Pinwheels make the perfect appetizer to serve at your next party or take to a potluck. These pinwheel appetizers are easy to make, and you can make many flavor combinations!

If you don’t know what pinwheels are – or you might call them roll-ups – they’re swirly bites of deliciousness!

Usually, a soft tortilla or crisp puff pastry with a tasty filling is rolled up and cut into slices. However, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a twist on a regular pinwheel!

Pinwheel sandwiches allow you to deliver exciting variations on traditional sandwiches or cuisines. Think burritos, tacos, buffalo chicken, and even pizza!

Can Pinwheels Be Made Ahead of Time?

Pinwheels can be made ahead of time. It generally depends on the type of pinwheels you’re making.

Pinwheels made with flour tortillas can be prepared, stored in an airtight container and chilled until ready to serve on game day. This is a great way to save time on the day of your gathering!

Pastry pinwheels are best made on the day, so they keep their crisp texture! However, you can prepare and chill them until ready to bake.

Adding extra time for chilling your pinwheel “log” is best before cutting. This helps the filling firm up so they’re easier to slice and the filling doesn’t fall out.

What to Serve with Pinwheel Sandwiches?

Pinwheel sandwiches are commonly served as an easy appetizer.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to serve them with other light dishes that are easy to eat and complement the filling in your pinwheels.

Chicken salad, cheesy baked potato skins, stuffed bell peppers, or crunchy veg sticks are excellent options!

You could also serve them with a dip, depending on the cuisine. For example, guacamole with Mexican pinwheels or pizza sauce with Italian pinwheels!

Best Pinwheel Appetizers

You’ll find a varied selection of pinwheel appetizers below. From healthy to the more indulgent, and ideas for meat-eaters to keto to vegans, everyone can enjoy a delicious appetizer!

1. Jalapeno Popper

Source: funmoneymom.com

These tasty pinwheels have the same delicious flavors as jalapeno poppers!

Mix shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and jalapenos with cream cheese for this easy recipe.

They make a beautiful combination of textures. Spread your cream cheese spread mixture on a sheet of puff pastry, roll it, and chill.

Cut pinwheels from your chilled pastry log and bake them until crispy and golden!

2. Chicken and Bacon Tortilla Pinwheels

Source: sandraseasycooking.com

The smokiness of crunchy, salty bacon elevates the taste of this great appetizer!

Spread cream cheese on your wrap and sprinkle with ranch seasoning. Make it even more cheesy with shredded cheddar!

Finish with crunchy chopped bacon and pieces of tender chicken. Roll your wraps and cut carefully into pinwheels!

3. BLT Pinwheels

Source: funmoneymom.com

These pinwheels turn your favorite sandwich filling into a bitesize portion!

Combine cream cheese and mayo for a creamy texture that is easy to spread. Add dry ranch seasoning for flavor. Real bacon pieces deliver a crunchy texture and authentic BLT taste.

Sprinkle chopped lettuce and tomato on your cream cheese mixture. Roll your filled wraps before chilling and cutting into pinwheels!

4. Lentil Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Source: dishnthekitchen.com

These Spanish-inspired pinwheels are bursting with smoky, cheesy flavor.

Sautéed onion, garlic, hot smoked paprika, and roasted red pepper add a delicious flavor to your pinwheels. Blend them with cooked red lentils and shredded cheddar.

Spread your filling on your puff pastry sheet and sprinkle chopped dried black olives. Chill your pinwheels before cooking until golden!

5. Prosciutto Cheese Pinwheels

Source: foxeslovelemons.com

These elegant pinwheels are sweet, savory, and fruity – the perfect appetizer for the holiday season!

Your pinwheels have a sweet taste from raspberry preserves. If you can find it, cranberry preserves are also a great choice.

Layer your choice of jam, slices of salty prosciutto, and shredded cheese on your puff pastry. Carefully roll it, cut it into pinwheels, and bake until golden brown for the best appetizer!

This is one of the best party appetizers to wow your guests!

6. Pickle Roll Ups

Source: temeculablogs.com

Use flavorful salami as your outer layer of this delicious twist on savory pinwheels!

Many slices of salami deli meats add delicious flavor to these pinwheels. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on your “sheet” of salami. 

Layer crisp lettuce and sliced dill pickles on top.

Roll and carefully slice your tortilla rollups into pinwheels. Top each piece with a mini mozzarella ball for extra cheesiness and creaminess!

7. Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Source: temeculablogs.com

This easy pinwheel recipe is creamy and meaty with a hint of spice from green chilis!

Combine cream cheese with shredded chicken and cheese, taco seasoning, and Rotel. Add chopped green onions for crunch.

Spread the mixture on soft large tortillas, then roll them tightly. Chill in the fridge for the filling to firm up, then slice them into pinwheels!

8. Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry

Source: cookingcurries.com

These delicious puff pastry pinwheels are sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky with flavors of the holidays, making them the perfect finger food for holiday parties.

Spread creamy brie on your sheet of puff pastry. Sprinkle it with dried cranberries for pops of red in each pinwheel. Add chopped pecans for crunch. They also give a holiday vibe!

Roll your filled pastry, slice it into pinwheels, and bake until golden and crispy! This crowd pleaser is sure to become a party favorite!

This is one of the best fall appetizer recipes for seasonal parties!

9. Lemon and Dill Pinwheels

Source: killingthyme.net

Lemon and dill taste light and fresh in these nutritious pinwheels. They pair perfectly with meaty sardines.

Add flavor to your cream cheese with fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped cucumber, and scallions.

Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a soft tortilla and add a layer of greens. Baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix work well. Top with whole sardines before rolling tightly.

Chill your rolled tortilla before cutting it into vibrant, delicious pinwheels!

10. Salami Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Source: foxeslovelemons.com

Italian salami and creamy goat cheese are baked in golden, crispy puff pastry!

Layer thin slices of salami on a sheet of puff pastry. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and peppery arugula before rolling carefully.

Slice your puff pastry roll into pinwheels and brush with a beaten egg to produce a golden color when baking. Drizzle your crispy pinwheels with sweet honey before serving!

Check out these other easy puff pastry appetizers!

11. Mediterranean Pinwheels

Source: acedarspoon.com

Flavors of the Mediterranean come together in these delicious, vibrant pinwheels!

Use your favorite hummus for the creamy element of these pinwheels. The lemon flavor would work well! Sprinkle on chopped roasted red peppers, crunchy red onion, and crumbled feta.

Add a layer of peppery arugula and fragrant parsley for a fresh taste and extra pop of color. Roll your tortillas tightly and carefully slice them into pinwheels!

12. Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

Source: cassidyscraveablecreations.com

These keto-friendly bacon ranch pinwheels are made with deli meat as the rolling element!

Use a large piece of deli meat as your vessel for your fillings. Ham or turkey is perfect. Mix your cream cheese with onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder, and dill.

Spread the cream cheese on a slice of meat. Shredded cheddar makes it extra cheesy! Add a piece of salty bacon and one or two sliced pickle spears.

Roll your meat and let it firm up in the fridge before slicing!

13. Spinach Salmon Pinwheels

Source: lowcarb-nocarb.com

These elegant, delicious pinwheels look perfectly like a savory roulade!

Make the vivid outer layer of your pinwheels by blending eggs, spinach, and shredded cheese. You’ll need to bake it until it’s firm yet soft enough to roll.

Once it’s cooled, spread cream cheese and place slices of fresh salmon on top. Spoon a thin row of caviar onto the salmon, then roll it tightly.

Chill your roulade overnight for the filling to firm up, then slice into pinwheels. Garnish with fresh chives and lemon zest!

14. Tortilla Roll Ups

Source: currytrail.in

Tasty chicken enchiladas inspire these tortilla roll-ups!

Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. When cooked through, shred them, ready to add to your filling.

Your roll-ups have a super cheesy taste from cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and parmesan! Add flavor and crunch with green onions, celery, bacon crumbles, and enchilada sauce.

Stir your chicken into the cheese mixture and spread on warm tortillas. Roll them tightly and slice them into pinwheels!

15. Turkey Hummus Pinwheels

Source: moneywisemoms.com

These delicious pinwheels have a wonderful texture, color, and flavor combination!

Spread your favorite hummus onto soft tortillas and add slices of deli turkey. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes and crunchy chopped English cucumber on top on these turkey pinwheels.

Roll your tortillas tightly, chill briefly, then slice them into pinwheels!

16. Cucumber Cream Cheese Tuna Pinwheels

Source: littlesproutslearning.co

Cream cheese, crunchy cucumber, and flaky tuna are the main elements of these easy pinwheels!

Add a light, fresh flavor to your cream cheese with dill weed. Spread your cream cheese onto tortillas, followed by canned tuna. Sprinkle chopped cucumber all over, then roll them tightly.

Chill your tortilla roll for the filling to firm up, then cut into pinwheels!

Check out these other delicious cucumber appetizer recipes!

17. Vegan Fiesta Pinwheels

Source: thecarrotunderground.com

These fiesta pinwheels are bright with festive colors! They make the perfect vegan appetizer for your holiday celebration.

Use soft spinach tortillas for a vibrant pinwheel. Add flavor to vegan cream cheese with fresh chives, garlic powder, and sea salt. Chopped artichoke hearts and red bell pepper add crunch.

Mix your ingredients into the cream cheese until everything is well combined. Spread the cheesy mixture onto tortillas, roll tightly, and chill before slicing!

18. Taco Pinwheels

Source: pumpkinnspice.com

These delicious pinwheels combine the ingredients of a taco with a creamy cheese filling!

Combine cream cheese and sour cream with salsa and taco seasoning for the classic taco flavor! Stir in chopped red and green bell peppers for crunch. Add shredded cheddar too.

Spread your flavorful mixture on soft tortillas and roll tightly. Chill them for the filling to firm up, then slice them into pinwheels. Serve with guacamole for an even more authentic taco taste!

19. Pepperoni Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Source: littlesproutslearning.co

Use the ingredients of your favorite pizza for these tasty pepperoni cream cheese pinwheels!

Mix cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce until well combined. Spread the mixture onto soft tortillas, then arrange your pepperoni on top.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over –  a pizza wouldn’t be complete without it! Roll your tortillas tightly, chill for the filling to firm up, then slice into pinwheels before serving.

20. Healthy Tortilla Pinwheels

Source: foodmeanderings.com

These healthy tortilla pinwheels get a vibrant red color from soft tomato tortillas!

Mix tender shredded chicken with diced red pepper and red onion. They provide a ton of flavor as well as crunch!

Spread a layer of cream cheese on your tortillas, then layer the chicken mixture on top. Roll your tortillas tightly, then chill them in the fridge before cutting them into pinwheels!

21. Chicken Pinwheels

Source: savoryexperiments.com

Flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch make these pinwheels taste delicious!

Combine cream cheese with dry ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and sea salt. Mix in shredded cheddar and chicken, bacon crumbles, and chopped scallions.

Spread your filling on soft tortillas and roll them tightly. Refrigerate to let the filling firm up a little, then slice them into pinwheels!

22. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Source: savoryexperiments.com

These tasty pinwheels take another favorite meal and add a twist. In this case, you have buffalo chicken pinwheels!

Mix cream cheese with hot sauce, shredded cheese, and sea salt until well combined. Stir in shredded chicken, and add chopped scallions for crunch.

Spread your buffalo chicken cheese mixture on soft tortillas and roll them tightly to form a log. Chill the tortilla roll for the filling to firm up, then slice into pinwheels!

This is one of best finger food recipes for parties!

23. Pepperoni and Asiago Pizza Pinwheels

Source: thetwobiteclub.com

Pepperoni and asiago cheese are the delicious flavors in these easy pizza pinwheels!

Layer thin slices of pepperoni on a sheet of puff pastry. Sprinkle with shredded asiago cheese, then roll the pastry tightly into a log. Pop it in the freezer briefly to make it easier to slice.

Bake your pizza pastry pinwheels until golden and crispy. Garnish them with grated parmesan and dried oregano. Serve your pinwheels with pizza sauce for dipping!

24. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Source: juliassimplysouthern.com

These flaky puff pastry pinwheels with ham and cheese make a simple yet tasty appetizer!

Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on your puff pastry sheet for a mild kick of heat and extra flavor. Layer deli ham and soft Swiss cheese slices before rolling your pastry tightly.

Slice your pastry log into pinwheels and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle them with black sesame seeds before baking until golden brown!

25. Samosa Pinwheels

Source: someindiangirl.com

Create a twist on your favorite Indian appetizer with these crispy samosa pinwheels!

There’s a ton of flavor from Indian spices. Use cumin, asafoetida, curry powder, ginger, garam masala, and red chili powder. Mango powder, lemon juice, and sugar add a hint of sweetness.

Briefly fry your spices to bring out the delicious flavors! Mix in lightly mashed potatoes and frozen peas.

Spread your cooled mixture on a sheet of puff pastry before rolling gently. Freeze your pastry log for 15 minutes to make cutting easier. Bake your pinwheels until they’re crispy and golden brown!

26. Sausage Pinwheels

Source: fromvalskitchen.com

These crisp crescent roll pinwheels contain a tasty, cheesy sausage mixture!

Season crumbled pork sausage meat with sea salt and black pepper. Add diced red pepper for extra flavor when it’s almost cooked. Stir in shredded and cream cheese for a double cheesy taste!

Spread your cheesy sausage mixture on pieces of crescent roll dough, roll them, and freeze until firm and easy to slice. Bake your pinwheels until golden, and garnish with sliced green onions!

27. Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

Source: juliassimplysouthern.com

These delicious cheesy baked pinwheels are effortless and require only two ingredients!

Spread a layer of classic pimento cheese onto a sheet of puff pastry. Roll it up carefully and slice it into rounds. Bake your pinwheels until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbling!

28. Keto Salami Pinwheels

Source: soreyfitness.com

Keto-friendly salami pinwheels are made with just three tasty ingredients!

Place pieces of salami in a flat layer and spread cream cheese all over. Add chopped banana peppers and roll tightly, wrapping in plastic wrap.

Chill your salami roll until the cheese has firmed up, then slice into pinwheels!

29. Vegan Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels

Source: thestingyvegan.com

These Mexican-inspired pinwheels contain a rainbow of crunchy veggies and black beans!

Spread your favorite hummus on soft tortillas and sprinkle with your toppings. Creamy black beans, crunchy corn, red bell pepper, and red onion work well together.

Add jalapeno for a hint of spice and fresh cilantro for a fragrant taste. Roll your tortillas tightly, then cut them into rounds to make your pinwheels!

30. Cucumber Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Source: thefastrecipe.com

These light and fresh pinwheels are a twist on classic British cucumber afternoon tea sandwiches!

Spread cream cheese on soft tortilla wraps. Add flavor by mixing fresh chopped dill and green onions into it. Arrange thin slices of crunchy cucumber and roll your wraps tightly.

Chill your tortilla rolls for the filling to firm up, then cut them into pinwheel slices!

31. Vegan Pizza Pinwheels

Source: veeatcookbake.com

These tasty vegan pinwheels are packed with veggies and olives in golden flaky puff pastry!

Spread pizza sauce on a sheet of puff pastry and sprinkle with shredded vegan cheese. You could also use homemade vegan cheese sauce.

Scatter diced bell pepper, earthy mushrooms, and chopped black olives over the sauce and cheese. Roll the pastry tightly, cut into pinwheels, and bake until golden brown!