Name: Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 burrito size flour tortillas; 1 8 oz package Genoa salami; 30 small pepperoni slices; 9 slices provolone cheese; Romaine lettuce, as needed; 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 2/3 cup jarred roasted or sweet red peppers, chopped small; 2/3 cup jarred banana peppers, chopped small

There’s something magical about the combination of spicy pepperoni and savory Italian salami rolled up into bite-sized delights. These **Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe** are perfect finger foods that come alive with a creamy, tangy pepper spread—making them an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

This image shows several small pinwheel sandwiches, each with multiple layers rolled tightly together. The outer layer is pale and smooth, likely a tortilla or flatbread, wrapping around layers of white creamy spread, light green crisp lettuce, thin slices of pinkish deli meat, and small bits of red pepper. The layers create a spiral pattern with varied colors of pale beige, creamy white, green, pink, and red. The rolls are placed close together side by side on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of these pinwheels—they’re quick to prep, so flavorful, and you won’t believe how easily they wow your guests or family. Plus, they’re just the right balance between a snack and a simple appetizer.

Flavor explosion: The creamy pepper spread paired with savory meats creates a perfect bite every time.
Easy assembly: Minimal ingredients, simple steps, and no baking required—ideal for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Flexible size: Make ‘em small for snacks or bigger as a light meal—great for any occasion.
Make-ahead friendly: Chill them to let flavors meld, then slice right before serving for hassle-free hosting.

A close-up view of three small roll-up sandwiches on a white square plate, each with four visible layers: the outer layer is a soft, light beige flatbread rolled tightly; just inside is a creamy light orange spread with small red bits; then there is a bright green leafy layer adding fresh texture; and in the middle, there is a thin layer of a pinkish, slightly translucent meat. The rolls show a spiral pattern from the layers wrapped inside. The background is a white marbled surface with more stacked roll-ups blurred softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about simple, bold ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The soft tortillas hold it all together while the layer of pepper spread adds creamy zest that sings alongside the spicy meats and fresh romaine.

Flat lay of a stack of three large, soft flour tortillas, thin slices of glossy red Genoa salami arranged neatly, a small pile of round pepperoni slices with a shiny, slightly oily surface, nine slices of pale yellow provolone cheese laid flat, fresh crisp romaine lettuce leaves with bright green color and ribbed texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy, off-white cream cheese, another small white bowl holding golden Italian bread crumbs, a third small white bowl with finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing finely chopped roasted red peppers with vibrant deep red tones, and a final small white bowl of finely chopped bright yellow banana peppers, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flour tortillas: Burrito-size tortillas provide the perfect sturdy base that’s still soft enough to roll tightly.
Genoa salami: Its rich, slightly garlicky flavor deepens the savory layers.
Pepperoni slices: Add a nice spicy kick and classic Italian sausage flavor mojo.
Provolone cheese: Melts just a bit while adding a mild, creamy balance.
Romaine lettuce: Crunchy freshness cuts through the richness and offers texture contrast.
Cream cheese: The base of the pepper spread, making it luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Italian bread crumbs: Add subtle texture and help bind the spread.
Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami flavor with a tasty sharp punch.
Roasted red peppers: Provide sweet smokiness that lifts the whole spread.
Banana peppers: Bring a mild tang and slight heat that rounds out the spread perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving it to, and you absolutely should, too. It’s so forgiving and fun!

Variation: Sometimes I swap provolone with mozzarella for a milder cheesy touch—it’s delightful and mellows the pepper spread’s tang a bit.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spread if you like more heat.
Veggie boost: Feel free to layer in thinly sliced cucumbers or roasted red peppers inside for extra freshness.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep all the flavor without the gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the pepper spread

Start by mixing your softened cream cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan, chopped roasted red peppers, and banana peppers in a bowl until smooth and combined. This spread is where a ton of flavor happens, so make sure the cream cheese is well softened for easy mixing. I sometimes pop the peppers in a food processor for a finer chop, which I find blends the flavors better.

Step 2: Spread & layer

Lay out your tortilla flat, then spread about a third of the pepper spread evenly over it. Next, place 3 slices of provolone cheese in the center – right next to each other. Layer the salami over the cheese, covering the tortilla well. After that, add pepperoni slices on top of the salami. Finally, crown it with some crisp romaine lettuce for a nice fresh crunch.

Step 3: Roll tightly & chill

Roll the tortilla as tightly as you can without spilling the filling. Tucking the edge under as you roll helps keep it neat. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling step is key—it firms up the spread and makes slicing clean pinwheels much easier.

Step 4: Slice & serve

Using a serrated knife works best here—just gently saw through to keep the pinwheels intact. Slice into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces and serve fresh. They’re gorgeous on a platter and unbeatable as party snacks!

Top Tip

From my experience making the Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe a bunch of times, these tips will save you frustration and help you achieve perfect pinwheels every time.

Softened cream cheese: Always make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, or you’ll struggle to combine it well with the other spread ingredients.
Use a serrated knife: I’ve found this makes cutting the pinwheels so much cleaner and avoids squashing the roll.
Chill for at least an hour: This one can’t be skipped. Without chilling, your pinwheels will crumble and lose shape when sliced.
Food processor for peppers: If you want the inside to be evenly textured, give those peppers a quick pulse. It cuts prep time and improves consistency.

How to Serve Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe

Italian salami pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle just a little freshly cracked black pepper on top, and sometimes scatter sliced olives or cherry tomatoes nearby for color and bite. A few fresh basil leaves add a lovely aromatic touch that brings the Italian vibes home.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels go wonderfully with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly in balsamic vinaigrette. For heartier fare, pair with marinated olives, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of Italian wedding soup to complement the robust flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging these pinwheels standing on end on a wooden board alongside dipping bowls of marinara or ranch dressing. Ribboned fresh herbs make it festive, and I’ve also created mini skewers by using toothpicks to serve them like savory lollipops—instant crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, and I’ve found the flavors actually continue to meld, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wrapped pinwheels before—just flash freeze them on a baking tray first, then move to freezer bags. They’ll last for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.

Reheating

I prefer to enjoy Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe cold or at room temperature since the fresh lettuce adds great crunch. But if you want to warm them up, I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave just to take the chill off—don’t overheat or the lettuce and tortillas will get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of tortillas besides flour?

You can, but flour tortillas hold the ingredients best and roll more easily without cracking. Corn tortillas tend to be less flexible and can break, so if you want to use a different type, consider ones labeled soft or burrito-size for better results.

What can I substitute for banana peppers if I can’t find them?

If banana peppers aren’t available, you can substitute mild pickled pepper slices or even mild pepperoncini. The goal is to add a slightly tangy, mild heat element to the spread, so anything in that flavor profile works.

How long do these pinwheels keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, these pinwheels stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days. After that, the lettuce may start to wilt and the tortillas lose some freshness, so it’s best to enjoy them within that window.

Can I make the pepper spread in advance?

Absolutely! The pepper spread can be made a day or two in advance. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your pinwheels. This actually allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe hold a special place in my kitchen because they’re simple yet so full of Italian-inspired charm. Whether it’s for a casual snack, an impromptu gathering, or a picnic treat, they never disappoint. You’re going to love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear from the plate—so grab those tortillas and start rolling!