean cut.
Perfect Pairings
Best Dips to Serve with Italian Pinwheels
- Ranch dressing
- Italian dressing
- Guacamole
- Hummus
Complementary Finger Foods for Game Day
- Fresh Vegetable Tortilla Roll-Ups
- Cheeseburger Bombs
- Pesto Chicken Flatbread
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Creamy Bacon Snack
Tips for Perfect Italian Pinwheels
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
You can easily make Italian pinwheels ahead of time, as they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just keep them wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They are ideal for prepping before a party, giving you more time to enjoy the gathering.
Techniques for Clean Slicing
Using a serrated knife is key to cutting your pinwheels without squishing them. Slice them into 1-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized snacks. You can even wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep the edges clean.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Leftover Pinwheels
Store any leftover pinwheels wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Remember, avoid freezing them as the cream cheese may change texture upon thawing, affecting the overall taste.
Freezing Considerations
If you feel the need to freeze, consider making the filling without the tortillas, freezing it separately, and assembling the pinwheels fresh when you’re ready to serve.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
If you enjoyed these Italian pinwheels, you might also love trying fresh vegetable tortilla roll-ups, cheeseburger bombs, pesto chicken flatbread, buffalo chicken sliders, and creamy bacon snacks for a complete game day menu.
FAQs
What are Italian pinwheels made of?
Italian pinwheels are made of cream cheese, red pepper spread, chopped peppers, Italian seasoning, cheese, and salami or soppressata, rolled in flour tortillas.
Can Italian pinwheels be made ahead for parties?
Yes, Italian pinwheels can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How many pinwheels do you need for a crowd?
A good estimate is 2-3 pinwheels per person, depending on other snacks available.
Conclusion
Incorporating these easy Italian pinwheels into your game day snacks is a surefire way to impress your guests. You can enhance your menu with ideas from Elly’s Recipes, ensuring a delicious and memorable gathering. Enjoy the game and the scrumptious bites that come with it!
Easy Italian Pinwheels
Equipment
- Large bowl
- serrated knife
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup red pepper spread
- ½ cup pepperoncini or banana peppers, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 16 slices salami or soppressata
- 8 large flour tortillas (10 or 12 inch)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, red pepper spread, chopped peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread about ½ cup of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla and place two slices of cheese and two slices of salami at one end.
- Tightly roll each tortilla, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces using a serrated knife and arrange on a serving platter.