Spinach Pinwheels

These Spinach Pinwheels  with roasted red peppers are incredibly easy to make and perfectly festive for holiday tables. A blend of cream cheese, olives and cheddar makes for a luxuriously creamy appetizer that is loaded with flavor.

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Ingredients 

• Cream Cheese– This is the base of the spread. Neufchâtel cheese or goat cheese may be substituted for cream cheese. 
• Cheddar Cheese– Use your favorite cheddar. However, sharp cheddar cheese adds in a delicious complex flavor.
• Chopped Ripe Olives– Adds in a rich briny flavor that pairs incredibly well with the creaminess of cream cheese. 
• Salt, Garlic Powder and Worcestershire Sauce– All three of these ingredients are flavor enhancers. 
• Flour Tortillas– If possible, Homemade Flour Tortillas makes this appetizer out of this world delicious. When purchasing in the store look for burrito size tortillas. Also, use room temperature tortillas for easier rolling. 
• Spinach– Use baby spinach leaves. Not only are they pre-washed, they are also delicate enough to easily roll in these Pinwheels. 
• Roasted Red Peppers– Adds in a sweet and yet savory flavor to the Pinwheels. Note: It is very important to drain and pat dry canned peppers with paper towels.

How To Make

1. Place cream cheese on counter to soften, about 1 hour. Additionally, make sure flour tortillas are at room temperature. 
2. Drain the roasted red peppers and place on multiple layers of paper towels. Pat dry. Repeat process if peppers are still juicy.
3. Once cream cheese is soften add to a medium size mixing bowl along with garlic powder, salt and Worcestershire sauce. Beat well with a hand mixer. 
4. Add in olives and grated cheddar cheese. Beat on low just until mixed. 
5. Lay a single tortilla out flat on cutting board or countertop.
6. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese filling onto the tortilla. 
7. Place a layer of spinach on top of the cream cheese mixture and then place a layer the roasted red pepper.
8. Roll up the tortilla as tightly as possible. 
9. Place the roll tortilla into a sheet of plastic wrap and roll again.
10. Repeat with the 2 remaining tortillas.
11. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the Pinwheels to set.
12. At the end of the refrigeration time remove from plastic wrap and cut off ends of the roll.
13. Slice the tortilla roll into 3/4 inch slices and serve immediately. 

Non Soggy Pinwheels

Normally Pinwheels can be made the night before. However, because of the roasted red peppers these pinwheels are best when the two following suggestions are utilized. 

1. Drain the roasted red peppers. Also, place the individual roasted red peppers on layers of paper towels and then pat dry with additional paper towels. The peppers need to be as dry as possible before adding to the tortilla. 
2. Once the tortillas are rolled, place in the refrigerator for no more than 2 hours. This is an appetizer you make only a few hours before serving. 

Chilling Time

Most Pinwheel recipes work beautifully when made 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately because roasted red peppers tend to be on the juicer side, these Pinwheels should be chilled for no longer than 2 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these cream cheese Pinwheels be made the night before?

Unfortunately the chances of these Spinach Pinwheels leaking and possibly becoming soggy are higher due to the moisture content of the roasted red peppers. Because of this, these Pinwheels will be best when chilled only for 1-2 hours. 

How to prevent Pinwheels from falling apart?

Rolling the tortillas tight and chilling for 1-2 hours is the best way to prevent them from falling apart. 

What is the best way to soften cream cheese?

The easiest way to soften cream cheese is to place the package on the counter and let sit at room temperature until soften. This will take approximately 1 hour. To speed up the softening process here are 3 additional approaches. 

Why does the cream cheese need to be softened?

Cream cheese that is beaten while still cold will have have lumps and unfortunately the saltier ingredients will not be as evenly distributed. Although not a huge deal, this can make for more unpleasant eating. 

What can be substituted for cream cheese?

Neufchâtel cheese or goat cheese both work well as substitutes. 

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