Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Turkey and cheese roll-ups are the perfect quick and easy lunch or snack for the whole family! 

Turkey and cheese sandwiches get a serious upgrade and it only takes 5 minutes and uses 5 ingredients to make! 

While I used to make these turkey and cheese roll-ups (aka turkey pinwheels)  for parties as an easy appetizer, they’ve morphed into one of my favorite snackable lunches! The presentation here really does the trick– getting even my kids on board with this easy lunch. Served them with a scoop of cucumber strawberry salad, carrot sticks, and some pretzels, and you have a perfectly snackable, filling, and healthy lunch! 

Rolling simple ingredients like deli turkey, sliced cheese, and greens into a whole-grain tortilla, then slicing them into tiny poppable pinwheels adds an extra layer of fun and keeps everything tight and together so you’re not losing bits and pieces as you eat.  Keep this easy and healthy lunchmeat roll-up recipe tucked away for a busy day, lunchbox idea, or quick, protein-packed snack! 

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Why turkey and cheese rolls ups are a great option

• Quick and easy: This basic turkey pinwheel recipe uses just 5 ingredients and really takes less than 5 minutes to put together. It’s perfect for a last-minute lunch idea or a quick and easy snack! 
• Protein-rich: With cheese, turkey, and your wrap (especially if you use a protein-enriched or whole grain wrap), one roll-up has between 25 and 35 grams of protein! 
• Great for meal prepping: Slicing the rollups into 1-inch pinwheels makes them the perfect size for meal prepping and adding to a bento box or lunchbox! They keep well for up to 2 days. 
• Totally customizable: I’ve kept this recipe simple, but you can take a peek at the variations below to see how easy it is to make these roll-ups personal to your favorite flavors or what you have on hand. 
• Kid-friendly: My kids do not get excited about turkey sandwiches or wraps, but these bite-sized roll-ups? They’re all about them!

What you need to make 

• Wrap: You can use any sort of tortilla or wrap for these turkey pinwheel sandwiches, but I love sneaking in extra fiber and protein with a high-protein or high-fiber wrap! 
• Cheese: Use any type of cheese you prefer: Swiss, cheddar, muenster, Colby, or pepperjack. They all work well. I use slices, but you can also sprinkle shredded cheese if you prefer. 
• Lunchmeat: Deli turkey, chicken, or ham all work. If you’re looking for a healthy deli meat option without nitrates, either added or from celery salt, Deitz and Watson No Salt Added Turkey Breast is a good choice! 
• Greens: Add a handful of mixed greens, kale, or spinach! 
• Cheese spread: To make everything stick together and add a burst of flavor, I like to spread a garlic herb cheese spread on the tortilla, but you can also use herb-flavored cream cheese or hummus! 

How to make roll ups with turkey and cheese

1. Prepare the tortillas: Lay the tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cheese spread on each tortilla.
2. Layer the ingredients: Place 2 slices of turkey and 2 slices of cheese in the center of each tortilla. Top with a handful of mixed greens or spinach.
3. Roll it up and slice: Beginning at one end of the tortilla, tightly roll it up, taking care to roll the ingredients into the tortilla (not letting them roll out). Slice the tightly rolled tortilla into 1 to 2-inch sections to have little pinwheels.
4. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store on a tray or plate wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to eat.

Variations

Want to make these pinwheels your own or use what you have on hand? Use these ideas for inspiration! 

• Ham and turkey pinwheels: Add a slice of ham along with the turkey.
• Turkey cream cheese wraps: Swap the cheese slices for a larger spread of plain or flavored cream cheese.
• Turkey and cheese wrap: Leave the roll-ups whole instead of slicing them into pinwheels.
• Pesto pinwheels: Swap the garlic and herb cheese spread for a layer of pesto for a fresh, herby twist. 
• Appetizer wraps with cream cheese tortilla: Spread extra cream cheese and slice into smaller sections for a party-friendly snack.
• Buffalo turkey roll-ups: Add a drizzle of buffalo hot sauce to the cream cheese and spread evenly before adding the other ingredients for a spicy kick. 
• Thanksgiving turkey pinwheels: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of deli turkey and spread cranberry sauce on the cream cheese spread for a festive, sweet, and savory flavor. 
• Vegetable pinwheels. Skip the meat and add shredded or diced carrots, onions, and peppers instead. 

Tips

• Roll the tortillas tightly, pausing every roll or so to make sure the fillings are in place. It’s easy to tightly roll the ingredients right out of the wrap if you’re not careful!
• Use a serrated knife to slice the pinwheels into 1-2 inch sections to avoid smushing the tortilla as you cut. 
• If making them ahead of time, add a layer of plastic wrap over them, then place them in an airtight container to prevent the tortilla from getting hard. 

Make ahead, freezing, and storage instructions

• Make ahead and storage: You can make these roll-ups up to 2 days before eating and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container and maybe even add a layer of plastic wrap directly over top of them to prevent them from drying out. 
• Freezing: These will not freeze well! 

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Up Recipe

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