1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Spinach Pinwheels

Easy Party Roll-Ups

Featured in Delicious Appetizers.

These party-ready pinwheels combine cream cheese, fresh spinach, and sundried tomatoes rolled in flour tortillas. They're easy to make ahead and perfect for entertaining.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:28:55 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of spiral-shaped rolls filled with cream cheese and garnished with green onions, arranged on a white plate. Pin it
A close-up of spiral-shaped rolls filled with cream cheese and garnished with green onions, arranged on a white plate. | recipesim.com

My Party Perfect Pinwheels

I've been making these pinwheel roll-ups for years and they're always the first to disappear at parties. After lots of practice I've figured out all the little tricks to make them look and taste amazing. The best part is how versatile they are you can switch up the fillings based on what you're craving or what's in your fridge.

What Makes These Special

These aren't your basic sandwich roll-ups. The Italian inspired combination of mozzarella sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach creates this incredible flavor that everyone loves. The cream cheese binds everything together perfectly and helps create that beautiful spiral look.

What You'll Need

  • Large tortillas: Get the biggest ones you can find they roll better.
  • Cream cheese: Make sure it's nice and soft for easy spreading.
  • Mozzarella: Fresh grated melts into the cream cheese beautifully.
  • Filling mix: Spinach and tomatoes add such pretty color.
  • Seasonings: My Italian herb blend makes everything pop.

Let's Roll Some Pinwheels

Start with the Base
Spread that cream cheese nice and evenly not too thick not too thin.
Roll with Care
The first roll is crucial keep it tight to avoid that empty center.
Chill Time
Wrap them up and let them rest in the fridge this makes all the difference.
Slice and Serve
Cut them into pretty pinwheels and watch them disappear.
A close-up view of neatly arranged pastry rolls filled with creamy spread and herbs, on a dark plate. Pin it
A close-up view of neatly arranged pastry rolls filled with creamy spread and herbs, on a dark plate. | recipesim.com

Mix It Up

Sometimes I make them Mexican style with salsa and olives my kids love those. Pizza pinwheels are always a hit at game day parties. The spinach artichoke version reminds me of my favorite dip. When I'm in a hurry I just throw in some ranch seasoning and veggies it works every time.

Keep Them Fresh

These are definitely best enjoyed the day they're made. If you need to store them pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. I try to serve them within 24 hours that's when they're at their absolute best.

Everyone Can Enjoy

My gluten free friends love these with corn tortillas. For my vegan guests I use dairy free cream cheese and it works perfectly. You can really adapt these to suit anyone's dietary needs without losing any of the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. However, they taste best on the day they're made as the tortillas soften over time.

→ Why do I need to chill the rolls before slicing?

Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the filling set and firm up, making it easier to get clean slices without the filling squishing out.

→ Can I use different fillings?

Yes, you can substitute the sundried tomatoes with roasted red peppers, or use different cheese combinations. The basic technique stays the same.

→ Why is tortilla size important?

The 10-inch tortilla size is ideal for creating well-proportioned pinwheels. Smaller or larger tortillas may affect the look and ratio of filling to wrap.

→ How do I prevent holes in the middle of my pinwheels?

Roll the tortillas very tightly from the start, paying special attention to the first roll to avoid creating an air pocket or hole in the center.

Spinach Pinwheels

Colorful tortilla pinwheels filled with spinach, cream cheese, sundried tomatoes and Italian seasonings. Perfect finger food for parties.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Delicious Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 40 Servings (40 pinwheels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 6 cups (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach leaves or 1/2 cup defrosted frozen spinach.
02 4 burrito size 10-inch flour tortillas.
03 8 ounces cream cheese or soft goat cheese.
04 1/3 cup finely chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil or jarred roasted red peppers.
05 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
07 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Place spinach leaves in a skillet with 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until completely wilted, stirring occasionally. Cool in cold water, squeeze out liquid and finely chop.

Step 02

Chop the sundried tomatoes or bell peppers.

Step 03

Mix spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese or goat cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 04

Spread 1/3 cup filling on each tortilla and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons mozzarella cheese. Roll up tightly, being careful at the start to avoid holes.

Step 05

Refrigerate rolls in sealed container for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 06

Cut off and discard ends, then slice into 3/4-inch pinwheels.

Notes

  1. 10-inch tortillas work best for proper proportions.
  2. Can be made up to 3 days ahead but best served day of.
  3. Frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Cutting board.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 3 g