Easy Turkey and Cheese Pinwheel Lunchbox Roll-Ups
These easy turkey and cheese pinwheel roll-ups are a fun, portable, and mess-free lunchbox solution. Made with a cream cheese barrier to prevent sogginess, they’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 4 servings (about 32-40 pinwheels) 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 8–10 slices deli turkey
- 4–5 slices cheddar cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
- Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a cutting board. If stiff, warm in a dry skillet for 10 seconds per side or microwave for 5 seconds.
- Spread an even, thin layer of cream cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla, going all the way to the edges. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper.
- If using, spread a very thin layer of mayonnaise over the cream cheese.
- Place slices of deli turkey over the cream cheese, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface. Use about 8-10 slices per tortilla.
- Place sliced cheddar cheese over the turkey in a single, even layer.
- Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla as tightly as possible, using fingers to tuck and hold the filling.
- Tightly wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Place on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- After chilling, unwrap the roll. Using a sharp serrated or chef’s knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a gentle sawing motion.
- For lunchboxes, insert a toothpick through the center of each pinwheel to keep them from unrolling (optional).
Notes
The cream cheese must be softened to room temperature to spread easily without tearing the tortilla. Do not skip the 30-minute chill time; it firms up the cream cheese and makes slicing much easier. For best results, use a serrated knife to slice the rolls. If adding vegetables, pat them completely dry to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Un-sliced rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 pinwheels
- Calories: 180220
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 400500
- Fat: 1012
- Saturated Fat: 57
- Carbohydrates: 1518
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 1215
Keywords: turkey and cheese pinwheels, lunchbox roll-ups, easy lunch, kid-friendly lunch, make-ahead lunch, pinwheel sandwiches