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Easy Turkey and Cheese Pinwheel Roll-Ups for Lunchboxes

turkey and cheese pinwheel roll-ups - featured image

These easy turkey and cheese pinwheel roll-ups are perfect for lunchboxes. Made with a seasoned cream cheese spread, deli turkey, and cheese, they’re quick to assemble, hold up beautifully, and are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
  • 8 slices deli turkey
  • 4 slices provolone or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumber (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the cream cheese spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  2. Prepare your tortillas: Lay the tortillas flat on your cutting board. If they’re cold from the fridge, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable.
  3. Spread the mixture: Using a butter knife or offset spatula, spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla, going all the way to the edges.
  4. Layer the turkey: Place 2 slices of turkey flat on each tortilla, overlapping slightly, covering the entire surface in a single layer.
  5. Add the cheese: Lay 1 slice of cheese on top of the turkey. If the cheese is larger than the tortilla, tear it to fit so it sits flat.
  6. Add veggies (optional): If using, sprinkle a thin layer of shredded lettuce or bell peppers over the cheese.
  7. Roll it up tight: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the other end, keeping the filling tucked in. Roll firmly but not so tight that the filling bursts out. Press gently to seal.
  8. Wrap and chill: Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down on a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is better).
  9. Slice into pinwheels: Unwrap each roll and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off the uneven ends, then slice the rest into 1-inch rounds (about 5-6 slices per tortilla). Use a gentle sawing motion.
  10. Pack or serve: Arrange the pinwheels in a lunchbox or on a platter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pat turkey dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess. Use room temperature cream cheese for easy spreading. Chill rolls for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. For best flavor, make the night before. Freeze uncut rolls for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey pinwheels, cheese roll-ups, lunchbox ideas, easy lunch, kid-friendly, no-cook, make-ahead