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Turkey Roll Ups have become my go-to solution for easy lunches and party appetizers. These colorful spirals filled with creamy cheese crisp lettuce and savory turkey always disappear quickly at gatherings. Plus they're so simple to customize everyone from picky kids to discerning adults finds their perfect combination.
Perfect for Everyone
These roll ups have become my lunchbox hero. They're so easy to customize everyone gets exactly what they want. My kids love picking their favorite ingredients and they look so pretty arranged on a platter for parties. Whether I'm packing school lunches or hosting book club these versatile wraps never disappoint.
Your Complete Ingredient List
- 8 oz cream cheese: Softened at room temperature for 30 minutes. Choose regular or flavored varieties like garden vegetable.
- 1 pound deli turkey: Request thin slices from deli counter ensures easy rolling.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Medium or sharp cheddar cut each slice in half lengthwise.
- 8 large flour tortillas: Room temperature for flexibility choose 10-inch size.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce: Iceberg or romaine well dried to prevent soggy rolls.
- 3 green onions: Finely chopped white and green parts.
- 1 teaspoon each: Salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder for seasoning cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Spread
- Mix softened cream cheese with finely chopped green onions salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder until completely smooth and well combined.
- Layer Your Base
- Spread about 2 tablespoons seasoned cream cheese mixture evenly across each tortilla leaving 1/2 inch border on one edge for sealing.
- Build Your Rolls
- Layer shredded lettuce 2-3 slices turkey and one sliced piece of cheddar on each tortilla. Arrange ingredients evenly starting one inch from edges.
- Rolling Technique
- Starting from filled edge roll tortilla tightly tucking ingredients as you go. Seal edge with remaining cream cheese border. Wrap in plastic if not serving immediately.
- Final Preparation
- Using sharp knife cut each roll into 6-8 even pieces. Secure with toothpicks if needed arrange on serving platter.
Expert Tips
- Let cream cheese soften naturally at room temperature for easiest spreading.
- Roll as tightly as possible without tearing tortilla ensures neat slices.
- Experiment with add-ins like cucumber strips avocado or bell peppers.
- Use toothpicks when serving at parties keeps pieces intact.
- Choose pre-sliced cheese rather than shredded maintains better structure.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store completed roll ups in airtight container up to 4 days. Layer between sheets of wax paper prevents sticking. For best results wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic before slicing. Great for weekly meal prep or preparing party platters in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why spread cream cheese to the edges?
The cream cheese acts as "glue" to seal the roll ups and keep them from unraveling. Full coverage ensures they stay together.
- → How long do these keep?
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. Proper storage prevents cream cheese from drying out and cracking.
- → Can I make these the night before?
Yes, they're perfect for make-ahead lunches. The cream cheese helps prevent the tortilla from getting soggy overnight.
- → Why start rolling from the left side?
Starting from the left creates an even roll and helps keep fillings in place. Keep ingredients slightly away from edge for clean rolling.
- → Can I use different meats or cheeses?
Yes, substitute any deli meat and cheese combination while maintaining similar proportions for proper rolling.