Mexican Pinwheels are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack made with tortillas, a creamy filling, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a mid-day treat, these colorful pinwheels are as visually appealing as they are tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Assemble these in just a few minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite add-ins or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and slice when ready to serve.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bite-sized snacks are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Nutritious Options: Include fresh veggies for added crunch and nutrition.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour tortillas
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sour cream
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- Diced green chilies
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced bell peppers or jalapeños (optional, for added crunch or spice)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheese, diced green chilies, and cilantro. Add optional bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Serve immediately or store for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 pinwheels (depending on tortilla size)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked and shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans for a more filling option.
- Veggie Packed: Include diced tomatoes, spinach, or shredded lettuce.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas and skip the shredded cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce, cayenne, or extra jalapeños to the filling.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese and sour cream substitutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncut tortilla rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Reheating: Pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary.
FAQs
What type of tortillas work best for pinwheels?
Flour tortillas are the most flexible and easiest to roll, making them ideal for pinwheels.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How far in advance can I prepare Mexican Pinwheels?
You can make them up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.
What is the best way to slice pinwheels cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to ensure neat slices.
Can I add meat to the recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken or seasoned ground beef works great in the filling.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Spread the filling evenly and avoid adding overly wet ingredients like juicy tomatoes without draining them.
Are Mexican Pinwheels spicy?
The level of spice depends on the ingredients you use. Adjust taco seasoning and jalapeños to control the heat.
Can I serve these warm?
While they’re typically served cold, you can briefly warm them in the oven if desired, but the filling may soften.
What are some dipping sauces for pinwheels?
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dip for added flavor.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Corn tortillas tend to break when rolled. If using them, warm them slightly to make them more pliable.
Conclusion
Mexican Pinwheels are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a snack to keep on hand, these pinwheels are sure to please. With endless customization options and simple preparation, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and watch them disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Mexican Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24–28 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
Mexican Pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack. Made with creamy, zesty filling and rolled in soft tortillas, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) taco seasoning
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced green onions
- 1/4 cup (40 g) diced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
Instructions
1. Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the shredded cheese, bell pepper, green onions, black olives, and cilantro until evenly combined.
2. Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread an even layer of the filling over the tortilla, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.
- Roll the tortilla tightly into a log. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
3. Chill:
- Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Slice and Serve:
- Unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter.
Notes
- Add cooked and crumbled chorizo or seasoned ground beef for a protein boost.
- For a spicier version, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.