Costco Pinwheels Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on November 26, 2023

Costco Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that can be served at parties, family gatherings, or just for a snack. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these tasty morsels in no time. Not only are they tasty, but they also look great and add a bit of fun to your table. 

In this blog post, you’ll learn what Costco Pinwheels are, why you’ll love them, what ingredients you need to make them, how to make them, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and substitutes. Keep reading to learn more!

costco pinwheels recipe

What is Costco Pinwheels?

Costco, an American multinational corporation, operates a chain of retail stores that are exclusive to members and characterized by their large warehouse-style format.

Costco Pinwheels are a popular appetizer made with tortillas, cream cheese, cranberry sauce and other ingredients and a product from Costco’s vast product line that many people enjoy. 

They are rolled up like a pinwheel and then cut into small pieces. These can be served cold or warm, depending on preference. They are often served at parties, family gatherings, or as an easy snack.

Why You’ll Love this Costco Pinwheels?

This Costco Pinwheels is easy to make, and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. It only takes a few ingredients and it can be served cold or warm. 

The pinwheels look great, and they add a bit of fun to your dinner table. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover tortillas or ingredients you might have.

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Ingredients

To prepare the Costco Pinwheels, you’ll need these following ingredients.

  • Tortillas 4 (10 inch): These tortillas provide a flexible and sturdy base, allowing for easy rolling and creating the pinwheel shape. They act as a neutral canvas to showcase the vibrant flavors within.
  • Cream Cheese (4 ounces – softened): Cream cheese serves as a creamy and rich spread, acting as a binding agent for the ingredients while adding a smooth and tangy flavor.
  • Cranberry Sauce (2 tbsp): The whole berry cranberry sauce introduces a sweet and tangy flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the savory turkey and contributing a festive touch.
  • Tomatoes (1 medium – thinly sliced): Sliced tomatoes bring a juicy and refreshing quality to the pinwheels, enhancing their overall texture and providing a burst of freshness.
  • Premium Deli Turkey (8 slices): Deli turkey adds a savory and protein-packed element to the pinwheels, offering a satisfying and substantial bite.
  • Havarti or Swiss Cheese (8 slices, halved): Havarti or Swiss cheese contributes a melty and slightly nutty taste, enhancing the cheesy goodness of the pinwheels and providing a luxurious texture.
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful experience in every bite.
  • Green Leaf Lettuce (¼ – cut into pieces): Green leaf lettuce offers a crisp and fresh element, balancing the richness of the cheeses and cream cheese while providing a satisfying crunch.
  • Toppings: You can use any toppings you like along with or except the above mentioned on the pinwheels based on your preferences. Some common toppings include tomatoes, lettuce, olives, bell peppers, etc.
costco pinwheels

Directions

Step 1: Soften Cream Cheese

Begin the culinary journey by ensuring that the cream cheese is brought to room temperature, allowing it to soften. This step is crucial for easy spreading and ensures a smooth, creamy texture throughout the tortilla creation.

Step 2: Prepare Tortillas 

Lay out firm flour tortillas on a clean and flat surface. Choosing high-quality tortillas is essential for the overall taste and texture of the pinwheels. 

Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese 

Take the softened cream cheese and, with a utensil or spatula, evenly spread it over each tortilla. Ensure thorough coverage across the entire surface. For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper to season the cream cheese layer. 

Step 4: Layer with Turkey 

Place two slices of premium deli turkey over the cream cheese layer on each tortilla. Even distribution ensures that every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors. 

Step 5: Add Cheese 

Enhance the richness by laying halved slices of Havarti or Swiss cheese on top of the turkey. Distribute the cheese evenly to contribute to the overall balance of flavors. 

Step 6: Apply Cranberry Sauce 

Spoon a thin layer of fresh whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese layer on each tortilla. The cranberry sauce introduces a sweet and tangy element, complementing the savory components. 

Step 7: Add Lettuce and Tomato 

Elevate the freshness by placing a quarter of garden-fresh green leaf lettuce and a few slices of ripe tomato along one edge of each tortilla. This step introduces a crisp and vibrant contrast to the other textures. 

Step 8: Roll into Pinwheels 

Starting from the edge with the lettuce and tomato, carefully roll each tortilla into a log or cylinder, forming the classic pinwheel shape. The tight rolling ensures that the fillings are securely held within the tortilla.

Step 9: Slice and Serve 

Equip yourself with a sharp knife to slice each rolled tortilla into bite-sized pinwheels, aiming for approximately 1 inch in width. Precision in cutting guarantees visually appealing and easily manageable portions. 

Step 10: Arrange and Enjoy 

Arrange the beautifully crafted pinwheels on a serving platter, creating an inviting display. These delectable creations are now ready to be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for any gathering or occasion.

Notes

  • Make sure to spread the cream cheese and toppings evenly over the surface of the tortillas.
  • You can adjust the amount of seasonings to your taste.
  • You can serve the pinwheels cold or warm.
  • You can store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To reheat the pinwheels, place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Storage Tips

Costco Pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the pinwheels, place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

costco pinwheels

Nutrition Information

  • 145 calories
  • 13 grams of fat 
  • 9 grams of protein 
  • 5 grams of carbohydrates 
  • 2 grams of fiber

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole.
  • Serve with chips and a variety of dips.
  • Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Serve with a side of grilled vegetables.
  • Serve with a side of fruit.
  • Serve with a side of queso.

What other substitute can I use in Costco Pinwheels?

  • You can substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese.
  • You can substitute the tortillas with wraps or lavash.
  • You can substitute garlic powder with garlic salt or fresh garlic.
  • You can substitute onion powder with onion salt or fresh onion.
  • You can substitute toppings with any other toppings of your choice.
costco pinwheels

Costco Pinwheels Recipe

Costco Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that can be served at parties, family gatherings, or just for a snack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Turkey
Keyword: costco pinwheels recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • measuring cups, and spoons
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • aking Sheet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 4 10-inch firm flour tortillas
  • 8 slices of premium deli turkey thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces of up to date cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 8 slices of Havarti or Swiss cheese precisely sliced in half
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 medium garden fresh tomato thinly sliced
  • ¼ head of garden fresh green leaf lettuce cut into four pieces
  • salt & black pepper to taste for seasoning

Instructions

  • Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easy spreading.
  • Prepare Tortillas: Lay out the firm flour tortillas on a clean and flat surface.
  • Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over each tortilla, covering the entire surface. Add some sprinkle of salt & pepper for seasoning.
  • Layer with Turkey: Place two slices of premium deli turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer on each tortilla.
  • Add Cheese: Lay the halved slices of Havarti or Swiss cheese on top of the turkey, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Apply Cranberry Sauce: Spoon a thin layer of fresh whole berry cranberry sauce over the cheese layer on each tortilla.
  • Add Lettuce and Tomato: Place a quarter of the garden-fresh green leaf lettuce and a few slices of the fresh tomato along one edge of each tortilla.
  • Roll into Pinwheels: Starting from the edge with the lettuce and tomato, tightly roll each tortilla into a log or cylinder, forming a pinwheel shape.
  • Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into bite-sized pinwheels, approximately 1 inch in width.
  • Arrange and Enjoy: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, and they are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Make sure to spread the cream cheese and toppings evenly over the surface of the tortillas.
  • You can adjust the amount of seasonings to your taste.
  • You can serve the pinwheels cold or warm.
  • You can store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • To reheat the pinwheels, place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Costco Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat them, place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Can I freeze Costco Pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze Costco Pinwheels. Place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat them, place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Can I use other types of cream cheese?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese, low-fat cream cheese, or vegan cream cheese.

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use any type of tortilla for this recipe. Flour, corn, and whole wheat tortillas all work well.

Can I use other toppings?

Yes, you can use any toppings you like. Some common toppings include olives, jalapenos, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Can I make these pinwheels vegan?

Yes, you can make them vegan by using vegan cream cheese and omitting any toppings that contain animal products.

What is the best way to reheat Costco Pinwheels?

The best way to reheat Costco Pinwheels is to place them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Costco Pinwheels are an easy and delicious appetizer that is sure to be a hit with your guests. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time. Serve them cold or warm, and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings. Try this recipe at your next party or family gathering and enjoy!

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Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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