Appetizer Roast Beef Pinwheels
Introduction
Roast Beef Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer made with soft tortillas, seasoned cream cheese, tender slices of roast beef, and crisp vegetables. They are easy to prepare, perfect for parties, potlucks, and quick snacks. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort while giving you a beautiful spiral presentation.
Ingredients
Large flour tortillas or gluten-free tortillas
8 slices deli roast beef
8 oz cream cheese softened
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried chives
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup thinly sliced cucumber or bell pepper
1 cup shredded cheese or leave out to keep dairy minimal
Optional horseradish sauce for extra flavor
Instructions
In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese mayonnaise Dijon mustard garlic powder onion powder parsley chives salt and pepper until smooth.
Lay a tortilla flat on a cutting board.
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface.
Layer slices of roast beef evenly across the tortilla.
Add shredded lettuce and thin vegetable slices across the top.
Sprinkle shredded cheese if using.
Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other.
Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Remove wrap and slice into bite-size pinwheels using a sharp knife.
Serve chilled.
Methods
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smoother spreading.
Roll tightly to avoid gaps in the pinwheel spiral.
Chill before slicing to keep pinwheels from flattening.
Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts.
Add vegetables with low moisture to avoid sogginess.
Prepare a day ahead and slice right before serving.
History
Pinwheel appetizers became widely popular in the mid-20th century during cocktail party culture where easy-to-serve bite-size foods were favored. Tortilla roll-ups gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s as tortillas became a staple in American kitchens. Roast beef versions evolved from traditional deli roll-ups offering a richer savory option.
Benefits
Quick to prepare and budget friendly.
Versatile and easy to customize.
High protein from roast beef.
Perfect for parties and meal prep.
No cooking required.
Portable and easy to store.
Formation
The key to beautiful pinwheels is creating a tight spiral. Spread the filling evenly, keep layers thin, and roll slowly while pressing to maintain shape. Use chilled tortillas for flexibility and chill again before slicing.
Nutrition
Approximate per two pinwheels
Calories 120
Protein 6 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Fat 7 g
These values vary depending on tortilla type and added vegetables.
Conclusion
Roast Beef Pinwheels are simple, flavorful, and visually impressive. They work for picnics, gatherings, school snacks, and holiday parties. With customizable ingredients and minimal prep time, they are one of the most reliable appetizers you can make.
Lovers
People who love creamy appetizers deli meats party foods savory wraps meal-prep friendly snacks and handheld finger foods will especially enjoy this recipe.