Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree Recipe

ByLuna Ryder
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Introduction

These Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree are a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Bright, colorful vegetables and savory smoked turkey rolled in creamy filling create a flavorful snack that’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat.

A white round plate holds eight neatly arranged pinwheel wraps on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has four visible layers: the outermost layer is a soft, pale beige tortilla; inside, there is a thick, creamy white spread; next is a layer of light pink turkey slices folded in a spiral; and finally, a colorful mix of thinly sliced vegetables including bright orange carrots, green cucumber pieces, and small red bell pepper chunks, all sprinkled with tiny green herbs. The wraps are cut into thick rounds showing these layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 large spinach or flour tortillas, 10-inch diameter
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 7 ounces smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 pretzel sticks for tree trunk
  • Fresh parsley sprigs for tree branches
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved, for tree ornaments
  • Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star for tree topper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Lay one tortilla flat and evenly spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Place smoked turkey slices over the cream cheese, then distribute diced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, grated carrot, and chopped chives evenly on top.
  4. Step 4: Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for slicing.
  5. Step 5: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling steps with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  6. Step 6: Unwrap each roll and slice into six equal pinwheels using a sharp knife.
  7. Step 7: Place the pinwheels on a large serving platter, forming a triangular layout resembling a Christmas tree with a wide base tapering to a point.
  8. Step 8: Insert pretzel sticks at the bottom to represent the trunk. Decorate branches with parsley sprigs, use cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and position the yellow bell pepper star on top as the tree topper.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute smoked turkey with sliced roasted red peppers or marinated tofu.
  • Try using flavored cream cheese, such as herb or garlic, for extra depth of flavor.
  • Make mini pinwheels with smaller tortillas for bite-sized party snacks.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary preferences.
  • Prepare the pinwheels a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld and to save time during your gathering.

Storage

Store the pinwheels wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, slice them fresh before arranging and decorating. If refrigerated after assembling the tree, cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and consume within the same day. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows eight tortilla roll-ups arranged tightly on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll-up has three visible layers spiraled from the outside in: the soft, very light beige tortilla wraps the filling, inside which there is a thick layer of white creamy spread, followed by thin pale pink slices of deli turkey, and finally a mix of finely chopped green cucumber, bright orange shredded carrot, and small pieces of red bell pepper spread evenly throughout. Some fresh green herbs are sprinkled inside the roll-ups adding a touch of color. The cross-section of each roll shows these layers clearly in a spiral form, creating a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the pinwheels a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Slice them just before serving for the freshest appearance and best flavor.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks for the tree trunk?

If you don’t have pretzel sticks, breadsticks or carrot sticks work well as a sturdy and edible alternative for the trunk.

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Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pinwheels (serves 6-8 as appetizer) 1x
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

These festive Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree are a delightful and visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with soft tortillas spread with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, layered with smoked turkey and fresh vegetables, and arranged thoughtfully to resemble a Christmas tree, this recipe combines tasty flavors with playful presentation to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Wrap and Filling

  • 4 large spinach or flour tortillas, 10-inch diameter
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 7 ounces smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Decorations

  • 12 pretzel sticks for tree trunk
  • Fresh parsley sprigs for tree branches
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved, for tree ornaments
  • Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star for tree topper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard together until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Spread Filling on Tortilla: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture over it, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
  3. Add Layered Ingredients: Arrange smoked turkey slices over the cream cheese layer. Then sprinkle diced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, grated carrot, and chopped chives evenly over the turkey to add freshness and color.
  4. Roll and Chill: Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making slicing easier and more uniform.
  5. Repeat Filling and Rolling: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling process with the remaining tortillas and cream cheese mixture until all wraps are prepared and chilled.
  6. Slice into Pinwheels: Unwrap each chilled roll and use a sharp knife to slice it into six equal pinwheels, showcasing the colorful layers inside.
  7. Arrange Pinwheels in Tree Shape: On a large serving platter, arrange the pinwheels in a triangular layout, wider at the base and narrowing to the top, to create the shape of a Christmas tree.
  8. Assemble Tree with Garnishes: Insert pretzel sticks at the base to represent the tree trunk. Decorate the ‘branches’ with fresh parsley sprigs, use halved cherry tomatoes as ornaments, and position the yellow bell pepper star on top to complete the festive look.
  9. Serve or Store: Serve the assembled pinwheel tree immediately for best freshness, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use either spinach or plain flour tortillas depending on your preference for flavor and color.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps when mixing.
  • Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing helps maintain their shape and makes slicing easier.
  • Feel free to customize the veggies based on availability or taste, such as adding shredded lettuce or thinly sliced avocado slices.
  • The decorative toppings are edible and add flavor as well as festive appeal.
  • These pinwheels are best consumed within 24 hours when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: smoked turkey pinwheels, holiday appetizer, Christmas tree appetizer, festive finger food, no-cook party snacks

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