Whether it's a family potluck, a quick lunch idea, or something fun to serve on the weekend, these homemade Turkey Pinwheels are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re creamy, a little bit spicy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Plus, they come together so easily, perfect for a last-minute appetizer.

I’ve been making these turkey and cheese pinwheels on repeat lately, something about the combo of jalapeño and cream cheese has hits the spot. The last time we had a family game night, I made a double batch, and they were gone so fast. I like to prep them ahead, pop them in the fridge, and slice just before serving. They make the perfect grab-and-go bite and are always a hit with both kids and adults.
If you're as into pinwheels as we are, you’ll definitely want to check out my Ham and Cheese Pinwheels and Pepperoni Pinwheels too. They’re just as easy and just as tasty!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it's softened so it mixes easily. Full fat gives the best texture, but light cream cheese works too.
- Jalapeños: Freshly diced is the way to go if you want a bold flavor. You can substitute with canned and diced jalapeños if needed. Just keep in mind it is easier to control the spice level when using fresh jalapeños.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded using the largest holes on your box grater for thick shreds of cheese. Other cheeses like Monterey jack, Colby or Pepperjack can be substituted.
- Spices: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper adds great flavor.
- Deli Turkey: Use your favorite sliced turkey. Smoked or oven-roasted work well here.
- Tortillas: Large burrito-sized tortillas give you plenty of room to spread, roll, and slice.
How To Make Turkey Pinwheels
This quick and easy appetizer comes together in just a few steps. Make them ahead for the easiest party prep ever!
STEP 1
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
STEP 2
Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each of the tortillas, going all the way to the edges of the tortillas.
STEP 3
Lay three slices of the deli turkey over half of each tortilla. Tightly roll each tortilla up. Using a serrated knife, slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve. Enjoy!
Tip: If your pinwheels aren’t holding their shape when sliced, pop them in the fridge for about an hour before cutting—this helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier.
Prepping Tip
You can prep the turkey pinwheels the night before you plan on serving them. Simply slice and serve them the next day. I would not prep them more than one day in advance or they will get soggy.
Storage Tip
Turkey and cheese pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. After two days the tortillas begin to get a little soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Large burrito sized flour tortillas work the best for making pinwheels.
When serving with other finger foods I try to aim for 4-6 pinwheels per person.
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📖 Recipe
Turkey Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup jalapeños seeded and diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 12 slices deli turkey
- 3 large flour tortillas 10-inch burrito sized
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on each of the tortillas, going all the way to the edges of the tortillas.
- Lay three slices of the deli turkey over half of each tortilla. Tightly roll each tortilla up, starting with the end with the deli turkey. Using a serrated knife, slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Freshly diced is the way to go if you want a bold flavor. You can substitute with canned and diced jalapeños if needed. Just keep in mind it is easier to control the spice level when using fresh jalapeños.
- You can prep the turkey pinwheels the night before you plan on serving them. Simply slice and serve them the next day. I would not prep them more than one day in advance or they will get soggy.
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