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

There’s something so satisfying about a snack that’s both savory and easy to share—enter the Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe. They’re full of bold flavors rolled into bite-sized perfection, perfect for parties or quick bites when you want something a little special.

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 Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these pinwheels more times than I can count—they’re reliably delicious and endlessly crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or a last-minute appetizer, they come together super quickly and never disappoint.

Simple layering: The combination of pepperoni, salami, and cheese layered on tortilla makes assembling a breeze.
Flavor-packed spread: The creamy, tangy pepper spread ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Chill-time magic: An hour in the fridge sets them perfectly, making clean slices and neat pinwheels.
Super versatile: Great for parties, quick snacks, or even lunchbox ideas you can customize your way.

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 Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe adds a layer of flavor and texture that perfectly complements the others. The creamy spread balances the spice from the pepperoni, while the crisp lettuce adds a fresh crunch.

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-size is ideal for rolling a good amount of filling without tearing.
Genoa salami: Offers that classic Italian cured meat flavor with just the right fat content for richness.
Pepperoni slices: The spicy, smoky notes add boldness—use regular or large sizes based on your preference.
Provolone cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts just enough without overpowering the meats.
Romaine lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens each bite.
Cream cheese: Softened for the spread, it creates a luscious base that holds everything together.
Italian bread crumbs: Bring texture and a bit of Italian seasoning punch to the spread.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and savory, it boosts flavor depth.
Roasted or sweet red peppers: Jarred works great here; they add a subtle sweetness with a tender bite.
Banana peppers: Their tangy zip cuts through the richness for balance.

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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 love most about this Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your flavor preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: I’ve swapped in turkey pepperoni or even spicy soppressata to dial up or down the heat depending on the crowd.
Dietary swaps: Use gluten-free tortillas or dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor.
Seasonal twist: Try adding fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch when they’re in season.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the pepper spread

Start by combining cream cheese, Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, and banana peppers in a bowl. Mix it until it’s smooth and evenly blended. I like to give it a taste here and adjust the peppers if I want more tang. This spread is where much of the flavor magic happens.

Step 2: Layer it on the tortilla

Take one large tortilla and spread a third of your pepper spread evenly across the surface. Then place 3 slices of provolone cheese next to each other right in the center. Next, cover the tortilla with a generous layer of Genoa salami, followed by a layer of your pepperoni slices. Don’t skimp here—the layers are what make these pinwheels deliciously rich.

Step 3: Add the fresh crunch and roll tight

Top it all off with some chopped romaine lettuce for crunch and freshness. Then roll the tortilla tightly—this step is key to helping the pinwheels hold their shape. Wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for about an hour to set. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 4: Slice and serve

When chilled, use a serrated knife to slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels. The serrated edge helps you get cleaner cuts without squishing the roll. Arrange them on a platter, and you’re ready to impress!

Top Tip

From making these pinwheels time and again, I’ve learned some little tricks that really improve the final result.

Chill before slicing: I can’t stress this enough—the hour in the fridge helps the flavors meld and keeps the pinwheels from falling apart.
Serrated knife slicing: Using a serrated knife avoids squishing the roll and gets those pretty, neat pinwheels every time.
Food processor for peppers: To get the peppers really finely chopped, I toss them in my food processor—way faster and more even than chopping by hand.
Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting, but too many layers make rolling tricky and can result in splattered filling.

How to Serve Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe

Italian Pepperoni Salami - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sprinkling a bit of freshly chopped parsley or oregano adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma. Sometimes, I add a few chili flakes on the side for friends who want an extra kick.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crispy green salad, some marinated olives, or even a light pasta salad. For casual occasions, I love serving it alongside crunchy veggie sticks and a variety of dipping sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I arrange the pinwheels standing upright in a circular pattern on a wooden board, with small bowls of mustard and balsamic glaze in the center. It makes for a stunning appetizer display that gets people chatting—and diving in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pinwheels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper in between slices to prevent sticking and keep them looking fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before by wrapping the entire rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then popped it in a freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge and slice afterwards. Keep in mind, the lettuce loses its crispness, so fresh lettuce added after thawing works best if you want that crunch.

Reheating

Because these pinwheels are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I usually don’t heat leftovers. But if you want to warm them, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave works—just avoid overheating or the cheese gets rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic combination uses Genoa salami and pepperoni, you can swap in turkey pepperoni, ham, or even prosciutto depending on your taste preferences.

What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels?

Using a serrated knife is your best bet because it cuts through the layered roll cleanly without squishing it. Slice into about 1-inch thick rounds for perfect servings.

How long should I chill the pinwheels before serving?

Chilling them for at least one hour in the fridge gives the filling time to firm up and helps the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them the day before and keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge overnight. Just slice them fresh before serving to keep them neat and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pepperoni Salami Pinwheels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen simply because it turns everyday ingredients into something everyone always asks for seconds of. They’re quick, tasty, and flexible, which makes them my go-to for just about any gathering. Go ahead, make a batch—and enjoy the smiles they bring!