The tree of sandwich pinwheels is a spectacular appetizer to present sandwich rolls in an original way. Its festive shape, inspired by the Christmas tree, makes this dish perfect for surprising everyone with a touch of creativity. Preparing it is really easy and quick and lends itself to endless customizations, allowing you to play with the colors and flavors to suit your tastes or those of your guests. You can choose to alternate the pinwheels with different fillings to create a color contrast or add small decorative details that recall Christmas. The modular structure also makes it practical to serve: each guest can easily take their own pinwheel without the need for cutlery or plates, making it ideal also for buffets and appetizers.
The tree of sandwich pinwheels is therefore much more than a simple appetizer: it is a versatile idea that combines taste, practicality, and style, perfect for bringing the festive atmosphere to the table and making the convivial moment even more special.
If you are looking for more Christmas recipes with sandwich bread, also try:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 15 Pieces
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 58.65 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.90 (g) of which sugars 1.21 (g)
- Proteins 3.15 (g)
- Fat 1.85 (g) of which saturated 0.41 (g)of which unsaturated 0.53 (g)
- Fibers 0.81 (g)
- Sodium 183.29 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 33 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the Tree of Sandwich Pinwheels
- 4 sandwich bread
- 8 oz oz Russian salad (capricciosa)
- 3 1/2 oz oz cooked ham
- to taste parsley
- to taste red bell pepper
Tools
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutter
How to Make the Tree of Sandwich Pinwheels
To prepare the tree of sandwich pinwheels, first roll out the sandwich bread. Spread a generous layer of Russian salad, then lay the slices of cooked ham on top.
Roll it up starting from the short side, then wrap it like candy in plastic wrap. Repeat the same process for all the slices of sandwich bread. Then let it firm up in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Cut the rolls into slices about 0.75 inches thick. Then arrange the tree on a serving plate. I arranged it by placing 7 pinwheels at the base, 4 on top of them, then 3, then 1, for a total of 15 pinwheels. Complete with a sprinkle of parsley. The tree is topped with a comet star made with a cookie cutter and a red bell pepper. Your tree of sandwich pinwheels is ready to be served. Enjoy!
Preservation of Tree of Sandwich Pinwheels
The tree of sandwich pinwheels can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp cloth to prevent the bread from drying too much, for up to 1 day. Freezing is not recommended because once thawed, the bread and filling might lose their consistency.
FAQs
What Type of Bread to Use?
Sandwich bread is the most suitable, but you can also use white bread.
What Fillings are Best?
You can vary the pinwheel filling as you like, for example with guacamole and smoked salmon, with cream cheese and grilled vegetables, or even make it a dessert with chocolate cream or jam paired with nuts.
How to Prevent Pinwheels from Opening?
Let the rolls rest in the freezer, or secure them with a toothpick.
Is it Possible to Make a Vegetarian Version?
Yes, you can use grilled vegetables, hummus, and cheeses.
Can it be Served with Dipping Sauces?
Yes, especially mayonnaise, yogurt sauce, and cheese cream.

