Craving a satisfying keto snack that won’t derail your low-carb goals?
These turkey and cheese pinwheels solve that 3 PM hunger crisis without the carb crash.
I’ve been making these protein-packed roll-ups for years, and they’re my go-to when I need something quick, filling, and actually tasty.
KEY INFO
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: None (unless making fresh bacon)
Total time: 40-130 minutes (includes chilling)
Servings: 4-6 people (16-24 pinwheels)
Difficulty: Easy (perfect for beginners)
Diet: Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free option
Cost: Moderate
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Essential tools:
- Sharp knife (serrated works great)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Plastic wrap
Simple alternatives:
- Use kitchen shears instead of knife for herbs
- Wax paper works instead of plastic wrap
- Back of spoon instead of spatula for spreading
INGREDIENTS
Main components:
- 8-12 slices deli turkey (6-8 oz) – or ham, chicken, roast beef
- 6-8 oz cream cheese, softened – full-fat works best
- 2-3 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese – or mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack
- 1-2 tbsp cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended)
Seasonings:
- 1-1.5 tbsp dry ranch seasoning – or make your own: ¼ tsp each dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wrap options:
- 2-4 low-carb tortillas (4-6g net carbs each)
- Large lettuce leaves (zero carbs)
- Skip the wrap entirely (my favorite method)
Optional garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh herbs (dill, basil)
- Extra shredded cheese
METHOD
1. Mix your filling base.
Combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, 2 tbsp cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon in your mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Prepare your base.
For tortilla version: Lay tortilla flat and spread cream cheese mixture evenly to edges.
For no-wrap version: Spread cream cheese mixture between plastic wrap sheets, rolling to ¼-inch thickness.
3. Layer the turkey.
Arrange turkey slices in single layer over the cream cheese. Don’t overlap – this prevents thick spots that make rolling difficult.
4. Add final touches.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and any extra bacon bits over turkey.
Pro tip: Pat everything dry with paper towels first to prevent soggy rolls.
5. Roll it tight.
Starting from one end, roll firmly but gently. Use the plastic wrap to help guide and shape your roll.
6. Chill for success.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours is even better). This step is crucial – skip it and you’ll have messy, falling-apart slices.
7. Slice with confidence.
Using a sharp knife, cut into ½-1 inch pinwheels.
Clean your knife between cuts for neat edges.
8. Serve immediately.
Arrange on platter. Add toothpicks if serving at a party.
CRUCIAL TIPS
For perfect pinwheels:
- Cream cheese must be fully softened – microwave 15 seconds if needed
- Don’t overfill – less is more when rolling
- Chill properly – this makes or breaks your pinwheels
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Rolling too loosely (filling falls out)
- Skipping the chill time (messy slices)
- Using wet ingredients (soggy wraps)
STORAGE & SCALING
Storage:
- Refrigerate wrapped rolls up to 3 days
- Don’t freeze – texture becomes mushy
- Serve cold only (don’t reheat)
Scaling up:
- Recipe doubles and triples perfectly
- Great for meal prep or parties
- Make different flavor combinations in batches
WINNING VARIATIONS
Pesto Turkey Pinwheels:
Replace ranch with 2-3 tbsp pesto and use mozzarella cheese.
Chipotle Heat:
Add 1 tsp chipotle puree to cream cheese mixture.
Blue Cheese Boldness:
Swap cheddar for blue cheese and add thin tomato slices.
Kid-Friendly Version:
Skip bacon, use mild cheddar, and go easy on seasonings.
Zero-Carb Champion:
Use large lettuce leaves or skip wraps entirely – just roll the turkey around the cream cheese filling.
These pinwheels have saved my lunch countless times. They’re fancy enough for parties but simple enough for Tuesday afternoon snack attacks.
The best part?
Each pinwheel delivers serious protein and fat to keep you satisfied, with barely any carbs to worry about.
Make a batch Sunday night, and you’ve got grab-and-go keto fuel all week long.
Nutrition per serving (without tortilla): ~180 calories, 3g net carbs, 14g protein, 12g fat
Trust me – once you nail the chill-and-slice technique, you’ll be making these weekly.
