These Italian Sub Bites combine the bold flavors of a classic Italian sub in a fun, bite-sized form. Rolled in soft flour tortillas with layers of ham, salami, mozzarella, roasted peppers, pepperoncinis, and fresh basil, they’re held together with a creamy, seasoned cheese spread. Perfect for parties, game day, or picnics, these make-ahead pinwheels are colorful, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
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Party hosts looking for an easy, no-cook appetizer
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Fans of Italian deli flavors who want them in a portable snack
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Busy cooks needing a make-ahead finger food
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Kids and adults who love colorful, bite-sized eats
Why It’s Great
✅ No cooking required – ready in minutes
✅ Packed with flavor – a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby
✅ Make-ahead friendly – prep hours before serving
✅ Portable – ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or potlucks
✅ Customizable – switch meats, cheeses, or add veggies
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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4 large flour tortillas
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1 jar (12 oz) roasted red pepper slices, drained
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1 jar (12 oz) pepperoncinis, drained
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½ lb sliced ham
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½ lb sliced salami
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½ lb sliced mozzarella cheese
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½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Small mixing bowl
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Large cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring spoons
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Toothpicks (optional, for holding rolls together)
Instructions
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Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. -
Prepare Tortillas
Place two flour tortillas on a flat surface, overlapping them slightly to form a wider rolling base. -
Spread and Layer
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas, leaving a small border.
Layer with ham, salami, and mozzarella cheese. -
Add Peppers and Basil
Sprinkle roasted red pepper slices, pepperoncinis, and chopped basil over the lower two-thirds of the layered tortillas. -
Roll and Slice
Roll tightly from the bottom up. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Slice into 1–1.5-inch pieces. -
Repeat
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. -
Serve Chilled
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended—fresh veggies and cream cheese don’t freeze well.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble in the morning and refrigerate until party time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different meats?
A: Yes! Turkey, roast beef, or prosciutto work well.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Skip the meat and add grilled zucchini, eggplant, or marinated artichokes.
Q: What’s the best way to keep them from unrolling?
A: Chill them before slicing and use toothpicks for serving.
Q: Can I use spinach instead of basil?
A: Absolutely—spinach adds a mild, fresh flavor.
Conclusion
These Italian Sub Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing finger food—full of deli-style flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. With their colorful layers and bold taste, they’ll be the star of any party platter.
