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

  1. Make Cream Cheese Pesto Spread

    In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and pesto. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Veggie Toppings

    Chop sun‑dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, and fresh spinach. Set aside in a small bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Charcuterie Toppings

    Slice pepperoni, salami, and prosciutto into thin strips; shred Swiss cheese. Mix together in a bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Ree Drummond's Pinwheels 3 Ways

Recipe by Food Network

Colorful tortilla pinwheels made in three variations—veggie, charcuterie, and spicy—using a creamy pesto‑infused spread. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun snack, these bite‑size rolls are assembled ahead of time and chilled for easy serving.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
54m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.10
Total cost
$1.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully when slicing the tortillas.
  • Handle hot peppers with gloves if skin irritation is a concern.
  • Keep cream cheese refrigerated until ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tortilla pinwheels in American party cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tortilla pinwheels in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve tortilla pinwheels in American gatherings?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are tortilla pinwheels traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheel fit into the broader American appetizer tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for tortilla pinwheels versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheel special or unique in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this tortilla pinwheel recipe use a cream cheese‑pesto spread instead of a butter or mayo base?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the three‑flavor tortilla pinwheels are done?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to American appetizer recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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