Turkey Club Pinwheels are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any time you need an easy appetizer that actually tastes good. These cold pinwheel roll ups take just 20 minutes to prep and can be made ahead, which means less stress when you’re hosting.
Turkey Club Pinwheels
What I love most is how they combine all the flavors of a classic turkey club sandwich in one bite-sized package. The cream cheese spread keeps everything moist and adds a richness that balances the salty bacon and turkey perfectly. Plus, you can make them the night before and just slice when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients & Equipment
You’ll need these ingredients to make Turkey Club Pinwheels:
- Large flour tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Thin sliced turkey
- Bacon pieces
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped lettuce
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Butter knife
- Plastic wrap
- Cutting board
- Serrated knife
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 24 servings. It takes 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of chill time.
Step 1. Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Divide and spread the mixture between the 4 tortillas.
Step 2. Sprinkle each tortilla with cheese, then bacon pieces, and then lettuce. Top with turkey slices.
Step 3. Tightly roll each tortilla into itself, until you meet the other end. Wrap in plastic wrap.
Step 4. Chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Step 5. Once ready to serve, unwrap and use the serrated knife to cut the ends off, then into 6 one inch pieces.
Step 6. Arrange on a platter to serve.
Variations
- Ranch Turkey Pinwheels: Replace the mayonnaise with ranch dressing and add diced tomatoes for extra flavor
- Spicy Version: Mix in a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce with the cream cheese spread and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
- Italian Style: Swap turkey for salami or pepperoni, use Italian seasoning in the cream cheese, and add chopped pepperoncini
- Veggie Loaded: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots alongside the lettuce for more crunch
- Spinach Wraps: Use spinach tortillas for a pop of color and slightly different flavor
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want them to stay extra fresh, keep them wrapped in the plastic wrap until you’re ready to eat them. You can also store the unsliced wrapped rolls for up to 24 hours before cutting, which actually helps them hold together better.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing or it won’t spread easily across the tortillas
- Don’t overfill the tortillas or they’ll be difficult to roll and the filling will squeeze out the sides
- Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible without tearing them so the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced
- Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, professional-looking slices
- Chill the wrapped rolls for at least an hour before cutting so they’re easier to slice and the flavors have time to blend together
- If you’re making these ahead for a party, you can prep them the night before and slice them right before guests arrive
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these the day before a party?
Yes! These pinwheels are actually better when made ahead. Wrap the unsliced rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice them right before serving for the freshest presentation.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
Absolutely. Whole wheat, spinach, tomato basil, or even low-carb tortillas all work well. Just make sure they’re the large burrito-size tortillas so you get a good amount of filling in each pinwheel.
What if I don’t have bacon pieces?
You can cook and crumble regular bacon, use turkey bacon, or skip it entirely. The pinwheels will still taste great with just the turkey, cheese, and lettuce.
How do I keep the lettuce from making the tortillas soggy?
Pat the chopped lettuce dry with paper towels before adding it to the tortillas. Also, make sure you’re using a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture as a barrier between the tortilla and the wet ingredients.
Can these be frozen?
I don’t recommend freezing these because the lettuce and cream cheese don’t freeze well. The texture changes once thawed and they become watery. It’s best to make them fresh or up to a day ahead.
How many pinwheels will one tortilla make?
Each large tortilla will give you 6 pinwheels, so 4 tortillas make 24 total servings. If you need more, just double the recipe.
More Easy Pinwheel Recipes
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 9 oz thin sliced turkey
- 3.5 oz bag bacon pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup chopped lettuce
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Divide and spread the mixture between the 4 tortillas.
- Sprinkle each tortilla with cheese, then bacon pieces, then lettuce. Top with turkey slices.
- Tightly roll each tortilla into itself, until you meet the other end. Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
- Once ready to serve, unwrap and use the serrated knife to cut the ends off, then into 6 one inch pieces.
- Arrange on a platter to serve.
Notes
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