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Ultimate Make-Ahead Italian Sub Pinwheels with Herbed Cream Cheese

Close-up of several slices of savory Italian pinwheels filled with meats, cheese, and herbs on a wooden board.
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Make these easy Italian pinwheels featuring classic Italian sub flavors rolled into tortillas. They are perfect for parties, game day snacks, or simple lunches.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pepperoncini peppers (optional)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 10 large flour tortillas (about 10 inches each)
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced salami
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
  • 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
  • 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Stir in the chopped pepperoncini peppers and fresh basil into the cream cheese mixture. This is your herbed spread.
  3. Lay one large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges.
  4. Layer the fillings over the spread in this order: a layer of provolone cheese, followed by a layer of salami, pepperoni, and ham. If using lettuce, sprinkle a small amount over the meat layer.
  5. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a compact log. You want the roll to be firm so the pinwheels hold their shape.
  6. Wrap the rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
  7. Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow them to firm up. This step is key for clean slicing.
  8. When ready to serve, unwrap the chilled logs. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
  9. Arrange the Italian pinwheels on a party platter and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • If you skip the chilling time, the pinwheels will be difficult to slice neatly.
  • You can substitute your favorite Italian cold cuts, such as mortadella or capicola.
  • If you are making these for a lunchbox, skip the lettuce as it can become soggy upon refrigeration.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/italian-pinwheels-recipe/