Muffaletta pinwheels are a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans sandwich, the muffaletta. These pinwheels make a perfect appetizer for parties, gatherings, or a casual snack. Packed with bold flavors from the olive salad, meats, and cheeses, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. The convenience of a wrap-style presentation makes them both visually appealing and easy to eat. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras celebration or looking for a new appetizer to add to your repertoire, these muffaletta pinwheels are an excellent choice.
Ingredients for Muffaletta Pinwheels
To create these delicious pinwheels, you will need the following ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 24 pinwheels, but you can adjust the quantities based on your needs.
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 1 cup olive salad (store-bought or homemade, see recipe below)
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 8 slices mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices Genoa salami
- 8 slices mortadella
- 8 slices ham
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Ingredients for Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives (pitted and chopped)
- 1 cup black olives (pitted and chopped)
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables, chopped)
- 1/4 cup pimentos (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup celery (chopped)
- 1/4 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Muffaletta Pinwheels
Follow these steps to prepare your muffaletta pinwheels. The process includes making the olive salad, assembling the pinwheels, and chilling them to ensure they hold their shape when sliced.
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped green olives, black olives, giardiniera, pimentos, garlic, celery, and carrots.
- Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Spread
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Mix well until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
- Lay a flour tortilla on a clean, flat surface.
- Spread a thin layer of the mayonnaise-mustard mixture over the entire tortilla.
- Evenly distribute 2 slices of provolone cheese and 2 slices of mozzarella cheese over the tortilla.
- Layer 2 slices of Genoa salami, 2 slices of mortadella, and 2 slices of ham on top of the cheeses.
- Spread about 1/4 cup of the prepared olive salad over the meats.
- Add a few slices of roasted red bell peppers on top of the olive salad.
- Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and rolling to the other end.
- Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Step 4: Chill the Pinwheels
- Place the wrapped pinwheels in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the pinwheels firm up and makes them easier to slice.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Remove the pinwheels from the refrigerator and unwrap them from the plastic wrap.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pieces.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to serve.
About the Main Ingredients
Understanding the key ingredients in this recipe can enhance your appreciation of the flavors and textures they bring to the dish.
Olive Salad
The olive salad is the heart of the muffaletta pinwheels, providing a burst of briny, tangy, and savory flavors. Made with a mix of green and black olives, giardiniera, pimentos, garlic, celery, and carrots, it adds a crunchy texture and a complex taste. The addition of red wine vinegar and olive oil, along with dried oregano and basil, creates a well-rounded marinade that ties all the components together. Olive salad is traditionally used in muffaletta sandwiches and is essential for capturing the authentic New Orleans flavor.
Provolone and Mozzarella Cheese
Provolone and mozzarella cheese bring a creamy, mild taste that balances the bold flavors of the olive salad and meats. Provolone offers a slightly sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella adds a smooth, buttery texture. Both cheeses melt beautifully, making them ideal for this recipe.
Genoa Salami, Mortadella, and Ham
The combination of Genoa salami, mortadella, and ham provides a rich, savory taste that is both satisfying and indulgent. Genoa salami, with its garlicky and slightly spicy notes, complements the mild, nutty flavor of mortadella. Ham adds a touch of sweetness, rounding out the trio of meats. Together, they create a robust and flavorful filling for the pinwheels.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas serve as the perfect wrap for these pinwheels, offering a soft, pliable texture that holds the filling together. They are easy to roll and provide a neutral base that allows the other ingredients to shine. Using large flour tortillas ensures that each pinwheel is packed with flavor in every bite.
Muffaletta pinwheels are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a New Orleans muffaletta sandwich in a convenient, bite-sized form. With a combination of bold, tangy olive salad, creamy cheeses, and savory meats, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party food, muffaletta pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy these tasty pinwheels with friends and family, and savor the vibrant flavors of this New Orleans-inspired treat!
