Save to Pinterest I threw these together one afternoon when unexpected guests showed up and my fridge looked bare. All I had was leftover deli turkey, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and some tortillas about to go stale. Twenty minutes later, everyone was asking for the recipe. Sometimes the best dishes come from necessity, not planning.
My sister grabbed three of these off the plate before I could even set them down, then texted me two days later asking how to make them. Shes the type who usually orders takeout, so that felt like a win. I started keeping the ingredients stocked just so I could whip up a batch whenever someone drops by.
Ingredients
- Deli turkey breast: Go for the thicker slices if you can, they hold up better when rolling and dont tear as easily.
- Flour tortillas or gluten-free wraps: I like the burrito-size ones because they give you more surface area to work with and roll tighter.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes before you start, cold cream cheese will rip your tortilla every time.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Drain them well and give them a rough chop, big chunks make rolling awkward.
- Fresh basil leaves: Tear them with your hands instead of chopping if you want a more rustic look and slightly better flavor.
- Baby spinach leaves: Pat them dry with a towel, wet greens make everything soggy within an hour.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The real stuff tastes better, but the pre-grated works fine if youre in a rush.
- Dried oregano: A little goes a long way, half a teaspoon is all you need to get that Italian vibe.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Crack it fresh right into the mix, it makes a difference you can actually taste.
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Stir together the softened cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl until everything is evenly blended. It should look like a thick, flecked spread.
- Prep the tortilla:
- Lay one tortilla flat and spread a quarter of the cream cheese mixture across it, leaving about a centimeter around the edges so it doesnt ooze out when you roll. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Layer the turkey:
- Place two slices of turkey over the cream cheese, overlapping them slightly if needed. Try to cover most of the surface without doubling up too much.
- Add the greens:
- Scatter a handful of baby spinach leaves on top of the turkey. Dont pile them too high or the roll wont stay tight.
- Roll it up:
- Starting from one edge, roll the tortilla as tightly as you can without tearing it. Press gently as you go to seal everything together.
- Slice and serve:
- Trim off the messy ends, then slice the roll into three or four pieces. Lay them flat on a plate so the spiral shows.
Save to Pinterest I brought these to a potluck once and they disappeared before the main course even came out. Someone asked if I catered, and I didnt have the heart to tell them it took me 15 minutes while my coffee was brewing. Now theyre my go-to whenever I need to look like I have my life together.
Storing and Making Ahead
You can roll these up in the morning, wrap them tightly in plastic, and slice them right before serving. They hold up in the fridge for about four hours before the tortilla starts to get a little soft. If youre making them the night before, keep them whole and slice them fresh, it makes a difference in texture.
Flavor Variations
Swap the spinach for arugula if you want a peppery bite, or toss in some roasted red peppers for extra sweetness. I once added sliced black olives because I had a jar open and it gave them a briny kick that worked really well. You can also use hummus instead of cream cheese if you want to skip the dairy.
Serving Suggestions
These work as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a snack when youre too lazy to cook. I like pairing them with a handful of cherry tomatoes or some cucumber slices on the side. They also travel well, so theyre great for picnics or road trips.
- Serve them cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature.
- Stick a toothpick in each piece if youre setting them out for a party.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or just sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
Save to Pinterest Once you make these a couple of times, youll start tweaking them without thinking. Theyre one of those recipes that feels like yours, not something you just followed from a list.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of wrap?
Yes, substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free wraps for added nutrition or dietary needs.
- → How should I store the roll-ups if not serving immediately?
Cover and refrigerate the roll-ups to keep them fresh and firm until ready to serve.
- → Are there alternative fillings to add?
Roasted red peppers or sliced black olives make excellent additions for extra flavor.
- → Can low-fat cheese be used in the filling?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well to lighten the overall dish without losing creaminess.
- → What beverages pair well with these roll-ups?
Crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon complements the savory and fresh flavors nicely.