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Easy Leftover Turkey Pinwheels: Best 15-Minute Appetizer

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These Easy Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pinwheels are the perfect 15-minute appetizer, combining leftover turkey, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, and fresh spinach in a flour tortilla. They’re a crowd-pleasing, no-cook snack ideal for game day or post-feast leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Remove from fridge 30 minutes before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Mix the cream cheese base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth. Optionally add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
  3. Prepare the tortillas: Lay tortillas flat on a cutting board. If stiff, microwave for 10-15 seconds to make pliable.
  4. Spread the cream cheese: Using a spatula or butter knife, spread an even layer of cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of each tortilla, going to the edges.
  5. Layer the fillings: Evenly distribute chopped turkey over the cream cheese. Add shredded cheese, chopped spinach, and sliced green onions. Drizzle or spread cranberry sauce on top.
  6. Roll it up tightly: Starting at one end, tightly roll the tortilla into a log, tucking in filling as you go. Keep firm but not so tight that filling squishes out.
  7. Wrap and chill: Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, twisting ends like a candy wrapper. Place on a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer).
  8. Slice the pinwheels: Unwrap rolls and place on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds using a gentle sawing motion. You should get about 8-10 pinwheels per tortilla.
  9. Arrange and serve: Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter, cut side up. Serve immediately or keep covered in the fridge. Best within 24 hours.

Notes

Don’t overfill the tortillas. Use room temperature cream cheese for easy spreading. Chilling is crucial for clean slices. For best results, make ahead and let flavors meld. Keep covered to prevent drying. If knife gets sticky, wipe with a damp paper towel between cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover turkey pinwheels, turkey pinwheels, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy appetizer, 15-minute recipe, game day snack, no-cook appetizer

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