Save it
Turkey spirals have become my favorite fix for quick lunches and party snacks. These vibrant pinwheels packed with smooth cheese, crunchy lettuce and flavorful turkey always get snatched up fast when I serve them. They're also incredibly easy to tweak so everyone from fussy little ones to grown-ups with refined tastes can find something they'll enjoy.
Ideal for Any Crowd
These wraps have turned into my lunchtime savior. They're so simple to adjust that everyone gets just what they're craving. My little ones enjoy choosing their own fillings, and they always look fantastic laid out on a serving dish for get-togethers. I make them for everything from school lunches to hosting my reading group, and these adaptable rolls never let me down.
What You'll Need
- 8 oz cream cheese: Left out for 30 minutes to soften. Try plain or go for something with extra flavor like herb and veggie.
- 1 pound deli turkey: Ask for it sliced thin at the deli to make rolling easier.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Pick medium or sharp, and cut each piece in half the long way.
- 8 large flour tortillas: Make sure they're not cold for better folding. The 10-inch ones work best.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce: Go with iceberg or romaine, but pat it dry first so your wraps don't get mushy.
- 3 green onions: Chopped small, using both white and green sections.
- 1 teaspoon each: Salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to mix with the cream cheese.
Easy Preparation Steps
- Mix Your Base
- Blend the soft cream cheese with chopped green onions, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder until it's totally smooth with no lumps.
- Create Your Foundation
- Smear roughly 2 tablespoons of your cream cheese mix over each tortilla, but leave a small strip bare on one side to help seal it.
- Add Your Fillings
- Put down a layer of lettuce, 2-3 slices of turkey, and half a slice of cheddar on each tortilla. Spread everything out evenly, staying about an inch from the edges.
- Wrap It Up
- Begin from the filled side and roll the tortilla firmly, keeping the stuffing tucked in as you go. Use that bare edge with a bit of cream cheese to seal it. Wrap in plastic if you're saving them for later.
- Slice And Serve
- With a good knife, cut each roll into 6-8 even chunks. Stick toothpicks in if needed and arrange them nicely on your plate.
Pro Suggestions
- Don't rush softening your cream cheese in the microwave, let it sit out naturally for the best texture.
- Make your rolls as tight as you can without breaking the tortilla for clean-looking slices.
- Try adding things like thin cucumber, avocado slices or colorful peppers.
- For parties, stick toothpicks in your pieces so they don't fall apart.
- Buy sliced cheese instead of shredded for better structure in your wraps.
Keeping and Planning Ahead
Keep your finished spirals in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Put wax paper between layers so they don't stick together. For the best results, wrap each whole roll tightly in plastic before you slice it. They're perfect for prepping meals for the week or getting party food ready ahead of time.
Save it
Common Questions
- → Why cover tortilla with cream cheese?
Cream cheese works like an adhesive, holding the wraps together securely. An even layer keeps them neat.
- → What’s the storage time for these?
In a sealed container, they'll stay fresh about 4 days. This keeps the spread from drying or cracking.
- → Can these rolls be made at night?
Sure! They’re great for prepping the night before. The cream cheese keeps tortillas from softening too much.
- → Why roll from one side first?
It makes it easier to get an even wrap and helps fillings stay put. Keep ingredients slightly away from the edge for smoother rolling.
- → Can I swap the deli meats or cheeses?
Of course! Try different deli meats or cheeses—just keep the amounts consistent for nice wraps.