Luncheon Meat Pinwheels
A classic no-cook appetizer featuring deli meats rolled with a savory cream cheese filling. These pinwheels are easy to prepare ahead of time and are perfect for parties or a quick snack.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 172 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
filling
- 115 gcream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tbspfresh chives, finely chopped
- 0.25 tspgarlic powder
- 1 pinchblack pepper, freshly ground
Ingredients
- 100 gsliced ham, thinly sliced
- 100 gsliced turkey, thinly sliced
- 4 pcssweet gherkin, drained(optional)
Equipment
plastic wrap · spatula · mixing bowl · cutting board · knife
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, and black pepper.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Make sure the cream cheese is fully at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly without lumps.
- 2
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface.
About 1 min
- 3
Arrange the slices of ham and turkey on the plastic wrap, overlapping them slightly to form a solid rectangle approximately 20x25cm (8x10 inches).
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Alternating the types of meat can create a more visually interesting pattern in the final pinwheels.
- 4
Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the meat, leaving a small 1cm (1/2-inch) border along the far long edge.
About 3 min
- 5
If using, place the sweet gherkins in a single line along the long edge closest to you.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can also use pitted olives or a strip of bell pepper for a different flavor and color.
- 6
Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the meat into a log, using the plastic wrap to help guide and tighten the roll.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: A tight roll is key to ensuring the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced.
- 7
Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal and compact the roll.
About 1 min
- 8
Chill the log in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until firm.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling is crucial for clean slices; you can chill it for up to 24 hours before serving.
- 9
Unwrap the chilled log and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1cm (1/2-inch) thick rounds.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Wipe the knife clean between slices if cream cheese begins to build up.
- 10
Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 171.6kcal
- Protein
- 12.5g
- Carbs
- 4.1g
- Fat
- 11.6g
- Fibre
- 0.2g
- Sugar
- 3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store pinwheels in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.