Italian Pinwheels are a cinch to throw together and are always a crowd favorite! A delicious, easy appetizer for any occasion.
Italian Pinwheels are so simple to make but are chock full of bold, vibrant flavors. I love making a big batch anytime we’re hosting a game day, or when I just can’t fathom turning on the stove for dinner during hot months. They’re light, fresh, easy and so delicious! Pinwheels are versatile enough that you can literally toss in any meat and cheese combo you have on hand, but I love the Italian flavors of this recipe. Try them for your next game day gathering and watch them disappear!
If you’re a fan of pinwheels, try these Pesto Cream Cheese Pinwheels or these Taco Pinwheels. So many fun options!
Do you have a favorite meat and cheese combination? I’d love to hear your suggestions, if you’d be willing to drop me a comment below. It’s so fun to swap ideas together!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR ITALIAN PINWHEELS
These babies come together in just a handful of ingredients and yet really feature layers of brilliant flavors. Here’s what you need for this recipe:
- Salami: you can get fresh sliced salami at your butcher’s counter or favorite meat market.
- Mozzarella cheese: I love the smooth, buttery texture and flavor of this cheese combined with the spiciness of the salami.
- Cream Cheese: You can use flavored cream cheese (herb flavored would be delicious) or just regular cream cheese. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Italian Dressing Mix: Use the dry packets that can be found in the salad dressing aisle at your grocery store. This stuff packs such a flavor punch, you’ll be amazed!
- Peppercinis: Chop the peppercini into tiny chunks (leave off the stem) and use the juice in the mixture too for added flavor.
- Flour tortilla shells: I usually use whatever I have on hand, which tends to be white flour tortillas, but you can use spinach, sun dried tomato or any other flavor of shells you like.
SUBSTITUTIONS FOR ITALIAN PINWHEELS
- Not a fan of salami? Use any kind of deli meat you like! Turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni, pancetta, Prosciutto, chorizo, a combination. There’s no wrong answer when it comes to what kind of thinly sliced meat you use!
- Same with cheese; try pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Gouda, brie, crumbly feta cheese, blue cheese, any kind you have on hand or what you know your family will eat.
- Keep pinwheels lower calorie and low fat by using a reduced or fat free cream cheese.
- Dice up dill pickles, green bell pepper, sweet pickle, cucumber, sun dried tomatoes, any kind of veggie you like for extra flavor.
- Season pinwheels up with fresh dill, parsley, rosemary, basil, or any combination of fresh or dried herbs.
MORE APPETIZER RECIPES
If you’re looking for more easy appetizers to entertain with, try some of these simple recipes that come together fast and are definite crowd pleasers!
- Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Bacon Ranch Turkey Sliders
- Baked Potato Wedges
- Spinach Balls
- Cranberry Brie Bites
I hope you love the simplicity of this Italian Pinwheels recipe! My kids love them, my husband loves them, and I certainly can’t get enough. Please leave a comment in the section below and let me know what you think of these simple bites. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Italian Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peppercinis chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 TBSP peppercinis juice
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 1 TBSP Italian dressing mix
- 5 large tortilla shells
- 20 pieces of salami
Instructions
- In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, chopped peppercinis, peppercini juice, and Italian dressing mix. Mix until fully combined.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly amongst the tortilla shells. Add four slices of salami to each tortilla shell. Roll up and cut into even pieces.
- Serve or store in an airtight container for up to two days.
Melissa Howell says
I have so many of the same sentiments as you! We also lost our first little baby boy, I also feel a little spoiled and guilty for living in such a nice home (we built three years ago), and I also am NEVER MOVING AGAIN! (I have made this very clear to my husband). Soon the stress will be over and you will be so happy to be in your new home.
Melissa. HOW did I not know you lost a child??? Did you tell me and I blocked it out?? I’m so sorry. I hate that we have this in common, but I always take heart in knowing that someone else gets it. And MAN you GET it, lol! And thank you, the light is at the end of the tunnel.
Sandra Sherman says
I know what you are going through with the lose of a child, I lost a set on twins, a girl and boy, on Valentines Day, in 1986, I lost them in a house fire, sending hugs and love, from one Mother to another Mother,
I am so so very sorry for your loss, Sandra!
Laura says
You say large tortilla shells here. Do you mean 8 inch ones or larger?
The 8 inch ones should be great!