Gourmet Turkey Pastrami Cream Rolls
Discover the delightful fusion of smoky turkey pastrami and creamy horseradish cheese spread in these Gourmet Turkey Pastrami Cream Rolls. These appetizer bites are not only easy to make but also elegant enough to impress your guests. The combination of flavors—creamy, spicy, savory—and a hint of garlic, wrapped neatly with a crisp leaf of green lettuce, provides a refined gourmet experience in every bite. A perfect choice for low-carb enthusiasts wanting to indulge in a sophisticated yet simple hors d'oeuvre.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey Pastrami
0.5 lb (sliced 1/4-inch thick)
Cream Cheese
2 ounces (softened)
Beaver Hot Cream-Style Horseradish Sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Kosher Salt
to taste (none)
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Curly Green Leaf Lettuce
8 leaves (none)
Toothpick
8 (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, horseradish sauce, minced garlic, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
2
Lay out the turkey pastrami slices on a clean, flat surface. Spread an even, thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice using a spatula or a butter knife.
3
Trim the pastrami slices into approximately 1-inch by 3-inch strips. Adjust the size as necessary based on the dimensions from your deli purchase to ensure bite-sized rolls.
4
Cut the curly green leaf lettuce into pieces that will fit one end of each pastrami strip, ensuring that it slightly extends beyond the edge of the pastrami.
5
Starting from the opposite end of the covered lettuce, roll each pastrami strip tightly into a spiral shape and secure the roll with a toothpick. Ensure the lettuce remains visible at the end for presentation.
6
Arrange the rolls on a serving platter, toothpick side down. Dust lightly with additional freshly cracked black pepper for garnish and an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Turkey Pastrami Cream Rolls?
They are an elegant appetizer featuring smoky turkey pastrami, a creamy horseradish cheese spread, and crisp green leaf lettuce rolled into bite-sized spirals.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, these rolls are an excellent choice for low-carb and keto enthusiasts as they use meat and cheese as the primary components without bread.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What type of turkey pastrami should I buy?
For the best results, use deli-style turkey pastrami sliced about 1/4-inch thick to ensure the rolls have enough structure.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides the ideal base, you could use a thick Neufchatel or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed.
How spicy is the horseradish sauce in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of Beaver Hot Cream-Style Horseradish Sauce, which provides a mild to moderate kick when mixed with 2 ounces of cream cheese.
Do I need to cook anything for these turkey rolls?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that involves only mixing, spreading, and rolling ingredients.
How do I prepare the garlic for the filling?
You should finely mince one fresh garlic clove to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the cream cheese mixture.
What kind of lettuce is recommended?
Curly green leaf lettuce is recommended because its ruffled edges provide a beautiful visual presentation at the end of the rolls.
How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
Secure each roll with a toothpick to hold the spiral shape and keep the lettuce in place.
What are the ideal dimensions for the pastrami strips?
The pastrami slices should be trimmed into strips approximately 1-inch by 3-inches for perfect bite-sized portions.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These are best served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp, but you can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance.
Is kosher salt necessary?
Kosher salt is preferred for its clean flavor, but you can use table salt or sea salt to taste.
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for a superior burst of flavor and better visual garnish.
What is the best way to spread the cheese mixture?
Use a small spatula or a butter knife to apply an even, thin layer over each pastrami slice.
Are these rolls considered finger food?
Yes, they are designed as sophisticated finger foods or hors d'oeuvres for parties and gatherings.
What can I use instead of horseradish?
If you prefer less heat, you can substitute the horseradish with Dijon mustard or an herb-garlic seasoning blend.
How do I arrange them for serving?
Place them on a platter with the toothpick side down and dust them lightly with extra black pepper for a gourmet look.
Can I use regular pastrami instead of turkey pastrami?
Yes, traditional beef pastrami works well, though turkey pastrami offers a leaner, smoky alternative.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the horseradish and garlic.
How many toothpicks will I need?
The recipe suggests having at least 8 toothpicks ready, though you may need more depending on how many strips you cut.
Is there a specific way to roll them?
Start rolling from the end opposite the lettuce so that the leafy greens peek out of the final spiral.
Can I add other herbs to the mix?
Fresh dill or chives would be excellent additions to the cream cheese spread for extra flavor complexity.
Are these suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, the combination of turkey, cream cheese, and lettuce is very keto-friendly.
What should I do if my pastrami slices are too small?
You can overlap smaller slices to create the 1x3 inch strips needed for rolling.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Romaine or butter lettuce can work, but curly leaf lettuce is best for the 'gourmet' appearance.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
Since there is no cooking involved, it typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to assemble.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a balanced profile of smoky meat, creamy cheese, spicy horseradish, and pungent garlic.
Can I omit the garlic?
Yes, if you are sensitive to raw garlic, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of garlic powder.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the lettuce may wilt over time.