Muffuletta Pinwheels

Looking for the ultimate party appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for your secret? These Muffuletta Pinwheels take all the bold, zesty flavors of the classic New Orleans sandwich and transform them into bite-sized flavor bombs that are impossible to resist. The combination of salty meats, tangy olives, and creamy cheese creates the perfect handheld treat!

What makes these pinwheels special is how they capture the essence of muffuletta in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format. The olive salad brings that signature briny punch, while layers of premium deli meats and cheeses add richness and depth. Best of all, you can make them hours ahead of your gathering, which means less stress and more time enjoying your own party!

Ingredients

For the olive mixture:

• ⅓ cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives
• ⅓ cup finely chopped black olives
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste

For the cream cheese spread:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 pinch dried oregano
• 1 pinch garlic powder

For assembly:

• 5 (10 inch) flour tortillas
• ¼ pound thinly sliced ham
• ¼ pound thinly sliced provolone cheese
• ¼ pound thinly sliced salami
• ¼ pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. Prepare the olive mixture: Combine ⅓ cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives, ⅓ cup finely chopped black olives, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. For best flavor development, the olive mixture can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
2. Make the cream cheese spread: Place 16 ounces of softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add 1 pinch each of dried oregano and garlic powder. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to prevent lumps – if needed, microwave cold cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften.
3. Assemble the pinwheels: Lay out one flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edge (this prevents spillage when rolling). Next, spread 2 tablespoons of the olive mixture over the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
4. Layer the meats and cheeses: Place slices of ham, provolone, salami, and mozzarella in even layers across the tortilla, slightly overlapping each piece. Be sure to cover the entire surface for consistent flavor in every bite. For easiest rolling, don’t pile the ingredients too thick – a single layer of each is perfect.
5. Roll and wrap: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla up like a jelly roll, applying gentle, even pressure as you go. Once rolled, immediately wrap the roll tightly in aluminum foil to help it maintain its shape. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
6. Chill thoroughly: Place the wrapped rolls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the cream cheese to firm up, making clean slicing possible.
7. Slice and serve: When ready to serve, remove the foil and place the roll on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife (serrated works best), slice each roll at a 45-degree angle into ten 1-inch pieces. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for the cleanest presentation. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas for added fiber and a nutty flavor
• Substitute ⅓-less-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess
• Try turkey instead of ham for a lighter option with less sodium
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and omit the mozzarella/provolone for a lactose-free version (add an extra 2 tablespoons of olive mixture for moisture)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-carb tortillas (approximately 5g net carbs per tortilla versus 24g in regular tortillas)
• Increase the ratio of proteins to carbs by using 50% more meat and cheese while reducing tortilla count to 4
• Replace regular cream cheese with light cream cheese to reduce fat content by approximately 30%
• Add 1 cup of finely diced bell peppers to the filling for fiber and volume without significant carb impact
• Serve with cucumber rounds instead of crackers for a virtually zero-carb accompaniment

Pro Tips

• For cleaner slices, place the chilled rolls in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting
• Use a ruler as a guide when slicing to ensure perfectly even pieces
• For a spicier version, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped pepperoncini to the olive mixture
• Arrange ingredients so that colorful items (like red salami) are positioned to create an attractive spiral pattern when sliced
• If serving outdoors in warm weather, place serving platter on a bed of ice to keep pinwheels chilled for up to 2 hours