Name: Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 burrito size flour tortillas; 1 8 oz package Genoa salami; 30 small pepperoni slices; 9 slices provolone cheese; Romaine lettuce, as needed; 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 2/3 cup roasted or sweet red peppers, chopped small (jarred); 2/3 cup banana peppers, chopped small (jarred)

There’s something truly delightful about these little bites packed with bold flavors and textures. The Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe brings juicy salami, tangy pepper spread, and soft provolone all rolled into one perfect snack. It’s a fantastic addition to any party or a quick bite when you want something satisfying yet simple.

This image shows several small pinwheel sandwiches, each with multiple layers rolled tightly together. The outer layer is pale and smooth, likely a tortilla or flatbread, wrapping around layers of white creamy spread, light green crisp lettuce, thin slices of pinkish deli meat, and small bits of red pepper. The layers create a spiral pattern with varied colors of pale beige, creamy white, green, pink, and red. The rolls are placed close together side by side on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Italian pinwheels countless times whether for a casual family lunch or hosting friends, and they always disappear in a flash. The combination of creamy, savory, and a little bit tangy pepper spread is irresistible. Plus, they’re deceptively easy to put together.

Bold, Layered Flavors: The pepper spread adds a punch, balancing the salty salami and smooth provolone for a perfect bite every time.
Quick to Assemble: With minimal prep and zero cooking time, it’s a no-fuss recipe that yields impressive results.
Perfect for Entertaining: They look fancy but are finger-food friendly and easy to serve at parties or brunch.
Customizable: You can swap out meats, cheeses, or peppers to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing the magic.

A close-up view of three small roll-up sandwiches on a white square plate, each with four visible layers: the outer layer is a soft, light beige flatbread rolled tightly; just inside is a creamy light orange spread with small red bits; then there is a bright green leafy layer adding fresh texture; and in the middle, there is a thin layer of a pinkish, slightly translucent meat. The rolls show a spiral pattern from the layers wrapped inside. The background is a white marbled surface with more stacked roll-ups blurred softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe plays a key role, from the base tortillas holding it all together to the flavorful spreads that tie it up. Let’s break down why these ingredients make this recipe a keeper:

Flat lay of a stack of three large, soft flour tortillas, thin slices of glossy red Genoa salami arranged neatly, a small pile of round pepperoni slices with a shiny, slightly oily surface, nine slices of pale yellow provolone cheese laid flat, fresh crisp romaine lettuce leaves with bright green color and ribbed texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy, off-white cream cheese, another small white bowl holding golden Italian bread crumbs, a third small white bowl with finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing finely chopped roasted red peppers with vibrant deep red tones, and a final small white bowl of finely chopped bright yellow banana peppers, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flour Tortillas: Burrito-sized tortillas give you enough surface to roll and slice, plus their softness ensures those pinwheels stay tender.
Genoa Salami: This Italian classic brings texture and rich, savory depth with a little spice.
Pepperoni Slices: Adds a slightly smoky, peppery note and pairs wonderfully with salami.
Provolone Cheese: Mild and creamy, it complements the meats without overpowering the pepper spread’s tang.
Romaine Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
Cream Cheese: The base of the pepper spread, it adds luscious creaminess and helps bind all the flavors together.
Italian Bread Crumbs: Give the pepper spread texture and a hint of savory depth.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it enhances umami in the spread.
Roasted or Sweet Red Peppers: Provide sweetness and subtle smokiness that brighten up the spread.
Banana Peppers: Bring tangy, mildly spicy notes, rounding out the flavor profile.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I really enjoy about this Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. You can switch up the charcuterie or cheeses, or swap out the roasted peppers in the spread to match what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

Variation: I sometimes swap salami for prosciutto or smoked ham when I want a different vibe, and it always turns out delicious.
Veggie-Friendly: If you want a vegetarian twist, try thinly sliced roasted vegetables instead of meat and add some sun-dried tomato paste for richness.
Spicy Kick: Toss in a little chili flakes or use spicy pepperoni for those of you who like a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Pepper Spread

Start by combining softened cream cheese, Italian bread crumbs, parmesan, chopped roasted red peppers, and banana peppers in a bowl. I like to chop the peppers super fine—sometimes I zap them in the food processor for a couple of seconds to get a smoother, more balanced spread. Mix it well until it’s creamy and evenly blended. This spread is the flavor powerhouse of the whole recipe, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 2: Spread and Layer Your Goodies

Take one of your burrito-sized tortillas and spread about a third of the pepper spread evenly over the entire surface. Don’t skimp here! Next, place three slices of provolone cheese in a row right down the center—this helps the filling stay put once you roll. Then, layer on the Genoa salami, making sure to cover the tortilla well. Follow that with a generous layer of pepperoni slices, and finally, toss some crisp romaine lettuce on top for crunch and freshness.

Step 3: Roll Tight and Chill

Roll your tortilla up tightly from one edge to the other, sealing everything inside like a tightly wrapped gift. This step is critical—if it’s too loose, the pinwheels won't hold together when sliced. Once rolled, wrap them snugly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling lets the cream cheese set, ensuring nice clean slices and perfect bite-sized pinwheels.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolls into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. Serrated knives work best here because they create clean cuts without squashing the roll. Arrange your pinwheels on a platter, and they’re ready to impress!

Top Tip

After making this Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the biggest difference between an okay snack and a wow-worthy crowd-pleaser.

Chill Time Is Key: Always refrigerate the rolled tortillas for at least an hour. This step keeps them intact and makes slicing a breeze.
Finely Chop Peppers: I use my food processor to chop the peppers finely, so the spread remains smooth and the flavors meld beautifully.
Use a Serrated Knife: This avoids squishing your pinwheels when slicing, helping them keep their pretty spiral shape.
Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pile on, but a moderate amount of each layer helps the roll to stay firm and not fall apart.

How to Serve Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving these Italian pinwheels on a wooden board with a sprinkling of fresh basil or oregano leaves for an aromatic touch. Sometimes I add a few sun-dried tomatoes or olives around the platter just for color and extra Mediterranean vibes.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad, marinated artichokes, or even some roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully with these pinwheels. For gatherings, I often add a small bowl of mixed nuts or crunchy breadsticks alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way to present these is to stand pinwheels upright in a tall, narrow glass or vase—it adds instant elegance and is great for buffets. For parties, I sometimes stack them in tiers or arrange them with colorful toothpicks to add a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge, layering parchment paper between them to keep from sticking. They stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, making them perfect for next-day snacks.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze these because the lettuce doesn’t come back crisp, but you can freeze the pepper spread alone in a sealed container for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge and reassemble fresh pinwheels when you’re ready.

Reheating

These pinwheels are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating. However, if you want them a bit softer, let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use smaller tortillas for this Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe?

You can absolutely use smaller tortillas, but keep in mind the ratio of filling to tortilla might change. Burrito-sized tortillas are recommended because they provide enough surface area to layer all the ingredients evenly and roll tightly without overstuffing.

What’s the best way to chop the peppers for the spread?

I’ve found the easiest way is to use a food processor. It quickly chops the roasted red peppers and banana peppers into small, uniform pieces that blend beautifully into the cream cheese mixture. If you don’t have one, finely chopping with a sharp knife also works well—just take your time for even pieces.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, chilling the pinwheels for at least an hour is essential to help them set so they slice neatly. You can prep them the day before your event and keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just slice right before serving.

What kind of knife works best for slicing the pinwheels?

Using a serrated knife is your best bet. It cuts through the tortilla and filling without squashing or tearing, helping you get those beautiful, clean pinwheel shapes. A regular chef’s knife might cause the roll to compress and lose its shape.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Pinwheels with Salami and Pepper Spread Recipe have become a staple in my kitchen—not just because they’re tasty, but because they bring people together over simple, fresh flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying a quiet snack, I promise these pinwheels will make you smile. Give them a try and see how easy it is to elevate your snacking game with just a few simple ingredients and a little love.