Go Back

Lunchbox Turkey Roll-Ups

These gluten-free turkey roll-ups stay tight and fresh in a lunchbox, with a simple cream cheese spread that acts as glue. No rolling pin, no fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 gluten-free tortillas 8-inch, sturdy but pliable, 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 8 slices gluten-free turkey breast (thin, not shaved), 4 leaves romaine lettuce, ribs removed, 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • butter knife or offset spatula
  • parchment paper
  • sharp knife

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth. This spread needs to be thick enough to act as glue—if it's runny, the roll-ups will slide apart. 2. Lay one tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edges. The spread is your anchor. 3. Place two slices of turkey breast on the lower third of the tortilla, slightly overlapping. Lay one lettuce leaf on top of the turkey, then sprinkle with a tablespoon of shredded carrot if using. 4. Roll the tortilla tightly away from you, starting at the bottom edge. Use your fingers to tuck the filling as you go, like you're rolling a sleeping bag. The cream cheese will hold everything in place. 5. Once rolled, wrap the roll-up snugly in parchment paper, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. This pressure sets the shape. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this is non-negotiable if you want clean cuts. 6. Unwrap and slice the roll-up crosswise into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife. A dull knife will squish the filling out. Pack in a lunchbox with an ice pack.

Notes

Storage: These roll-ups hold up for up to 24 hours in the fridge. For a school lunch, pack the whole roll-up uncut and let your child slice it at lunch—the cream cheese glue works better that way. If your tortillas crack when rolling, warm them in a dry skillet for 10 seconds per side to regain pliability. Avoid wet fillings like sliced tomatoes; they'll make the tortilla soggy by noon.