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.
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.

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.

- 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.
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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Italian Salami Pepperoni Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Pinwheels are delicious, easy-to-make appetizers featuring layers of salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all rolled up in a flour tortilla spread with a flavorful pepper cream cheese blend. Perfect for parties or snacks, these pinwheels should be chilled before slicing for the best taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Pinwheels
- 3 burrito size flour tortillas
- 1 8 oz package Genoa salami
- 30 small pepperoni slices
- 9 slices provolone cheese
- Romaine lettuce, as needed
Pepper Spread
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ⅔ cup jarred roasted or sweet red peppers, chopped small
- ⅔ cup jarred banana peppers, chopped small
Instructions
- Prepare the Pepper Spread: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, and chopped banana peppers until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Spread on Tortillas: Evenly spread one-third of the pepper spread mixture onto each flour tortilla, covering the surface thoroughly to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Add Cheese: In the center of each tortilla, place three slices of provolone cheese next to one another to form a layer of creamy goodness.
- Layer Salami: Next, layer enough Genoa salami over the cheese to cover the tortilla area evenly, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Layer Pepperoni: Add a layer of small pepperoni slices on top of the salami to give a spicy, savory bite throughout the pinwheel.
- Add Lettuce: Finally, place a layer of fresh romaine lettuce on top of the pepperoni for a crisp texture and bright freshness.
- Roll and Chill: Roll up the tortilla snugly and tightly from one end to the other to hold all ingredients securely inside. Wrap or cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm and chilled.
- Slice and Serve: After chilling, slice the rolled tortillas crosswise into pinwheels using a serrated knife for clean cuts. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Italian pinwheels.
Notes
- Use large burrito-sized tortillas for best results, though smaller tortillas can be used if preferred.
- Regular-sized pepperoni slices are recommended, but larger slices work well too if available.
- Chilling the rolled pinwheels for at least one hour is crucial so they hold together and slice cleanly.
- A serrated knife cuts the pinwheels cleaner than a regular knife, preventing squashing the roll.
- For finely chopped peppers, using a food processor helps achieve a smaller, consistent chop easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg


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