How To Prepare Wraps For Perfect Pinwheel Sandwiches Every Time

Pinwheel sandwiches make a cute alternative to a classic sammy. However, these swirly sandos can be finicky to prepare (and even unravel) if you don't stick to a couple of golden rules. The secret to making perfect pinwheel sarnies every time? Choosing large tortillas that are pliable enough to be rolled up neatly without cracking.

The wide radius of a large tortilla is perfect for accommodating a generous layer of fillings, such as deli meats, salad leaves, and spreads. But more importantly, it can be rolled up into a tight spiral that won't unfurl when sliced into pretty swirls. This is why you must select large flour tortillas that you'd use to assemble burritos rather than the small corn tortillas used to make enchiladas.

Secondly, your wraps need to be soft enough to roll. This isn't a problem if you're using fresh homemade tortillas, however, it can be an issue if using store-bought tortillas that include added ingredients that boost their nutritional value, such as seeds, whole grains, or pea protein. Some of these add-ins can cause the tortilla to crack upon rolling when used straight out of the packet. Luckily, warming them up first reduces the risk of creating any unwanted tears where your filling can escape. Simply wrap your tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up, or warm it on a low heat in a dry pan so it becomes pliable without getting crispy.

While you could make pinwheel sandwiches that don't feature cream cheese or spreadable condiments like mayo, bear in mind that they might unravel if you haven't made a swirl that's super-tight. It's best to spread something over your tortilla first so it can act as an edible glue and hold your fillings in place. Anything from mustard and ranch to pesto and hummus will work. Other out-of-the-box spreads you can use on your sandwiches include fig jam, spicy coriander chutney, or Szechuan sauce. These characterful condiments will lend your sammie lots of flavor and a sticky foundation for your filling to cling to.

Another tip to making the best pinwheel sandwiches it to avoid covering the entirety of your tortilla with fillings. If you leave a gap at one end, it will provide some bandwidth for the fillings to shift around when you're rolling everything up. Moreover the edge will create the perfect flap to help keep the wrap shut so it can be seamlessly sliced into uniform pinwheels. If you're making them a day in advance, consider encasing your entire rolled tortilla in plastic wrap instead of immediately slicing it up into swirls. Chilling your stuffed tortilla will firm it up and make it easier to portion.