Sandwich Pinwheels
Creamy, cheesy pinwheel sandwiches with spinach, ham, and chiles, perfect for parties or lunchboxes, offering a flavorful and colorful appetizer or snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 to 12-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 small can refried beans ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked, chopped spinach or 10 oz. frozen spinach
- 1 hard-cooked egg, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 slices boil ham or roast turkey breast ⓘ
- 10 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 8 oz. green chiles, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter a 10 x 15 x 2-inch pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt; blend well.
- Mix in melted butter, chopped green chiles, and grated cheeses.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool slightly, then spread refried beans on tortillas.
- Add chopped spinach, chopped egg, shredded Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and slices of ham or turkey.
- Roll up tortillas tightly and cut into pinwheels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute the refried beans with hummus for a different flavor profile. You can also use cream cheese instead of shredded cheese to create a creamier texture. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Consider adding diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pinwheels as a fun appetizer or snack at parties. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of Country Potatoes for a more substantial meal. For a complete spread, consider adding some dips like salsa or guacamole to enhance the flavors. They also make a great addition to a picnic or lunchbox.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their texture without making them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandwich Pinwheels contains roughly 685 calories, with 12g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels a day in advance. Roll them up and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld. Just slice them right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I substitute for the tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas or lettuce leaves for a lighter wrap. Alternatively, whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making them a healthier choice.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
To prevent cracking, warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before filling. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).