Skip to content
Forkin
AppetizerSnack

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
Download the app
Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Luncheon Meat Pinwheels

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

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. 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. 2

    Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface.

    About 1 min

  3. 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. 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. 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. 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. 7

    Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal and compact the roll.

    About 1 min

  8. 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. 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. 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

Storage

Store pinwheels in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Gougeresappetizer

    Gougeres

    These savory French cheese puffs are made from choux pastry mixed with Gruyere cheese. They are light, airy, and perfect as an appetizer or alongside soup.

    50 min 274 kcal
  • Hungarian Tarhonya (Egg Barley)side dish

    Hungarian Tarhonya (Egg Barley)

    Tarhonya is a traditional Hungarian egg pasta, often referred to as egg barley due to its small, irregular shape. This simple preparation involves toasting the pasta until golden, then simmering it in vegetable broth until tender and fluffy. It makes a versatile and comforting side dish.

    25 min
  • Jinga Curry (Shrimp Curry)main course

    Jinga Curry (Shrimp Curry)

    This simple and flavorful shrimp curry features a creamy tomato and yogurt base, seasoned with classic Indian spices. It comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

    35 min 303 kcal
  • Omelette aux Fines Herbesbreakfast

    Omelette aux Fines Herbes

    A classic French omelette, delicately cooked to a soft, custardy interior with a beautifully golden exterior. Infused with a blend of fresh herbs, it's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for breakfast or a light meal.

    8 min 352 kcal
  • Greek Salad (Horiatiki)lunch

    Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

    Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Horiatiki salad, a refreshing medley of crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of creamy feta cheese. Drizzled with robust extra virgin olive oil and fragrant oregano, this simple yet elegant salad is a perfect light meal or a bright accompaniment to any Mediterranean feast.

    15 min 298 kcal
  • Meggyes Pite (Sour Cherry Pie)dessert

    Meggyes Pite (Sour Cherry Pie)

    This traditional Hungarian sour cherry pie features a rich, crumbly dough that encases a juicy, tart cherry filling. It's a delightful balance of sweet and sour, perfect for a vegan treat.

    1 hr 15 min 473 kcal
  • Border Mixsnack

    Border Mix

    A crunchy, savory snack mix featuring corn cereal, potato sticks, peanuts, and crispy onions, all tossed in a zesty taco-spiced butter. This simple baked treat is perfect for parties or as an anytime snack, delivering a satisfying crunch with a Tex-Mex flavor kick.

    1 hr