Ree Drummond's Pinwheels 3 Ways
Ree Drummond's Pinwheels 3 Ways is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 45 min
Cost: $17.10 total, $1.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 4 Tbsp Pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 large (10‑inch) Spinach Tortilla (soft, flexible)
- 1 large (10‑inch) Plain Flour Tortilla (standard white flour tortilla)
- 1 large (10‑inch) Jalapeño Cheddar Tortilla (spicy flavored tortilla)
- 2 Tbsp Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (chopped, oil‑packed)
- 2 Tbsp Artichoke Hearts (canned, drained and finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Black Olives (pitted and sliced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped)
- 6 slices Pepperoni (cut into small strips)
- 6 slices Salami (cut into small strips)
- 4 slices Prosciutto (torn into bite‑size pieces)
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese (shredded)
- 2 Tbsp Sweet Mini Peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbsp Hot Cherry Peppers (thinly sliced, seeds removed if less heat desired)
- 1/4 cup Arugula (fresh, loosely packed)
- 4 slices Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Make Cream Cheese Pesto Spread
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pesto. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Veggie Toppings
Chop sun‑dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, and fresh spinach. Set aside in a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Charcuterie Toppings
Slice pepperoni, salami, and prosciutto into thin strips; shred Swiss cheese. Mix together in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Spicy Toppings
Slice sweet mini peppers and hot cherry peppers thinly; shred pepper jack cheese and combine with arugula in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Spread Cream Cheese Mixture on Spinach Tortilla
Lay the spinach tortilla flat on parchment. Using the spatula, spread about one‑third of the cream cheese mixture evenly, reaching all the way to the edges.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Veggie Pinwheel
Sprinkle the prepared veggie toppings over the spread tortilla, then roll tightly from one side to the other, tucking as you go. Slice the roll into 8 equal pinwheels, seam side down on the platter.
Time: PT5M
Spread Cream Cheese Mixture on Plain Tortilla
Place the plain tortilla on a clean surface and spread the remaining one‑third of the cream cheese mixture to the edges.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Charcuterie Pinwheel
Evenly distribute the pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, and shredded Swiss cheese over the spread tortilla. Roll tightly, slice into 8 pinwheels, and place seam side down next to the veggie ones.
Time: PT5M
Spread Cream Cheese Mixture on Jalapeño Cheddar Tortilla
Lay the jalapeño cheddar tortilla flat and spread the final one‑third of the cream cheese mixture, again reaching the edges.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Spicy Pinwheel
Scatter sweet mini peppers, hot cherry peppers, arugula, and shredded pepper jack cheese over the spread tortilla. Roll tightly, slice into 8 pinwheels, and arrange on the platter.
Time: PT5M
Chill Pinwheels
Cover the platter loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set the rolls.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 4°C
Serve
Remove from the fridge, garnish with a few extra sliced peppers if desired, and serve at room temperature.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains nuts, Contains meat
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Tree nuts (pesto)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt (for lower fat)
- Instead of Pesto: Basil‑garlic sauce, spinach pesto
- Instead of Spinach Tortilla: Whole‑wheat tortilla, flour tortilla
- Instead of Plain Flour Tortilla: low‑carb tortilla, gluten‑free tortilla
- Instead of Jalapeño Cheddar Tortilla: chipotle tortilla, regular cheddar tortilla
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: regular tomatoes, diced
- Instead of Artichoke Hearts: marinated artichoke hearts, hearts of palm
- Instead of Black Olives: green olives, caper berries
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: baby kale, arugula
- Instead of Pepperoni: salami, chorizo
- Instead of Salami: prosciutto, coppa
- Instead of Prosciutto: parma ham, cured ham
- Instead of Swiss Cheese: Gruyère, Emmental
- Instead of Sweet Mini Peppers: red bell pepper strips
- Instead of Hot Cherry Peppers: jalapeño slices, crushed red pepper flakes
- Instead of Arugula: baby spinach, radicchio
- Instead of Pepper Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Butter Knife
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plastic Wrap
- Serving Platter
- Parchment Paper (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the tortilla edges to avoid dry ends.
- Roll the tortillas tightly, tucking as you go, to prevent gaps when slicing.
- Chill the assembled pinwheels before slicing for clean cuts.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use parchment paper under the tortilla for easy transfer to the platter.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the tortillas for 30 seconds in a dry skillet before spreading the mixture.
- Mix a pinch of garlic powder into the cream cheese spread for added depth.
Troubleshooting
Pinwheels fall apart when sliced
Make sure the roll is tight and chill for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Edges are dry and crumbly
Spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the tortilla edge; add a thin extra layer if needed.
Too salty from cured meats
Rinse sliced prosciutto briefly or reduce the amount of added salt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Can sit out for up to 2 hours on a party buffet.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble all three pinwheels the day before and keep wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge.
- If making ahead, place a piece of parchment between the roll and the wrap to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of tortilla pinwheels in American party cuisine?
Tortilla pinwheels are a modern American take on traditional rolled flatbreads, popularized in the 1990s as a convenient, bite‑size appetizer for potlucks and catering. Their versatility allows endless flavor combinations, making them a staple at casual gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of tortilla pinwheels in the United States?
In the Southwest, pinwheels often feature spicy salsa, black beans, and cheddar. In the Midwest, they may include ham, cheese, and dill pickles. The three‑flavor version from Food Network showcases a veggie, a charcuterie, and a spicy jalapeño cheddar style, reflecting the country’s love for variety.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve tortilla pinwheels in American gatherings?
They are typically served chilled on a platter, arranged in rows or a decorative board, and eaten with fingers. Garnishes like extra sliced peppers or fresh herbs are added for visual appeal, and they are often paired with dips such as ranch or guacamole.
What occasions or celebrations are tortilla pinwheels traditionally associated with in American culture?
Tortilla pinwheels are common at birthday parties, holiday buffets, Super Bowl gatherings, and casual brunches because they are easy to make ahead and can be customized to suit any crowd.
How does the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheel fit into the broader American appetizer tradition?
It exemplifies the American snack ethos of portability, bold flavors, and visual variety. By combining fresh vegetables, cured meats, and spicy elements, it offers something for every palate, mirroring the diverse influences that shape American cuisine.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for tortilla pinwheels versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include flour tortillas, cream cheese, and simple fillings like cheese, deli meats, or vegetables. Substitutes can be gluten‑free tortillas, dairy‑free spreads (e.g., cashew cream), or plant‑based meats for vegan versions.
What other American dishes pair well with three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels?
They pair nicely with classic dips such as guacamole, salsa, or ranch, as well as with other finger foods like buffalo wings, deviled eggs, and loaded potato skins for a complete appetizer spread.
What makes the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheel special or unique in American cuisine?
The recipe’s three distinct flavor profiles—bright veggie, savory charcuterie, and bold spicy—offer a colorful, multi‑sensory experience on a single platter, showcasing the flexibility of the tortilla as a canvas for diverse toppings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels?
Common errors include not spreading the cream cheese mixture to the edges, rolling too loosely, and slicing before the rolls have chilled. Each mistake can lead to dry ends, falling apart pinwheels, or ragged slices.
Why does this tortilla pinwheel recipe use a cream cheese‑pesto spread instead of a butter or mayo base?
The cream cheese provides a firm yet creamy base that holds the fillings together, while pesto adds herbaceous flavor without making the roll soggy. Butter would soften the tortilla, and mayo could cause slipping during slicing.
Can I make the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours ahead, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Keep them chilled until serving; they stay fresh for up to two days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels are done?
Each pinwheel should have a smooth, even outer layer of tortilla, a visible swirl of the cream cheese mixture, and colorful fillings showing through the cross‑section. The roll should be firm but not hard, indicating proper chilling.
What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary tips from professional chefs, covering everything from quick weeknight meals to elaborate holiday feasts.
How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to American appetizer recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Food Network often emphasizes high‑production value, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and variations that appeal to both home cooks and professional kitchens, whereas many smaller channels focus on single‑recipe simplicity or niche cuisines.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
