Need a fun and festive bite-sized app that feels fancy but comes together in a snap? These Holiday Charcuterie Pinwheels are my go-to whenever I want to impress without the fuss. They’re beautiful little spirals of flavor—think creamy cheese, savory meats, and pops of tangy sweetness all rolled up in one irresistible snack. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just snacking with sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I made these pinwheels for a holiday open house last year and they disappeared faster than I could refill the platter! Since then, they’ve become a staple on my seasonal menu. They’re festive, flavorful, and secretly so simple to make—it’s like the elegance of a charcuterie board, all packed into one adorable bite.
- Quick to assemble—no baking required
- Perfect for make-ahead entertaining
- Customizable with your favorite meats and cheeses
- Festive and fun for any holiday spread
- Easy enough for beginners, fancy enough for a party
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 large flour tortillas (wrap size)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 6-8 slices prosciutto or salami
- 6-8 slices deli-style provolone or gouda
- ⅓ cup fig jam or cranberry sauce
- ½ cup arugula or baby spinach
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese—it spreads so much easier!
- Flat, wide tortillas roll better. Look for sandwich wraps or burrito-size.
- Don’t go overboard on filling or it’ll be hard to roll tightly.
- If you can’t find fig jam, try red pepper jelly or apricot preserves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with Dijon mustard until smooth and spreadable.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the whole surface.
- Layer on meats and cheese evenly, then dot with a few teaspoons of jam or sauce.
- Add a small handful of arugula or spinach on top, keeping it toward one edge so it doesn’t spill out when rolling.
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better!).
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels with a sharp knife. Arrange on a platter and serve!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Chill before slicing—this makes your pinwheels hold their shape beautifully.
- Wipe your knife between slices for clean, sharp edges.
- Make the rolls the night before and slice right before serving.
- Keep the end pieces for snacking or tucking into lunchboxes!
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Use sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella with basil for an Italian twist.
- Try turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie for a holiday-inspired combo.
- Swap cream cheese for hummus or whipped goat cheese for a dairy-free or tangy version.
- Serve with mini toothpicks or garnish each pinwheel with a sprig of rosemary for holiday flair.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and roll them up the night before. Keep them wrapped in plastic wrap and slice just before serving.
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Make sure to spread the toppings evenly and not too thickly. Also, a little cream cheese near the edge acts like glue to hold the wrap closed.
What’s the best kind of wrap to use?
Soft flour tortillas or sandwich wraps work best—look for ones that are flexible and big enough to hold the fillings without breaking.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chill time)
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 6-8 slices prosciutto or salami
- 6-8 slices provolone or gouda
- ⅓ cup fig jam or cranberry sauce
- ½ cup arugula or baby spinach
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese and mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spread mixture over each tortilla → layer with meats, cheese, jam, and greens.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
Nutrition: ~90 calories per pinwheel
If you whip these up for your next party, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share with a friend who needs a no-stress, all-impress holiday app.✨
