Save A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe is a holiday favorite that I enjoy preparing with family because it brings festive cheer and tasty flavors to our celebrations.
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 This appetizer always sparks joy during family gatherings as everyone appreciates the creative presentation and delicious taste.
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
Save These pinwheels are simple to prepare yet make an impressive appetizer for any festive occasion.
Kitchen Q&A
- → What makes these pinwheels flavorful?
The combination of smoky turkey, creamy cheese spread, and crisp fresh vegetables creates a balanced and vibrant taste.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, rolling and chilling the pinwheels for at least 30 minutes before slicing helps maintain their shape and ease of serving.
- → Are there good ingredient substitutions?
You can substitute smoked turkey with smoked chicken or roast beef, and use whole-wheat tortillas for added fiber.
- → How is the tree shape created?
Sliced pinwheels are arranged on a platter starting with a wide base that narrows to a point, then decorated with pretzel sticks and fresh garnishes.
- → What does the creamy filling include?
The filling blends cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and seasoning to complement the smoked turkey and vegetables.