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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Italian Sub Pinwheels with Pesto Cream Cheese

Close-up of three thick slices of savory italian pinwheels filled with cold cuts, cheese, and pesto.
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Make these easy Italian pinwheels filled with deli meats, cheese, and a zesty pesto cream cheese spread. They are perfect party finger food and simple make ahead appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoncini peppers
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced ham
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced salami
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, basil pesto, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pepperoncini peppers into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Layer one-quarter of the provolone cheese, ham, salami, and pepperoni evenly over the cream cheese spread. If using, sprinkle a light layer of shredded lettuce over the meat.
  5. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a compact log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  7. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow them to firm up for easy slicing. This step is key for make ahead appetizers.
  8. When ready to serve, unwrap the logs and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
  9. Arrange the Italian pinwheels on a serving platter and serve immediately as party finger food or quick lunch ideas.

Notes

  • For the best results when slicing, use a serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts.
  • If you do not have pepperoncini, you can substitute with finely chopped black olives for a different savory flavor.
  • These savory tortilla roll ups freeze well if wrapped tightly before slicing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/italian-pinwheels-recipe-easy-appetizer/