These cream cheese pinwheels are creamy, a little crunchy, and just the right amount of spicy. Imagine the flavors of a jalapeno popper, but in a fun, bite-sized pinwheel sandwich.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s been a hit at every gathering I’ve hosted: Cream Cheese Pinwheels, specifically, Jalapeno Popper Tortilla Pinwheels!
What I love about this recipe is how simple and downright tasty it is. Whether you’re prepping for game days, a quick lunch, or looking for fun appetizer ideas, these cream cheese pinwheels are the perfect choice.
They’re easy to make, delicious, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. And the best part? They’re not too spicy, so everyone can enjoy them.
Plus, with a few twists here and there, you can make them your own! Yay for changing things up and trying something new!
This is one recipe that Jeremy absolutely loves. Last time I started making them, he said “oh no…” I’m thinking, what? I thought he was gaga over these things!
Turns out, that’s exactly what he was worried about. Ha! He just knew he was going to eat like half of them.
Let’s get rolling and find out why these easy cream cheese pinwheels a must-try! Like Jeremy, I think you’re going to devour them!
Some of our other favorite spicy recipes we have on our site include: Firecracker Chex Mix Recipe (Spicy Party Mix), The Best Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sauce Recipe, and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Bombs.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and tortillas make these pinwheels a breeze to prepare. Simple is best in my book!
- Great Make-Ahead Appetizer: Prepare them the night before for a stress-free serving. The best kind of party appetizer is one that you don’t have to make on the big day.
- Kid and Adult Friendly: These easy pinwheels are hit with all ages, making them a family favorite. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear at your next party.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Jalapeno
- Scallions (green onions)
- Flour tortillas
- Ranch dressing (optional for dipping)
HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE PINWHEELS:
- In a large bowl, whip together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth with an electric mixer.
- Add the cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and scallions to the bowl. Stir until fully combined.
- Lay a tortilla on a clean work surface. Take 1/5th of the mixture and spread it evenly on the tortilla with ½ inch border.
- Tightly roll the tortilla to form a long log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, and fold the ends of the plastic wrap under—place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or best overnight.
- Unwrap the pinwheels from the plastic. Cut into ½ inch slices and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT SIZE TORTILLAS IS THE BEST TO USE?
Burrito-sized (8-inch) tortillas work great, but you can also use 10-inch tortillas for larger pinwheels.
Feel free to experiment a bit and figure out what you like best.
CAN THESE BE MADE AHEAD?
Absolutely! They’re a perfect make-ahead appetizer.
Just store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. I’d say no more than a few days, though.
The last thing you want is to pull them out on the big day and find they’re soggy!
ARE THEY SPICY?
They have a mild kick. If you want more heat, keep the jalapeno seeds and membrane, or add more jalapenos. Jeremy is a big fan of the kick!
ANY ADDITIONS?
Certainly! Mexican ingredients generally go well with these. Don’t think you have to stop there, though!
- Diced red bell peppers for color and crunch
- A sprinkle of taco seasoning for extra flavor
- Chopped black olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Rotisserie chicken or turkey pinwheels for added protein
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy bite
- Fresh veggies like spinach or arugula
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend for a cheesy change
- Green chiles for a milder spice
- Hot sauce in the cream cheese mixture for heat lovers
- A pinch of garlic powder for extra zest
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
There are definitely some options here. Let me know in the comments if you’ve got any other great ideas!
- Provolone cheese instead of cheddar for a milder taste
- Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist
- Gluten-free tortillas for those with dietary restrictions
- Vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option
- Deli ham or chicken breast instead of bacon for a different protein
- Colby jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheese flavor
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4 days. You might consider not cutting them until you want to use them. They’ll stay even fresher that way.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use a hand mixer for a smoother cream cheese spread.
- A sharp knife or a serrated knife is best for cutting even pinwheels.
- For easier spreading, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Add the filling evenly but not too much, to avoid spillage when rolling.
- Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Serve on a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper for a neat presentation.
Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a fantastic choice for any occasion. They’re easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a party, needing a quick lunch idea, or just want a tasty snack, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.
So, grab your tortillas, mix up that cream cheese mixture, and get ready to roll up some fun! Enjoy your pinwheel adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried these CREAM CHEESE PINWHEELS, let me know how they turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Tortillas
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeno seeds and membrane removed
- 2 scallions green part only, thinly sliced
- 5 Burrito sized flour tortillas 8-inch
- ranch dressing for dipping optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whip together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth with an electric mixer.8 ounces cream cheese, 1/3 cup sour cream
- Add the cheese, bacon, jalapenos, and scallions to the bowl. Stir until fully combined.1 & 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 6 slices bacon, 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeno, 2 scallions
- Lay a tortilla on a clean work surface. Take 1/5th of the mixture and spread it evenly on the tortilla with ½ inch border.5 Burrito sized flour tortillas
- Tightly roll the tortilla to form a long log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap, and fold the ends of the plastic wrap under—place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or best overnight.
- Unwrap the pinwheels from the plastic. Cut into ½ inch slices and serve with ranch for dipping, optional.ranch dressing for dipping
Notes
- Use a hand mixer for a smoother cream cheese spread.
- A sharp knife or a serrated knife is best for cutting even pinwheels.
- For easier spreading, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Add the filling evenly but not too much, to avoid spillage when rolling.
- Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Serve on a cutting board or baking sheet lined with parchment paper for a neat presentation.
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