It’s true that my kids aren’t exactly school-age just yet (1 and 3), but I can sense the crazy after-school rush already on the horizon. The checklist of after-school things to do is already growing in my mind: homework, dinner prep, chat about the day, etc…

I think it’s a given that snacks are a must as well. The ideal after-school snack is easy to make (or can be made well in advance), is somewhat healthy, and won’t ruin dinner in a few hours.

So, with all that in mind, is there any better option than the humble pinwheel?! Spread some delicious fillings on a tortilla and roll it up. BOOM. Make them in advance and then just slice them up when it’s snack time.

I know some of you lovely readers like the more outlandish recipes I come up with, but this is a simple reminder that as a parent, sometimes simple is best. The pinwheel is simple, no doubt, but it’s also damn good!

I put together a spread of filling options to kick start your pinwheel creative juices. For the options l used in this post, I found all of the O Organics® products I used at my local Safeway. I really do love the brand. It’s great quality and a really fair price. The O Organics® line, available in my area exclusively at Safeway stores, offers USDA certified organic products for creating delicious, healthy and affordable snacks your whole family will enjoy.

If you don’t live near a Safeway, Check out O Organics Products at any of the Albertsons Companies family of stores including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaws, Star Market, United Express, United Supermarkets and Carrs/Safeway.

Three Easy Pinwheels
The spread.

Okay. Let’s make Pinwheels!

Hummus Spinach Pinwheels

5 from 1 vote
Author: Nick Evans
Servings: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
A healthy and quick tortilla pinwheel with hummus and spinach!

Ingredients 

  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 1 cup hummus
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

  • Spread ingredients on flour tortillas. Roll into tight pinwheels and cut into slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 8pinwheels | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1418IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crunchtimekitchen

Spread about a quarter cup of hummus on a flour tortilla and then layer on a single layer of baby spinach. Don’t use too much filling or it won’t roll properly!

Guac and cheese pinwheels

5 from 1 vote
Author: Nick Evans
Servings: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
A simple avocado spread with cheese makes for a delicious and simple pinwheel.

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 8 ounces Hatch green chile guacamole
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  • Spread ingredients on flour tortillas. Roll into tight pinwheels and cut into slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 8pinwheels | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 339mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 247IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 373mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crunchtimekitchen

Spread a thin layer of guacamole over the entire tortilla, all the way to the edges. If you can’t find the Hatch Chili Guacamole I used here (which is delicious), any guacamole will do the trick. Then sprinkle on your cheese blend and roll it up!

Peanut Butter & Jelly Pinwheels

5 from 1 vote
Author: Nick Evans
Servings: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • ½ cup peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
  • ½ cup Strawberry preserves

Instructions

  • Spread ingredients on flour tortillas. Roll into tight pinwheels and cut into slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 8pinwheels | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 498mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Lunch, Snack Time
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crunchtimekitchen

Spread about 1/4 cup of peanut butter onto each tortilla, all the way to edges. You can use creamy or crunchy depending on the texture you are going for. I like crunchy personally so my kids better like it as well! Then add some jelly to the tortilla and roll it up!

Once you’ve made all your pinwheels, don’t cut them until you are ready to serve them! They will keep longer and better as a larger roll. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and you could make them a day or two in advance without issue.

THree Easy Pinwheels!

When you do slice these guys, use a clean serrated knife so you cut through them without just mashing them down. If you want super clean pinwheels you can discard the edges which will be a little rough, but if we are just feeding six year olds, I serve the ends also!

If you’re doing math, the recipes in this post would make a whopping 96 pinwheels which is probably enough for a full semester. Obviously, you can half any of the recipes and make smaller batches!

Go forth and pinwheel, everybody!

Three Easy Pinwheels: Getting snacks ready for hungry kids can always be a bit of a obstacle course. I like to keep these quick pinwheels at the ready for easy snacks! | macheesmo.com