Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious, spicy, and creamy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick snack. These tortilla roll-ups are filled with a rich cream cheese mixture, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and spicy jalapenos, then sliced into bite-sized pinwheels. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
- Perfect for parties – A great make-ahead appetizer that’s easy to serve.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your taste.
- Great flavor balance – Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and smoky all in one bite!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour tortillas (soft, burrito-sized)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Jalapenos, diced (fresh or pickled)
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 pinwheels
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Extra spicy – Use more jalapenos or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Mild version – Use less jalapeno or replace with green bell peppers.
- Different cheese – Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
- Ranch-flavored – Add a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change.
- Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave if desired.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and slice them just before serving.
What tortillas work best?
Soft flour tortillas are best, as they roll easily without cracking.
Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh?
Yes! Pickled jalapenos add a tangy flavor and are slightly milder than fresh ones.
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Chilling them before slicing helps them hold their shape. You can also secure them with toothpicks if needed.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less rich. You can also use a mix of both.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
They have a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust the jalapeno amount to your taste.
Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! Diced green onions, chopped cooked chicken, or black olives make great additions.
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
They go great with ranch dressing, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free tortillas.
Conclusion
Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Tortillas are a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or lunchbox treat, these creamy, cheesy, and spicy roll-ups are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy every bite!
PrintJalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Tortillas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jalapeño Popper Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or a quick snack!
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla, covering the entire surface.
- Roll up the tortillas: Tightly roll each tortilla into a log, then wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Slice into pinwheels: Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and slice each roll into ¾-inch pinwheels.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and enjoy!
Notes
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use extra jalapeños.
- Make it ahead: These pinwheels can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Low-carb option: Use low-carb tortillas or serve the filling as a dip with veggies!
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