These Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Pinwheel Appetizers are an irresistible snack or party appetizer. With a creamy and flavorful filling of cheese, beans, and spices, wrapped in a soft tortilla, they’re a perfect combination of taste and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something delicious, these pinwheels are sure to impress.
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, green onions, black beans, red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over each tortilla, covering it completely.
Roll each tortilla up tightly, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 pinwheels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add Meat: For a heartier version, I can add cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey to the filling.
Spice it Up: If I like more heat, I can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Swap Tortillas: I can use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a slightly different flavor or to add more color to the dish.
Make it Vegan: Swap the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free versions and use vegan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
These pinwheels are best served fresh, but if I have leftovers, I can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I want to enjoy them later, I can eat them cold or bring them to room temperature. I don’t recommend reheating them, as the texture may change. If I prefer warm pinwheels, I could try baking them briefly at 350°F for about 5 minutes to warm them through, though this will make them less creamy.
FAQs
How do I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
I can prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
Can I freeze these cheesy pinwheels?
Yes, I can freeze the uncut rolls of tortillas for up to 3 months. To serve, I should thaw them in the fridge overnight and then slice into pinwheels. However, I recommend eating them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! If I prefer a different type of cheese, I can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any cheese I enjoy. I might want to adjust the amounts based on the type of cheese I choose.
Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
To make these pinwheels gluten-free, I can swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas, which are widely available in most grocery stores.
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
I can serve these pinwheels with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. They pair wonderfully with fresh veggies, chips, or even a margarita!
Conclusion
These cheesy Mexican tortilla pinwheels are an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. I love how versatile and customizable they are, allowing me to adapt the ingredients to suit my taste or dietary preferences. Whether I’m making them for a party or just a quick bite, they’re always a hit. Try them out the next time you need a tasty treat – I’m sure they’ll become a favorite!
Recipe:
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Cheesy Mexican Tortilla Pinwheel Appetizers
These cheesy Mexican tortilla pinwheel appetizers are a simple and flavorful party snack. With a creamy cheese filling featuring black beans, red bell peppers, and a kick of cumin and chili powder, these tortilla pinwheels are perfect for any occasion. No cooking required, just roll and slice for a bite-sized delight your guests will love!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, green onions, black beans, red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface and spread the cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla.
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Roll each tortilla tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
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Arrange pinwheels on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Notes
To make the pinwheels ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
If you’re looking for a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
These pinwheels are also adaptable for different diets: make them vegan by substituting dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 pinwheels
- Calories: 145 kcal per serving
