Name: Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup cream cheese, softened; ½ cup whole‑berry cranberry sauce; 4 (10 inch) flour tortillas; 12 oz thinly sliced roast turkey; 4 oz thinly sliced Swiss cheese, chopped; 2 oz thinly sliced Granny Smith apple (optional garnish)

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Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels are one of my favorite make-ahead appetizers. They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even quick lunches. With a delightful mix of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce all wrapped in a soft tortilla, every bite offers a delicious balance of flavors. Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these pinwheels are to assemble and how well they store in the fridge. The flavor combination is classic and satisfying, especially around the holidays when cranberry and turkey are already household staples. These little roll-ups are also super portable and crowd-friendly, making them ideal for entertaining. Best of all, I can prepare them in advance and just slice them when it’s time to serve.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Flour tortillas (large, soft ones work best)
Cream cheese, softened
Sliced deli turkey (I like using oven-roasted)
Whole berry cranberry sauce
Baby spinach or romaine lettuce (optional, for some crunch)

Directions

I start by spreading a generous layer of cream cheese over each tortilla, all the way to the edges.
Then, I spread a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
I lay down a few slices of turkey, covering the surface but not overlapping too much.
If I’m adding greens, I place a handful of baby spinach or lettuce over the turkey.
I tightly roll the tortilla up into a log, being careful not to squeeze out the filling.
I wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Once chilled, I slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange them on a platter for serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically makes about 24 pinwheels (serves 6–8 people). It takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill before slicing and serving.

Variations

I sometimes swap the turkey for chicken breast when I want something different. For an extra burst of flavor, I’ve added chopped walnuts or pecans to the cranberry layer. If I want a tangier taste, I mix a little Dijon mustard into the cream cheese before spreading it. For those who like heat, a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños adds a fun kick.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend reheating them since they’re meant to be served cold, but I do freshen them up by letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels?

I usually make them up to 24 hours in advance. They store well in the fridge and actually slice better after they’ve chilled.

Can I freeze these pinwheels?

I don’t recommend freezing them. The texture of the tortilla and filling changes after thawing and becomes soggy.

What kind of cranberry sauce should I use?

I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for texture, but jellied cranberry sauce works too if I want a smoother spread.

Are they suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re a hit with kids, especially if I skip the greens or use a milder cheese spread.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Absolutely. I’ve used garlic herb and even cranberry-flavored cream cheese for an extra punch of flavor.

Conclusion

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels are a festive, flavorful snack that I can whip up quickly and easily. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or packing a lunch, these pinwheels are always a winning choice. They combine seasonal flavors with creamy texture and a satisfying bite, making them a staple on my holiday menu.