These tortilla roll-ups are a favorite Midwest appetizer. They are easy to make, versatile, and delicious. Also called ham and cheese pinwheels, these gems are perfect for the holidays or any party all year round.
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What Are These Tortilla Roll Ups
Tortilla roll-ups, also known as Ham and Cheese Pinwheels or Ham And Cheese roll-ups, are a delicious appetizer that is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick snack. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them a favorite among busy people.
The combination of soft flour tortillas, creamy cheese mixture, savory ham, and the added crunch of green onions and olives create the perfect flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a fun recipe to make with kids, these pinwheels are sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed
- Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable flour tortillas are the perfect base for these roll-ups, as they roll out easily without breaking.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the foundation of the filling.
- Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip: This ingredient adds tanginess to the cream cheese.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh, sharp flavor. You can also use diced red onions or shallots.
- Black Olives: Chopped black olives add a salty, briny flavor and a bit of texture.
- Ham: Sliced, pressed, and cooked ham is perfect for the roll-ups.
- Garlic Powder (optional): Adds a subtle hint of garlic to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Variations of the Recipe
- Turkey and Cranberry: For a Thanksgiving-inspired twist, replace the ham with sliced turkey and add a layer of cranberry sauce.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add a variety of finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Italian: Use prosciutto instead of ham, and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Southwestern: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and a bit of salsa into the cream cheese mixture.
- Greek: Swap out the ham for thinly sliced gyro meat or roasted chicken and add crumbled feta cheese, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
How to Make These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients: Remove the flour tortillas from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. This will make them easier to roll.
Step 2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, or Miracle Whip, chopped green onions, chopped black olives, and garlic powder if using.
Step 3. Spread the Filling: Lay out each tortilla and evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over its surface.
Step 4. Add the Ham: Arrange slices of ham over the cream cheese mixture, covering the entire tortilla.
Step 5. Roll the Tortillas: Tightly roll up each tortilla, making sure to keep the roll tight to prevent it from unraveling.
Step 6. Chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the roll-ups to firm up.
Slice and Serve: To serve, remove the plastic wrap and cut each roll into ¾-inch slices.
Expert Tips
- Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened to make it easier to spread and to avoid tearing the tortillas.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the tortillas as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling to ensure neat, uniform pinwheels.
- Chilling Time: Do not skip the chilling step, as it helps the roll-ups set and easier to slice.
How to Serve Them
Tortilla Roll-Ups are best served chilled. Arrange them on a platter in a single layer to showcase their pinwheel design. They make a great addition to any appetizer spread and pair well with a variety of dips, such as ranch dressing, salsa, or a spicy mustard sauce. These pinwheels are perfect for parties, lunches, or as a snack for any occasion.
How to Store These Tortilla Roll-Ups (Ham And Cheese Pinwheels)
To store leftover pinwheels, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you need to prepare them in advance, it's best to keep the rolled tortillas whole and slice them just before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the tortillas and filling may be compromised upon thawing.
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📖 Recipe
Tortilla Roll Ups (Ham And Cheese Pinwheels)
Ingredients
- 1 package of 8 flour tortillas 8-inch size
- 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 4 green onions chopped
- ¼ cup black olives chopped
- 1 pound ham sliced, pressed, cooked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Remove tortillas from the refrigerator.
- Combine cream cheese, mayo, green onions, chopped olives and garlic powder.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture on each tortilla.
- Arrange slices of ham over cheese.
- Tightly roll up the tortilla.
- Wrap each tortilla individually in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- To serve, cut into ¾-inch slices.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing it and spreading it on the tortillas.
- Tortillas: Roll them tightly to ensure they hold their shape when sliced.
- Chilling Time: Chilling the roll-ups for at least 3 hours is crucial for them to firm up and for the flavors to meld together.
- Optional Garlic Powder: Add garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing.
- Turkey and Cranberry: Replace ham with sliced turkey and add a layer of cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add a variety of finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Italian: Use prosciutto instead of ham and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Southwestern: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and a bit of salsa into the cream cheese mixture.
- Greek: Swap out the ham for thinly sliced gyro meat and add crumbled feta cheese, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Gigi says
I love this recipe so much. I always have these ingredients in my fridge to make the roll ups for a fast lunch. They’re also great to put in the kids’ lunch box. Yummy!