Turkey And Cheese Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground
- 4 pieces flour tortillas – 10-inch size
- 8 ounces sliced deli turkey – thinly sliced
- 4 ounces sliced cheddar cheese – cut into pieces to fit tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups romaine lettuce – shredded
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper – finely diced (~0.5 medium red bell peppers)
Instructions
- 1.
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 2.
Beat the mixture with a spoon or spatula until smooth and well combined.
- 3.
Lay one flour tortilla flat on a cutting board.
- 4.
Spread about one quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a 0.5-inch border around the edges.
- 5.
Arrange one quarter of the sliced deli turkey over the cream cheese in an even layer.
- 6.
Place sliced cheddar cheese pieces over the turkey to cover most of the surface in a single layer.
- 7.
Sprinkle one quarter of the shredded romaine lettuce evenly over the cheese.
- 8.
Sprinkle one quarter of the diced red bell pepper evenly over the lettuce.
- 9.
Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla up tightly into a snug log, keeping the filling inside as you go.
- 10.
Place the roll seam-side down on a tray or plate.
- 11.
Repeat steps 3 through 10 with the remaining tortillas and fillings to make four rolls.
- 12.
Transfer the tray of rolls to the refrigerator and chill for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up for cleaner slicing.
- 13.
Place one chilled roll on the cutting board and trim a thin slice from each end to neaten if desired.
- 14.
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the roll into 4 equal pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- 15.
Arrange the roll ups cut-side up on a serving plate.
- 16.
Repeat steps 13 through 15 with the remaining rolls.
- 17.
Serve the turkey and cheese roll ups chilled or at cool room temperature within 2 hours of assembling.
Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups are bite-sized, pinwheel-style snacks made by layering seasoned spread, deli turkey, cheese, and crisp vegetables on soft tortillas, then rolling and slicing them into tidy rounds. They offer a satisfying contrast of textures, with creamy filling, tender meat, and a fresh crunch from lettuce and peppers wrapped in a soft tortilla. Their mild, familiar flavors make them especially appealing for parties, lunchboxes, and casual gatherings where finger foods are preferred.
Historically, roll-up or pinwheel sandwiches grew out of American sandwich culture in the mid-20th century, as tortillas and flatbreads became more common in mainstream supermarkets. Adapted from both traditional sandwiches and Mexican flour tortilla wraps, these bite-sized versions appeared in potluck cookbooks and deli counters as convenient, make-ahead options. Turkey and cheese emerged as a popular filling combination because of its broad appeal and compatibility with simple cream cheese spreads, becoming a staple in family-friendly entertaining and school lunch menus across the United States.