Name: Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 10 inch whole grain tortillas (150g); ¼ cup cream cheese, softened (70g); ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ⅛ tsp black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (60g); 2 medium carrots, grated (115g); 2 tbsp plain yogurt (40g); 6 slices deli turkey meat (106g); 1 cup spinach (40g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe with you because it’s one of those easy yet incredibly tasty dishes that I always keep in my back pocket for a quick lunch or a light dinner. The blend of creamy cheese with savory turkey, fresh spinach, and a hint of spice from garlic and onion powders creates a flavor combo that’s both comforting and fresh. Whenever I make these, I love how the roll ups look inviting and colorful, making them a hit with everyone around my table. Trust me, they’re as delightful to eat as they are simple to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

What really stands out to me about this Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe is the balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar and yogurt forms a rich, creamy base that’s perfectly offset by the crispness of the grated carrots and fresh spinach. Then, when you add in slices of tender deli turkey, every bite feels satisfying without being heavy. I love how the garlic and onion powders subtly enhance the taste without overpowering the ingredients, keeping it fresh and approachable.

Another thing I truly appreciate is how quick and straightforward it is to put together. It doesn’t require cooking, just a bit of mixing, spreading, and rolling. Plus, chilling the roll ups gives a chance for the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve. These roll ups are ideal for so many occasions—whether it’s a casual picnic, a kid-friendly snack, a light lunch, or even a party appetizer that’s sure to impress. I can’t recommend this recipe enough if you want something fast, tasty, and visually appealing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a wrap arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two light brown whole wheat tortillas placed side by side at the bottom right. Above them is a small white bowl with creamy white sauce. Near the center is a dark gray bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves. To the left of the spinach bowl is a round bowl filled with shredded orange carrots. Above this is a smaller dark green bowl filled with shredded yellow and orange cheddar cheese. On the top left, there are folded slices of pale turkey meat on a white square plate. Next to this plate is a small white bowl containing coarse salt and pepper mix. On the top right is a white bowl with blue speckles holding more white creamy sauce. The items are neatly placed and the colors stand out against the clean white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The simplicity of this Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe’s ingredients is part of what makes it so charming. Each element brings something unique to the table, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, crunch, or color. Together, they create a roll up that’s layered with taste and texture and still feels wholesome.

Whole grain tortillas: The base that holds everything together, adding a lovely nutty flavor and hearty chew.
Cream cheese (softened): This creamy goodness binds the filling and adds richness.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Onion powder: Enhances depth and warmth in the creamy mix.
Black pepper: Just a pinch for mild heat and complexity.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and creaminess to the spread.
Grated carrots: Adds crunch, natural sweetness, and vibrant color.
Plain yogurt: Lightens the cream cheese filling and adds a subtle tang.
Deli turkey meat: Protein-packed slices that provide a savory, tender element.
Fresh spinach: A burst of freshness and a healthy green touch.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, grated carrots, and plain yogurt. Stir everything together thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy spread with even distribution of all the ingredients.

Step 2: Lay out the whole grain tortillas flat on your work surface. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly by adding half into the center of each tortilla. Using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture evenly but be careful to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out when rolling.

Step 3: Layer fresh spinach leaves over the cream cheese spread, about half a cup per tortilla. Then, place 3 slices of deli turkey on top of the spinach, covering as much of the surface as possible for an even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Step 4: Roll each tortilla up tightly from one end to the other to form a compact log. After rolling, carefully slice each log into 6 even pieces to create bite-sized roll ups that are easy to enjoy.

Step 5: For the best texture and presentation, wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps the cream cheese filling firm up, making the roll ups easier to slice and keeping them neatly together. If you’re hungry right away, you can also enjoy them immediately, but I find the flavor and texture improve with chilling.

Servings and Timing

This Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. The prep time is about 15 minutes to mix and assemble everything. There’s no actual cooking involved, but allow at least 1 hour to chill the roll ups for the best results. So, total time from start to ready-to-serve is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you prefer to eat right away, the total time drops to just 15 minutes, making this super handy for last-minute meals.

How to Serve This Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe

The image shows three rolled tortilla wraps stacked in the center on a white marbled surface. Each wrap has layers starting with a light brown whole wheat tortilla on the outside, followed by a creamy orange spread mixed with shredded cheese, then green leafy spinach, and thin slices of white deli turkey meat in the center. The wraps are cut to show the swirled layers inside, with some loose shredded cheese pieces scattered around. In the blurred background, there are two white bowls, one with shredded orange carrots and the other with more shredded cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these roll ups, I love pairing them with light, fresh sides that complement the creamy and savory flavors without overwhelming them. A crisp green salad, crunchy veggie sticks with a tangy dip, or even a handful of sweet grapes are perfect partners. These combinations keep the meal bright and balanced.

Presentation-wise, slicing the roll ups into manageable bite-sized rounds makes them great for sharing. I like to arrange them neatly on a colorful plate or wooden platter and garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of green and an extra layer of aroma. If I’m feeling festive, I sometimes add a few edible flowers or drizzle a little balsamic glaze on the side to dress things up.

As for drinks, since these roll ups have a gentle richness and fresh vegetable notes, I recommend light, refreshing beverages. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon works beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, iced herbal tea or a fresh cucumber and mint cooler pair wonderfully. These roll ups are versatile enough for weeknight meals, casual get-togethers, or picnic fare, and they’re equally delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to mix things up, try swapping out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack to adjust the flavor profile—mozzarella will give you a milder, creamier bite, while pepper jack adds a little spice. You can also use flavored cream cheeses, like herb and garlic, to add more depth without any extra effort.

If you need to cater to dietary preferences, it’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas. For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with roasted vegetables or marinated tofu strips. Vegans can swap out the dairy with plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives and use a vegan yogurt in the filling. It still works beautifully, and it’s just as satisfying!

For a twist on texture and warmth, I sometimes lightly grill the rolled tortillas on a panini press after chilling. This adds a crispy exterior and melts the cheese inside, transforming these roll ups into warm, crunchy treats perfect for cooler days. Just make sure to let them cool slightly before slicing so the filling doesn’t spill out.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, sometimes there are leftovers), wrap the roll ups tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They store best in the fridge and will stay delicious for up to 2 days. Keeping them wrapped prevents the tortillas from drying out, preserving that soft, tender texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze these roll ups because the cream cheese and yogurt filling can change texture slightly when thawed. However, if you want to freeze them, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect against freezer burn. Use within 1 month for the best taste and texture. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge and note the filling may be a little softer afterward.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, I recommend eating these roll ups chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. If you prefer them warm, gently heat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to warm without melting the filling too much and risking sogginess. Alternatively, a quick toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side can bring a lovely crispness while keeping the inside warm and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! While deli turkey is my favorite for its mild flavor, you can easily swap it for deli ham, roast beef, or even chicken breast slices. Just make sure they’re sliced thin so the roll ups stay easy to roll and bite-sized.

Is it necessary to chill the roll ups before slicing?

Chilling the roll ups for at least an hour really helps the cream cheese filling set, making them easier to slice and keeping the roll ups intact. You can eat them immediately, but they might be a little messier and softer without chilling.

Can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! I find preparing the roll ups a few hours ahead or even the day before is perfect. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until serving. This way, they are perfectly chilled and ready to impress.

What’s the best way to grate the carrots quickly?

I like using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Both give you fine, evenly sized pieces that blend beautifully into the cream cheese spread for a smooth texture with a bit of crunch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and yogurt with dairy-free alternatives made from coconut, almond, or cashew bases. The texture will be a bit different but still creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups Recipe because it’s truly one of my favorite easy recipes that never fails to deliver on taste and convenience. It’s perfect for any time you want something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or friends, these roll ups are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like they are in mine!