Save There's something about assembling these sun-dried tomato turkey roll-ups that takes me back to a lazy Sunday afternoon when my sister breezed into the kitchen asking if I had anything quick to eat. I'd just picked up the prettiest jar of sun-dried tomatoes at the market, and instead of hiding them for some fancy dinner, I grabbed what was in the fridge and started layering. Twenty minutes later, she was wolfing down four pieces and asking me to write down what I'd done. That was years ago, and I've made them a hundred times since.
I made these for my book club once, nervously arranging them on a platter like they were something I'd spent hours perfecting. My friend Margaret bit into one, paused mid-chew, and said, "How is this so good?" That's when I realized it wasn't about complexity—it was about starting with quality ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. She asked for the recipe that same night and has been making them ever since.
Ingredients
- 8 slices deli turkey breast: Look for freshly sliced from the counter rather than pre-packaged if you can; it's more pliable and won't tear when you roll.
- 4 large flour tortillas or gluten-free wraps: Room temperature tortillas roll much better than cold ones, so pull them out of the fridge a few minutes before you start.
- 120 g cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese spreads like a dream; hard cream cheese will tear your tortilla to shreds.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped: The oil-packed ones have so much more flavor than the dry versions, and that richness is what makes these special.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil smells incredible and tastes bright; dried basil just won't give you the same magic here.
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves: The tender young leaves won't make your roll-ups too bulky, and they add that subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is worth the three minutes it takes; it melts slightly into the cream cheese and adds a wonderful umami depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Just a whisper of oregano anchors the Italian flavors without overpowering the delicate taste of the turkey.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Grind it fresh right before mixing; it makes all the difference in brightness.
Instructions
- Mix your filling into creamy perfection:
- Combine the softened cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan, oregano, and a grind of black pepper in a bowl. The mixture should be spreadable and smell like a garden in Italy.
- Prepare your canvas:
- Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface and spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture across it, leaving a thin border around the edges so nothing oozes out when you roll.
- Layer with intention:
- Place two slices of turkey breast over the cream cheese, slightly overlapping them so they form an even base.
- Add the greens:
- Scatter a handful of fresh spinach leaves over the turkey, distributing them evenly so every bite has some green.
- Roll with care and slice:
- Starting at one end, roll the tortilla tightly as if you're wrapping a precious gift, keeping the filling tucked in as you go. Once rolled, trim the ragged ends and slice into three or four neat pieces.
- Repeat and rest:
- Do this with your remaining three tortillas, then serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until you're ready to eat.
Save I remember watching my eight-year-old nephew carefully arrange his pieces on a plate like he was presenting artwork, completely focused. He looked up and said, "This tastes like a fancy restaurant." In that moment, I realized that the magic wasn't in any technique or secret ingredient—it was in the care you take to assemble something with intention.
The Beauty of Simplicity
What strikes me most about this recipe is how it proves you don't need a long list of complicated steps to impress someone. The hardest part is waiting for the cream cheese to soften, and even that's just a matter of patience. Every time I make these, I'm reminded that some of the best food comes from knowing your ingredients and trusting them to do their job without interference.
Building Flavor Layers
The genius of these roll-ups lives in how each ingredient plays off the others. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness, the basil adds freshness, the Parmesan brings savory depth, and the turkey keeps everything grounded and protein-rich. It's like a conversation where everyone gets to speak, and nobody dominates the room. When you taste them, you notice how your palate keeps discovering new notes—that's what happens when simple ingredients respect each other.
Serving and Storage Wisdom
These are best served either immediately or chilled, and honestly, I prefer them cold or at room temperature. They're forgiving that way—great for meal prep because they taste just as good from a container as they do fresh off the cutting board. I've even eaten them straight from the fridge at midnight while standing at the kitchen counter, and they were just as delicious.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, and they'll stay fresh and flavorful.
- Pack them in your lunch box with a napkin because they do drip a bit if the cream cheese is very soft.
- Double the recipe when you make them; they disappear faster than you'd expect.
Save These roll-ups have quietly become one of my favorite things to make when I want to feel like I'm feeding people something special without spending the afternoon in the kitchen. I hope they bring you the same unexpected joy they've brought me.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use gluten-free wraps?
Yes, gluten-free wraps work well as an alternative to flour tortillas, keeping the roll-ups suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cover the roll-ups tightly and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- → What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use low-fat cream cheese or a soft ricotta for a lighter filling with a similar creamy texture.
- → Are these suitable for a high-protein diet?
Yes, the turkey and cheese provide a good source of protein, making these roll-ups a satisfying high-protein option.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, additions like roasted red peppers or sliced olives add variety and enhance the flavor profile.