Save I discovered these roll-ups on a Tuesday morning when I was frantically packing lunch for a friend who'd just had dental work done—something soft but still satisfying was non-negotiable. Grabbing cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes from my pantry, and some deli turkey, I threw together these little bundles in about ten minutes flat. The kitchen smelled like Italian herbs and basil, and when she bit into one later, she texted back asking for the recipe immediately. That's when I realized I'd stumbled onto something worth perfecting.
Last summer, I made a big batch of these for a poolside gathering, and I watched someone's kid take one bite and immediately ask for three more. The sun-dried tomatoes glisten under the oil, and the cream cheese gets this slight tang from the Parmesan that catches you off guard in the best way. It became the thing people asked about more than the actual meal.
Ingredients
- Deli turkey breast: Quality matters here—ask the deli counter for thick-cut slices because they hold the filling without tearing, and the flavor difference is noticeable when it's fresh.
- Flour tortillas or wraps: Use whatever works for your diet, but warmer tortillas roll easier than cold ones straight from the fridge.
- Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature for five minutes so it spreads without lumps or resistance.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Don't skip the oil-packed version—it brings flavor depth that dry ones can't match, and the oil itself is liquid gold for the spread.
- Fresh basil and spinach: Use fresh basil, not dried, because it brings a brightness that dried herbs can't replicate in an uncooked dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference in how it blends into the spread and clings to the filling.
- Dried oregano: Just a half teaspoon—you want it to whisper, not shout, so it doesn't overwhelm the delicate cheese and tomato balance.
Instructions
- Mix your filling like you're building flavor:
- Combine the softened cream cheese with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir it until it's creamy and the tomatoes are distributed evenly—you want little pockets of flavor in every bite.
- Spread with intention:
- Lay your tortilla flat and spread about a quarter of the mixture across the surface, leaving roughly a centimeter border so nothing squishes out when you roll. Use the back of a spoon to make it even and generous.
- Layer your filling:
- Place two slices of turkey breast over the spread, then scatter a small handful of fresh spinach on top. The spinach adds a slight earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Roll tight and slice:
- Starting from one end, roll the tortilla as tightly as you comfortably can, then use a sharp knife to trim the messy ends and cut the whole thing into three or four bite-sized pieces. The tightness matters because loose rolls fall apart when you pick them up.
- Finish and serve:
- Arrange the pieces on a plate and serve right away while everything is still cool and fresh. If you need to make them ahead, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
Save There's something about serving these to someone and watching their eyes light up when they realize there's no cooking involved—like you've somehow unlocked a cheat code in hospitality. The fact that they taste elegant but come together so simply makes them feel like a small act of magic.
Variations That Work
I've swapped ingredients based on what I had on hand, and these roll-ups are forgiving enough to handle experimentation. Roasted red peppers add sweetness, sliced black olives bring a briny punch, and arugula gives you peppery bite instead of mild spinach. I once added a thin smear of pesto to the cream cheese layer, and it elevated the whole thing into something more sophisticated without adding much time at all.
Storage and Make-Ahead Strategy
These are best served fresh, but they hold up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three hours covered with plastic wrap—anything longer and the tortilla starts to soften a bit too much. For meal prep, I assemble them the morning of and slice just before serving. They don't freeze well because the tortilla texture changes, so plan to eat them the same day you make them.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
These feel restaurant-worthy as an appetizer, but they're also perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or those moments when you need something substantial but not heavy. I pair them with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon if I'm serving them at a gathering, and they work equally well as a standalone snack straight from the fridge on a busy afternoon.
- Serve them at room temperature for the most flavor, or chill them if you prefer—both work beautifully depending on the season.
- If you're making these for a crowd, prep the filling and ingredients the night before, then assemble everything just before serving.
- Plate them with a small side salad or some fresh fruit to round out the meal and add color to your presentation.
Save These roll-ups have become my go-to when I want to feel capable in the kitchen without breaking a sweat. They're the kind of recipe that reminds you that sometimes the simplest ideas, made with a little care and attention, are the ones people remember.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use gluten-free wraps for the roll-ups?
Yes, gluten-free wraps can be substituted to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste.
- → What type of cheese works best in these roll-ups?
Cream cheese provides a creamy texture, while grated Parmesan adds a savory kick—both blend well with the other ingredients.
- → How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor profile?
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated sweet and tangy taste, enhancing the savory turkey and herbs beautifully.
- → Can these roll-ups be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated for a few hours before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What variations can I try with this dish?
Try adding roasted red peppers, sliced olives, or swapping wraps for whole wheat or spinach versions for different flavors.