If you’re looking to add a festive flair to your holiday snack table, these Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels are an absolute showstopper. Not only are they irresistibly cute when arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, but they also burst with fresh, creamy flavors wrapped in vibrant green spinach tortillas. Whether you’re hosting a lively Christmas party or packing a spirited lunchbox treat, these pinwheels are easy to make ahead, visually delightful, and endlessly tasty. Let me walk you through how to bring this merry snack to life!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and color. Each component adds its own magic, from the smooth ranch-spiced cream cheese to the crisp red pepper bits delivering crunch and a splash of holiday red.
- Large spinach tortillas: These provide the beautiful green canvas and healthy veggie boost for your pinwheels.
- Whipped cream cheese and ranch mix: The creamy, tangy base that keeps every bite smooth and flavorful.
- Diced red pepper: Adds sweet crunchiness alongside a festive pop of red.
- Sliced green onions: Offers a mild, fresh bite enhancing depth without overpowering.
- Thin sliced turkey: Brings a savory element that rounds out the creamy and crunchy textures.
- Pretzel sticks for trunks: A fun, edible accent that gives your tree pinwheels personality and structure.
How to Make Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread
Start by mixing the whipped cream cheese with ranch seasoning thoroughly until creamy and well combined. This mixture is what you’ll spread over the spinach tortillas to add that luscious, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Step 2: Layer the Toppings
Evenly spread the cream cheese and ranch mixture across each spinach tortilla, reaching the edges for consistent flavor. Then sprinkle diced red pepper and sliced green onions over the creamy base. Finally, layer on the thinly sliced turkey for a savory highlight. This layering creates a colorful, flavorful filling that shines through in every pinwheel slice.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Roll each tortilla tightly into a log and wrap it securely in plastic wrap. Chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 20 minutes is key—it firms up the fillings, making slicing neater and easier so your pinwheels hold their shape with precision.
Step 4: Slice and Arrange
Remove the plastic and cut the chilled rolls into roughly 1-inch thick pinwheels. Then comes the fun part—arranging them into a Christmas tree shape on a platter. Place the pinwheels in a triangle formation, layering rows to mimic a tree’s fullness. At the base, insert a pretzel stick to act as the festive tree trunk, adding both texture and charm.
How to Serve Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels
Garnishes
Spruce up your platter by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to mimic pine needles. Cherry tomato halves or pomegranate seeds scattered around the platter create the effect of vibrant ornaments, adding both color and a juicy pop that complements the creamy, savory pinwheels.
Side Dishes
Serve these pinwheels alongside a crisp winter salad or a bowl of roasted nuts to offer a satisfying contrast in texture. They pair wonderfully with small bites like cheese cubes or even bowls of warm soup, rounding out your holiday spread with cozy and fresh elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try displaying your Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels on a rustic wooden board or a festive red or green serving tray for an inviting look. You can even line the tray with parchment paper sprinkled with edible gold glitter for that extra touch of sparkle. Adding twinkle lights or a few ribbon bows around the platter area will enchant guests visually before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, wrap any leftover pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for enjoying the next day or packing in lunchboxes.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pinwheels, slice them first and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to a month. Just remember that the texture of the fresh vegetables might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains delightful.
Reheating
These pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature to maintain their delightful creaminess and crunch. If you prefer them slightly warmed, flash heat them for a few seconds in the microwave, but avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tortillas for Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels?
Absolutely! While spinach tortillas add festive color and a slight veggie flavor, you can switch it up with whole wheat or tomato basil tortillas for a different look and taste.
Is there a vegetarian option for these pinwheels?
Yes, simply omit the turkey slices and add more diced red pepper, cucumber slices, or even some shredded carrots to keep the pinwheels colorful and flavorful.
How far ahead can I prepare Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels?
You can make these pinwheels up to 24 hours before serving. Just keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and slice and arrange shortly before your event to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What other dips go well with these pinwheels?
Ranch remains a classic, but a tangy honey mustard, creamy avocado dip, or even a zesty marinara sauce can complement the flavors wonderfully and add variety to your snack table.
Can I add cheese inside the pinwheels?
Definitely! Adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled feta can enhance the richness and offer an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the turkey and veggies.
Final Thoughts
Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer through your appetizers. They combine festive presentation with delicious, wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Next time you want a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is charming, give this recipe a try—you’ll be the star of your holiday gathering without spending hours in the kitchen!
PrintChristmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels
Festive and fun Christmas-Tree Spinach Pinwheels are a perfect holiday party snack that combines creamy ranch-flavored cream cheese, colorful diced red peppers, green onions, and tender turkey slices rolled inside vibrant green spinach tortillas. These make-ahead pinwheels are sliced into bite-size rounds and arranged in a charming Christmas tree shape with a pretzel stick as the trunk, making them an adorable and delicious addition to any holiday spread or lunchbox.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels (serves 8-10) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pinwheel Ingredients
- 4 large spinach tortillas
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup diced red pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 8 oz thin sliced turkey
Decoration
- Pretzel sticks (for the tree trunks)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the whipped cream cheese with the ranch seasoning until well combined to create a flavorful spread.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread a generous layer of the ranch cream cheese over each spinach tortilla, covering the entire surface to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Add fillings: Sprinkle diced red pepper and sliced green onions evenly over the cream cheese layer, then layer the thin sliced turkey evenly on top of the vegetables.
- Roll the tortillas: Starting at one edge, tightly roll each tortilla into a log shape to keep the filling secure and hold the shape well.
- Chill the rolls: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This step firms the rolls for easier slicing and helps flavors meld.
- Slice into pinwheels: Remove the plastic and carefully slice each roll into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife for clean rounds.
- Assemble the tree: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter in a triangle or Christmas tree shape, layering them to create a festive presentation.
- Add the trunk: Insert a pretzel stick vertically at the base of the tree arrangement to serve as the tree trunk for decorative effect.
Notes
- Use whipped cream cheese for easier spreading and lighter texture.
- Chilling time can be extended up to 2 hours for firmer rolls and better slicing.
- Substitute turkey with ham or vegetarian deli slices for variation.
- These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and kept tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free spinach tortillas and gluten-free pretzel sticks.