Save to Pinterest A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape–perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer always delights my guests and adds a festive touch to any party.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): Soft tortillas used as the base for the pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Provides creamy texture and flavor
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds tangy sharpness
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Primary protein ingredient
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Provides freshness and crunch
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Adds color and sweetness
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Adds mild onion flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: For seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Used to form the base of the tree
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): For decoration
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Adds color and festivity
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Decorative 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 to Pinterest This recipe is a holiday favorite for our family's gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
Notes
Add thin slices of cheese for extra richness or omit turkey for a vegetarian version by adding roasted vegetables.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula or butter knife, chefs knife, cutting board, plastic wrap, and large platter are needed to prepare and assemble.
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.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer is sure to impress, offering a tasty, beautiful addition to your holiday spread.
Common Questions
- → How can I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Chilling the rolled tortillas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes firms them up, making slicing easier and helping them hold their shape when served.
- → Can smoked turkey be substituted with other meats?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef work well in this dish, offering different flavors while maintaining the texture and presentation.
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Spinach or flour tortillas are ideal for flexibility and subtle flavor, but whole-wheat tortillas add extra fiber and can be used as an alternative.
- → How do I assemble the tree structure?
Arrange the pinwheel slices in a wide base narrowing to a point, insert pretzel sticks as the trunk, and decorate with parsley sprigs, cherry tomatoes, and a pepper star on top.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, pinwheels can be rolled, sliced, and assembled several hours ahead. Keep refrigerated and cover to preserve freshness before serving.