Spicy Italian Pinwheels

A delicious and spicy appetizer that’s easy to make. Serve these spicy Italian pinwheels up at your next party or potluck!

Are you looking for an easy, yet tasty appetizer to serve up at your next party? Look no further than these Spicy Italian Pinwheels!

They are simple to make and sure to please a crowd. Plus, they’re perfect if you’re short on time – you can even prepare them ahead of time and then slice them to serve when guests arrive.

With only a few simple ingredients, you can put these together in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion – from game day to cocktail hour.

So give this recipe a try today – your taste buds will thank you!

Tips for Making the BEST Italian Pinwheels

• If making them ahead of time, roll them up tightly and place in the fridge. Wait to slice until you are ready to serve.
• Spread the whole wrap with the cream cheese spread in an even but thick layer.
• Roll the pinwheel as tight as possible.
• Do not skip chilling the wraps, they are much easier to slice once chilled.
• Slice with a serrated knife, it produces cleaner cuts.
• If the pinwheels don’t hold together once sliced, use toothpicks to spear them together.

How to Store Leftover Italian Pinwheels

Store pinwheels in the refrigerator before and after serving, in an airtight container. That goes if you are serving them immediately or the next day, it is important that these wraps are kept chilled.

When serving, they should be left at room temperature no more than 2 hours.

About the Ingredients for Spicy Italian Wraps

Bell Pepper – You can substitute with already prepared roasted red peppers.

Pepperoncini – You can substitute with any hot peppers, (I did this time as our local grocery stores were out.) Pepperoncini will give the best, most authentic flavour though. Also known as Tuscan Peppers, sweet Italian peppers, or golden Greek peppers, they are sweet and mildly spicy.

Cream cheese – Use full fat cream cheese for the best flavour.

Seasoning – Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can substitute with a combination of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Tortillas – Use large flour tortillas.

Meat – I used a mix of pepperoni, salami, and ham but you could use any combination of deli meats that you like.

Cheese – I used provolone cheese but you could use Havarti, Monterey jack, cheddar or any other favourite cheese.

Lettuce – Butterhead lettuce has a soft texture and flavour that works well in wraps. Boston lettuce is a very good substitute.

Tomatoes – You want to use fresh vine tomatoes, or beafsteak tomatoes for the best flavour and texture.

Looking for More Party Food Recipes?

Check out more appetizer recipes that you are sure to love!

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites are a delicious appetizer perfect for any event or party! They are crisp outside but soft and tender inside.

These Cucumber Rollups with Fresh Herb Cream Cheese make for a nice substitution to the typical veggie tray at bbq’s and parties.

Slow Cooker Party Meatballs are a favourite appetizer at just about any gathering.  This is a super easy recipe you are almost sure to make over and over again!

How to Make Spicy Italian Pinwheels

Yields: 40 pinwheels | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Cook time: 10 Minutes | Chill time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Red bell peppers, diced small
• 2 Pepperoncini, diced small
• 8 oz (225 g) Cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 5 large Tortillas, 10-inch
• 20 slices Pepperoni
• 15 slices Salami
• 15 slices Ham
• 15 slices Provolone
• Butterhead Lettuce
• 2 Tomatoes

Directions:

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, and add oil.

Saute the red bell pepper and pepperoncini until softened.

Combine the peppers, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas.

Layer on pepperoni slices, salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Roll tightly, and refrigerate until cool, about 1-2 hours.

Cut into rolls before serving.