Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
- They are the ultimate quick-fix meal. From fridge to plate in under 10 minutes, these roll-ups are your secret weapon against hanger. No cooking required means you can assemble them even on your most chaotic days.
- The texture combination is seriously satisfying. You get the soft, pliable turkey, the rich and creamy cheese spread, and the fresh, audible crunch from the veggies—all in one neat little bundle. It’s a party in your mouth.
- They are a meal prep superstar. You can make a whole batch on a Sunday, pack them in airtight containers, and have a grab-and-go lunch ready for days. They hold up beautifully, so no sad, soggy lunches here.
- They’re a blank canvas for your cravings. Feeling spicy? Add some jalapeños. Want Mediterranean vibes? Swap in hummus and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is a foundation for endless delicious experiments.
Ingredients & Tools
- 8 large slices of deli-style turkey breast (look for thicker slices if you can find them)
- 4 tbsp cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup baby spinach leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup matchstick carrots or very thinly sliced bell peppers
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Tools: A small mixing bowl, a spatula or spoon, a cutting board.
A little note on the ingredients: using a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes the filling incredibly creamy but also adds a nice tang and a bit of protein. The key is to get the consistency just right—spreadable, but not runny.
Serves: 2 (4 roll-ups per person) | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Get your turkey right. Ask for “thick-cut” turkey at the deli counter. Thinner slices can tear easily when you’re spreading and rolling. If you only have thin slices, just use two per roll-up for extra stability.
- Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start. Trying to mix rock-hard cream cheese is a workout you don’t need, and it can tear the delicate turkey slices.
- Chop your veggies small and thin. The goal is a easy, bite-friendly roll. Large, bulky chunks of vegetable will make rolling difficult and might cause the filling to burst out the sides. Think matchsticks, not chunks.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. The garlic and onion powder might seem minor, but they add a huge depth of flavor to the cheese mixture, transforming it from plain to something really special.
How to Make Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
Step 1: Create the Ultimate Cheese Spread. In your small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or mayo), and Dijon mustard. Use your spatula to beat it all together until it’s completely smooth and no lumps remain. Now, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, shredded cheddar, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll notice the mixture becomes a beautiful, homogenous, spreadable delight. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning—maybe it needs another pinch of pepper? This filling is the star of the show.
Step 2: Prep Your Rolling Station. Lay your turkey slices flat on the cutting board. If any slices are particularly irregular or have holes, you can slightly overlap two slices to create a solid base. Pat the turkey slices dry with a paper towel if they seem at all moist—this helps the cheese spread adhere better. Have your spinach, carrots, and green onions within easy reach. You’re building an assembly line, and organization here makes the process incredibly fast.
Step 3: The Art of the Spread. Using the back of your spoon or a small offset spatula, divide the cheese mixture evenly among the turkey slices. Spread it into a thin, even layer, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. The trick is to cover most of the surface but not go all the way to the edge—this prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll. A little goes a long way; you want enough for flavor, but not so much that it becomes messy.
Step 4: Add the Crunch. Now for the fun part! Scatter a few spinach leaves over the cheese layer on each slice. Then, arrange a small line of your matchstick carrots and a sprinkle of green onions along one of the shorter ends of the turkey slice. You’re essentially creating a little veggie trail that will become the center of your spiral. Don’t overfill it—you want to be able to roll it tightly.
Step 5: The Tight Roll. Starting from the end where you piled the veggies, gently but firmly begin to roll the turkey slice away from you. Tuck the ingredients in as you go, applying even pressure to create a snug, cylindrical roll. Think of rolling a sleeping bag—you want it tight, but not so tight that the filling bursts through the sides. The cheese acts as a glue, helping everything hold together beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Serve. Place the finished roll-up seam-side down on your board. If you’re eating them whole, you’re basically done! If you want to make pinwheels for a snack platter, pop the roll-ups into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This chills the cheese, making the rolls firm and much easier to slice cleanly into one-inch pieces without squishing. See? Easy, right?
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette — The sharpness of the dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly, making the whole meal feel light and balanced.
- A warm bowl of tomato soup — This is the ultimate comfort combo. Dunking the roll-ups (or pinwheels) into the soup is a next-level experience that feels both nostalgic and gourmet.
- Sweet potato fries or baked zucchini chips — Adding a side of something with a different texture and a hint of sweetness creates a really satisfying, well-rounded plate.
Drinks
- A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc — The high acidity and citrus notes in the wine are fantastic at cutting through the creamy cheese and cleansing the palate.
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime — For a non-alcoholic option, the bubbles and citrus provide a refreshing contrast that keeps each bite of the roll-up tasting bright.
- An iced green tea — Its slight bitterness and clean finish make it a surprisingly great partner, especially if you’ve added any spicy elements to your roll-ups.
Something Sweet
- A few squares of dark chocolate (70% or higher) — It’s a sophisticated, not-too-sweet ending that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of the turkey and cheese.
- A ripe, juicy pear or a crisp apple — The natural sweetness and fresh fruitiness are a classic and healthy way to finish this kind of meal.
- A small scoop of lemon sorbet — This is like a palate-cleansing dream. It’s light, tart, and the perfect little punctuation mark after your lunch.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using cold, hard cream cheese. This is the number one reason for torn turkey and frustration. If your cheese is too cold, it will be impossible to spread thinly and will rip the delicate meat. Always let it soften!
- Mistake: Overfilling the roll-ups. It’s tempting to load them up, but less is more here. Too much filling will cause it to spill out the ends when you roll, creating a mess and making it hard to eat neatly.
- Mistake: Rolling too loosely. A loose roll will fall apart when you pick it up or slice it. Apply firm, consistent pressure as you roll to create a tight spiral that holds its shape.
- Mistake: Slicing pinwheels without chilling first. If you try to slice them right away, the warm filling will squish out, and you’ll lose that beautiful spiral pattern. A brief chill in the fridge fixes everything.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Add a layer of flavor with a different spread. Before adding the cheese mixture, try a very thin layer of pesto, sun-dried tomato paste, or even a bit of hummus on the turkey. It adds an incredible flavor base that takes the roll-ups to a whole new level.
- Tip: Use a toothpick for perfect pinwheels. After slicing your chilled roll-ups, if they feel a little loose, you can spear each pinwheel with a decorative toothpick to hold it together for serving. It looks professional and makes them easy to grab.
- Tip: Make a big batch for a party platter. Create two or three different flavor variations—like a classic version, a spicy version with jalapeños, and a Mediterranean version with olives and feta. Arrange them on a platter for a stunning, no-cook appetizer that will impress everyone.
- Tip: Revitalize slightly dry turkey. If your deli turkey seems a little dry, you can briefly lay the slices on a damp paper towel and microwave them for just 5-10 seconds. This adds a bit of steam and makes them more pliable for rolling.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely, and they are fantastic for it! You can assemble the whole roll-ups and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making pinwheels, I recommend storing them whole and slicing them the day you plan to eat them for the freshest appearance. The veggies will stay surprisingly crisp. Just avoid adding any wet ingredients like fresh tomato slices if you’re prepping for more than a day, as they can release water and make the turkey soggy.
What are the best substitutes for cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, there are great alternatives. Goat cheese (chèvre) is fabulous and adds a lovely tang. For a dairy-free option, a thick, plain almond-based or cashew-based cream cheese spread works well. You could even use mashed avocado mixed with a little lemon juice, though note that avocado will brown, so those are best eaten immediately. The goal is any spread that’s thick, creamy, and acts as a glue.
My roll-ups keep falling apart. What am I doing wrong?
This usually comes down to one of three things: the turkey slices are too thin and tearing, the filling is too thick and bulky, or you’re not rolling tightly enough. Try doubling up on thin turkey slices, using less filling, and really focusing on that initial tight tuck as you start to roll. Remember, a little chill time in the fridge also helps them firm up and hold their shape beautifully.
Can I use different meats?
Of course! The method works with any large, thin, pliable slice of meat. Ham, roast beef, or even sliced chicken breast are all excellent choices. Just keep an eye on the saltiness—if your ham is particularly salty, you might want to reduce or omit the added salt in the cheese mixture. It’s a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey or ham, too.
Are these kid-friendly?
They are a huge hit with kids, especially when cut into pinwheels! They’re fun to eat and easy for little hands to hold. You can even get them involved in the assembly. To make them extra appealing for picky eaters, stick to very mild ingredients—maybe just the cheese spread and a single veggie like shredded carrot. You can always hide a bit of spinach in the cheese mixture—they’ll never know!
Turkey And Cheese Roll Ups
Whip up delicious Turkey & Cheese Roll Ups in just 10 minutes! This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for a protein-packed lunch, healthy snack, or party platter. Get creative with your favorite fillings!
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
8 large slices deli-style turkey breast (look for thicker slices if you can find them)
-
4 tbsp cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
-
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
-
1 tsp Dijon mustard
-
1/4 tsp garlic powder
-
1/4 tsp onion powder
-
1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup baby spinach leaves (packed)
-
1/4 cup matchstick carrots or very thinly sliced bell peppers
-
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
-
Pinch salt and black pepper
Instructions
-
Create the Ultimate Cheese Spread. In your small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or mayo), and Dijon mustard. Use your spatula to beat it all together until it's completely smooth and no lumps remain. Now, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, shredded cheddar, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. You'll notice the mixture becomes a beautiful, homogenous, spreadable delight. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the seasoning—maybe it needs another pinch of pepper? This filling is the star of the show.01
-
Prep Your Rolling Station. Lay your turkey slices flat on the cutting board. If any slices are particularly irregular or have holes, you can slightly overlap two slices to create a solid base. Pat the turkey slices dry with a paper towel if they seem at all moist—this helps the cheese spread adhere better. Have your spinach, carrots, and green onions within easy reach. You're building an assembly line, and organization here makes the process incredibly fast.02
-
The Art of the Spread. Using the back of your spoon or a small offset spatula, divide the cheese mixture evenly among the turkey slices. Spread it into a thin, even layer, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. The trick is to cover most of the surface but not go all the way to the edge—this prevents the filling from squishing out when you roll. A little goes a long way; you want enough for flavor, but not so much that it becomes messy.03
-
Add the Crunch. Now for the fun part! Scatter a few spinach leaves over the cheese layer on each slice. Then, arrange a small line of your matchstick carrots and a sprinkle of green onions along one of the shorter ends of the turkey slice. You're essentially creating a little veggie trail that will become the center of your spiral. Don't overfill it—you want to be able to roll it tightly.04
-
The Tight Roll. Starting from the end where you piled the veggies, gently but firmly begin to roll the turkey slice away from you. Tuck the ingredients in as you go, applying even pressure to create a snug, cylindrical roll. Think of rolling a sleeping bag—you want it tight, but not so tight that the filling bursts through the sides. The cheese acts as a glue, helping everything hold together beautifully.05
-
Rest and Serve. Place the finished roll-up seam-side down on your board. If you're eating them whole, you're basically done! If you want to make pinwheels for a snack platter, pop the roll-ups into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This chills the cheese, making the rolls firm and much easier to slice cleanly into one-inch pieces without squishing. See? Easy, right?06
