Savory Pink Pinwheel Appetizers
These delightful Savory Pink Pinwheel Appetizers are a tantalizing treat perfect for any gathering! Originating from a baby shower, this recipe has been tweaked to perfection to deliver irresistible flavor and a unique presentation. The creamy, pink-hued filling combines tangy cream cheese, smoky ham, and a hint of salsa in soft tortillas for mouthwatering bites that vanish quickly from the appetizer tray. They're easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld for an even tastier experience. Whether you're entertaining a small group or a large party, these pinwheels are a sure-fire hit!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
light cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
97% fat-free cooked ham
4 ounces (diced)
salsa
1 tablespoon (none)
light sour cream
1 tablespoon (none)
tortillas
8-10 (none)
Instructions
1
Using a food processor, blend the softened light cream cheese by pulsing a few times until slightly creamy.
2
Add the diced, 97% fat-free cooked ham to the processor. Pulse again until the ham is fully incorporated and the mixture assumes a pink hue.
3
Introduce the salsa into the mix, pulsing until the color is consistent throughout.
4
Blend in the light sour cream until the mixture attains a smooth, creamy texture.
5
Take one tortilla at a time and spread an even layer of the pink filling over one side. Use the amount necessary based on the tortilla's size.
6
Tightly roll each prepped tortilla into a log and wrap it securely in foil to maintain its shape.
7
Repeat the spreading, rolling, and wrapping process for the remaining tortillas.
8
Refrigerate the foil-wrapped tortillas for a minimum of one hour to enhance flavor. For optimal taste and texture, leave them in the fridge overnight.
9
When ready to serve, remove the tortillas from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice each into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces.
10
Arrange the sliced pinwheels horizontally on an appetizer tray for serving. Enjoy the delight of your guests as they relish these savory pink bites!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Pink Pinwheel Appetizers?
They are bite-sized appetizers featuring a savory, pink-colored filling made from ham and cream cheese rolled inside soft tortillas.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from a baby shower and was later perfected for a unique presentation and irresistible flavor.
Why is the filling pink?
The filling turns pink when diced ham is pulsed into a mixture of cream cheese and salsa using a food processor.
What are the primary ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of light cream cheese, 97% fat-free cooked ham, salsa, and light sour cream.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of light cream cheese, which should be softened before blending.
What type of ham is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of 97% fat-free cooked ham, diced for easy blending.
What is the purpose of adding salsa?
A tablespoon of salsa is added to provide a hint of flavor and ensure the pink color is consistent throughout the mix.
Why is sour cream included in the recipe?
One tablespoon of light sour cream is blended in to help the mixture reach a smooth and creamy texture.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the cream cheese and ham together to achieve the correct color and consistency.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened and then pulsed a few times in the food processor until it is slightly creamy.
How are the pinwheels assembled?
Spread an even layer of filling on a tortilla, roll it tightly into a log, and wrap it securely in foil.
Why must the tortillas be wrapped in foil?
Foil wrapping helps the rolled tortillas maintain their shape while they chill in the refrigerator.
How long should the pinwheels be refrigerated?
They should be refrigerated for a minimum of one hour, though leaving them overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
Can these be made in advance?
Yes, they are an ideal make-ahead appetizer as the flavors meld and the texture improves during refrigeration.
How do I slice the pinwheels?
Remove the foil and slice the logs into pieces ranging from 1/2 to 1 inch in thickness.
How many tortillas does this recipe use?
The recipe uses approximately 8 to 10 tortillas depending on their size.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
How should the pinwheels be arranged for serving?
Arrange the sliced pinwheels horizontally on an appetizer tray so the spiral filling is visible.
Is this recipe suitable for a large party?
Yes, they are a sure-fire hit for both small gatherings and large parties due to their unique look and savory taste.
Is the ham fully incorporated into the mixture?
Yes, the ham is pulsed in the processor until the mixture is uniform and assumes a pink hue.
Can I use any type of tortilla?
Soft flour tortillas are typically best for rolling tightly without cracking.
What is the flavor profile of these pinwheels?
They offer a tangy cream cheese base with smoky ham notes and a hint of spice from the salsa.
Is this considered a healthy appetizer option?
The recipe uses light cream cheese, light sour cream, and 97% fat-free ham to reduce fat content.
How much salsa is used?
Only one tablespoon of salsa is required for the mixture.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of light sour cream.
Are these appetizers served hot or cold?
They are served cold after being thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe involving simple blending, rolling, and chilling steps.
How thick should the layers of filling be?
You should spread an even layer based on the size of the tortilla, ensuring there is enough to taste without it oozing out.
What makes this a good baby shower food?
The unique pink color makes it visually appealing for themed events like baby showers.
Do the pinwheels stay together well?
Yes, as long as they are rolled tightly and chilled in foil, they hold their shape perfectly when sliced.