Carrot, Broccoli and Cheddar Pinwheels

As a mom I'm always looking for creative ways to add more veggies to my family's meals. These colorful pinwheels have become my secret weapon. Packed with carrots broccoli and cheese they're so tasty my kids don't even realize they're eating vegetables. Plus they're perfect for busy days when we need something quick and nutritious.

The Perfect Lunchbox Solution

I love how versatile these pinwheels are. They work beautifully for school lunches picnics or after-school snacks. The cream cheese and cheddar make them irresistible while sneaking in those good-for-you veggies. My kids' friends always ask for the recipe when I serve these at parties.

What You'll Need

• 2 cups shredded carrots: Fresh grated carrots give the best flavor and crunch.
• 2 cups broccoli: Chop it super fine in your food processor makes mixing easier.
• 8 oz cream cheese: Let it sit on your counter to soften makes spreading a breeze.
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt: Adds protein and makes everything extra creamy.
• Your favorite seasonings: I use garlic powder onion powder dill salt and pepper.
• 6 large tortillas: Whole wheat or spinach tortillas add extra nutrition.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully into the filling.
• 3 green onions: Finely sliced adds such nice flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Veggies

Finely chop the broccoli and carrots. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese Greek yogurt garlic powder onion powder dill salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped veggies grated cheddar cheese and green onion until well combined.

Prep the Tortillas

Microwave the flour tortillas for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable. Spread the cream cheese and veggie mixture evenly over each tortilla.

Roll and Chill

Starting at one edge roll the tortillas tightly and secure with toothpicks. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up or refrigerate overnight for easy meal prep.

Slice and Serve

After chilling slice the rolled tortillas into pinwheels and serve immediately or store in the fridge for later use.

My Best Tips

The secret to perfect pinwheels is in the prep. I always chop my veggies extra fine using my food processor so they blend smoothly into the filling. Warming your tortillas for just a few seconds makes them so much easier to roll without tearing. If your filling seems too thick just spread it thinner or grab an extra tortilla. Those toothpicks are lifesavers for keeping everything together while chilling.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I toss in leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey for protein packed lunches. My garden inspires me to try different vegetables like sweet bell peppers or fresh spinach. When I'm feeling fancy I'll add Italian seasonings roasted peppers and parmesan cheese. My kids' favorite version is when I use pizza dough instead of tortillas and bake them until golden.

Keep Them Fresh

These pinwheels stay perfect in an airtight container in your fridge for about 4 to 5 days. I don't recommend freezing them because the vegetables can get watery when they thaw. Pack them in lunchboxes with some fresh fruit crisp veggie sticks or some grilled chicken on the side for a complete meal.

Questions From My Kitchen

Friends often ask if they can freeze these but I find they're best fresh from the fridge. For my mommy group these are perfect for baby led weaning just make sure those veggies are chopped super fine. Regular flour tortillas work great but whole wheat adds extra nutrition that makes this mama happy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why freeze before slicing?

The 20-minute freeze firms up both the filling and tortilla, creating perfect slices. This quick chill prevents the filling from squishing out and ensures clean, presentable pinwheels that hold their shape. The same results can be achieved with overnight refrigeration.

→ Why chop vegetables so finely?

Fine chopping creates uniform texture and ensures every bite contains all ingredients. Small pieces also make rolling easier, prevent tearing of the tortilla, and make the pinwheels more appealing to children who might be hesitant about visible chunks of vegetables.

→ Why warm the tortillas?

Warming makes tortillas more flexible, preventing cracks and tears during rolling. Just 15-20 seconds in the microwave softens the gluten enough to allow tight rolling without breaking, while keeping the tortilla strong enough to hold the filling.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Choose firm vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or celery that can be finely chopped. Avoid watery vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes which can make the filling soggy and prevent the pinwheels from staying together.

→ How long do these keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream cheese mixture helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, making these perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes throughout the week.