These creamy Turkey pinwheels with a sweet and spicy twist are my go-to recipe when we're expecting guests and I don't have lots of prep time. Their cranberry jalapeño salsa swirl makes them stand out at any gathering.
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As no-cook appetizers, they're perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, or cozy game nights. They're my daughter's favorite snack! She always insists on helping roll them up, and I love how quick they are to whip up for a large crowd.
For another vibrant starter, try my Mango Pineapple Habanero Salsa or Corn Black Bean Feta Dip with tortilla chips. It’s a spicy, sweet, and tangy alternative to these turkey roll ups. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Turkey Roll Ups Recipe
These quick tortilla roll ups with deli meat are a classic finger food for your holiday gatherings! They’re easy to prep and always a hit at parties.
Super fast: They're rolled and chilled in less than an hour.
No cooking needed: Perfect for busy schedules during the holiday season.
Family-friendly: Everyone can enjoy preparing and eating this simple snack with a cranberry twist.
Versatile: Use jam in the filling, skip the veggies, or crank up the heat.
Ingredients and Substitutions
These cream cheese roll ups come together with just a few simple ingredients! Scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full recipe with ingredient amounts.
- Flour tortillas: Low-carb or whole wheat tortillas offer a lighter option.
- Deli turkey: Smoked turkey breast and black pepper turkey are some of my favorites for this.
- Cream cheese: It's a smooth, spreadable base with a slight tang. Goat cheese or mascarpone are creamy alternatives.
- Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa: Adds a spicy, tangy kick. Store-bought cranberry sauce is a good swap for a milder flavor.
- Carrot: Keep the slices thin to prevent the pinwheels from breaking or splitting open.
- Fresh spinach: Baby spinach, arugula, or baby kale are great substitutes.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Turkey Roll Ups
These spicy cranberry-turkey rolls are a breeze to assemble! Spread, layer, roll, and slice for a festive crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with cranberry jalapeño salsa or store-bought cranberry sauce until smooth.
Step 2: Lay a tortilla flat and spread 2 tablespoons of the mixture evenly over the surface. Layer turkey slices on top.
Step 3: Add spinach and carrot strips evenly, then roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to form a log.
Step 4: Slice the roll into 1–1.5 inch pinwheels and arrange them on a platter for serving.
Variations
Customize these veggie and cream cheese roll-ups for your next party! Try these yummy twists depending on who's coming over:
More cheese: Spread 2-4 slices of American cheese over the cream cheese mixture for extra cheesy pinwheels.
Make it spicier: Stir ⅛-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chili powder into the cream cheese mixture for more heat. ¼-1/2 teaspoon hot sauce works too.
Other veggies: Swap the carrot for thinly sliced bell pepper or cucumber.
Go nuts: Sprinkle ¼ cup roughly chopped pecans or walnuts over the cream cheese mixture and use your hand to gently press them down so they stick. Assemble as usual for some nutty crunch.
Other types of protein: Try this recipe with roast beef, ham, or thinly sliced grilled chicken instead of deli turkey.
Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings for Turkey Roll Ups
These homemade cranberry pinwheels are a go-to appetizer for any holiday spread, especially when you're low on prep time! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- Serve with tortilla chips and my No-Cook Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa on the side.
- Sip on Slow Cooker Mulled Wine while enjoying the pinwheels for a holiday-themed night.
- Add to a cheese board with Easy Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip or Mexican Street Corn Guacamole for dipping.
- Offer as a healthy snack with my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
Storage Tips
Prepping these carrot-spinach turkey roll ups in advance or storing leftovers? Here’s how to keep this great party appetizer fresh for later:
Refrigerator
Refrigerate the wrapped rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 hours before slicing to maintain shape. Sliced pinwheels keep for up to 2 days but are best fresh.
Freezer
Not super recommended because they'll have a much softer texture once thawed, but still yummy if you don't mind the texture.
Top Tips for Turkey Roll Ups
These simple tricks will ensure your turkey pinwheels with sweet and savory cranberry salsa are the star of your gatherings:
Don't skip the chilling: Refrigerating the pinwheel log helps the cream cheese mixture firm up so the log doesn't lose shape while slicing into it.
Secure it: If you prefer not to chill it, secure the log with 8-10 toothpicks. Use a sharp knife to cut the slices. Each one should have a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling.
Use the right knife: A serrated knife works best for slicing without squishing the rolls.
Skip the veggies: This is perfect for picky eaters! Double the cream cheese-cranberry mixture. Prepare the pinwheels as usual, except without carrots and spinach.
Use jam: If you don't have time to prepare my cranberry jalapeño salsa, substitute it for raspberry jalapeño jam or strawberry jalapeño jam. It's super yummy!
FAQs
Here’s what other home cooks are asking about these easy holiday-inspired pinwheels!
You can use cranberry sauce, relish, or even raspberry jam instead, all give a similar sweet-tangy flavor.
Yes! Swap turkey slices with roast beef, ham, or chicken for variety.
Use store-bought cranberry sauce instead of cranberry jalapeño salsa for less heat.
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate up to 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Arrange on a platter as part of a holiday appetizer spread.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Turkey Roll Ups:
These effortless turkey roll ups with a spicy cranberry twist are one of our family’s favorite ways to kick off the holiday season! Share your creations on social media with Hungry Whisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy party recipes and recipe cards!
Easy Turkey Roll-Ups with Cranberry Cream Cheese And Veggies
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas or whole wheat tortillas
- 8 slices deli turkey
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons cranberry jalapeño salsa or store bought cranberry sauce
- ½ cup carrot julienned
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and cranberry jalapeño salsa or store bought cranberry sauce until smooth.
- Lay a tortilla flat. Spread 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese and cranberry mixture evenly over the surface.
- Layer 2 slices of turkey over the spread, then place spinach, and carrots evenly on top.
- Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge, keeping the filling tucked in, to form a log and slice into 1–1.5 inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter for serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Risa says
These are such a great use of Thanksgiving recipes! Saving this to try! Thanks for the great recipe!
Madhu (Author) says
You're so welcome! I'm thrilled to hear you're saving it to try.
Tina says
These are so tasty, quick and easy! Perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer!
Madhu (Author) says
That is exactly what I love to hear! I designed these to be tasty, quick, and easy for that exact reason, they are truly the perfect, stress free appetizer for a big holiday like Thanksgiving.
Madhu (Author) says
That is wonderful! Knowing that they were quick and easy makes me so happy, especially for a busy day like Thanksgiving. You are absolutely right, they are a fantastic, hassle free appetizer!
Abi says
Love this easy roll up idea, this will be just perfect for my daughter's lunchbox!
Madhu (Author) says
Thanks. These roll ups are a practical choice for a kid’s lunchbox and can be customized easily.
Madhu (Author) says
I made these turkey roll-ups and they were so good! The cranberry cream cheese adds the perfect sweet-tangy flavor, and the veggies make them fresh and crunchy. They’re a hit as a holiday appetizer and even my kid loves them in lunchboxes. Definitely making these again!